Rodrigo Pacheco is more than a celebrated Ecuadorian chef — he is a leading voice in the global movement for agrifood sustainability. Internationally recognized for his work Rodrigo combines culinary excellence with a deep commitment to environmental restoration and cultural preservation.
For Rodrigo, working with nature is not just a philosophy but a way of life. His approach to sustainable gastronomy is rooted in Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity — from the Amazon rainforest and the lush coastal regions of Esmeraldas to the cloud forests of the Chocó Andes.
Through his Bocavaldivia Foundation, Rodrigo advances innovation in agrifood systems, drawing inspiration from Indigenous knowledge. He champions a forest-to-table vision that reconnects fragmented ecosystems through agroforestry, regenerative cuisine, and sustainable tourism.
One of the Foundation’s flagship efforts is the creation of a “biodiversity corridor” stretching from the Pacific Coast to the Piedmont Garua forest, spanning five distinct ecosystems and microclimates. Within this living laboratory of biodiversity, Rodrigo grows, forages, and sources ingredients that tell the story of Ecuador — its ecosystems, traditions, and people — through seasonal, locally rooted cuisine.
Rodrigo hopes to inspire others to see food not only as sustenance but also as a tool for conservation and cultural connection. His work highlights the vital role of Indigenous communities in protecting native biodiversity. Every week, he sources fresh, native ingredients — such as chirimoya, taxo (passion fruit), native corn, garlic, avocados, and free-range eggs — directly from Indigenous women’s markets, helping to preserve agricultural heritage while strengthening local economies.
“Our ancestral traditions have been a source of immense inspiration and guidance. It is our responsibility to listen to, uplift, and amplify Indigenous voices,” says Rodrigo, whose philosophy of regenerative gastronomy is built on a profound respect for plant life and the ecosystems that sustain us.
In 2020, Rodrigo was named an FAO Goodwill Ambassador for the International Year of Plant Health, and later became FAO National Goodwill Ambassador for Ecuador. “Plants are like my family,” he explains. “Cultivating a strong relationship with them and working hand in hand with nature has become my way of life. We must educate the world to love and respect the flora around us.”
Protecting biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and honoring ancestral knowledge are the key ingredients of Rodrigo’s mission, and with the Bocavaldivia Foundation, he is proving that food can be a powerful force for healing — of people, cultures, and the planet.
Among his latest projects is an online academy for sustainability through gastronomy, offering global learning opportunities and inspiring future guardians of the planet. Rodrigo’s message is simple yet urgent: climate action, ecological restoration, and support for Indigenous communities all begin with the food we choose to eat. We can all be part of the solution
