About Uru Uru Team

Uru Uru Team

There are approximately 76 species including the endemic Andean Flamingo, countless flora, and more than 7 indigenous communities living by our Mama Q’ota (Mother Lake) in the Lake Uru Uru.
We are a group of Indigenous youth, all of whom are at risk of being displaced by the plastic and mining pollution killing our Uru Uru lake. From members with expertise in water management to others in sociology, we have come together, united by the Indigenous knowledge we were gifted, to confront the environmental crisis threatening our lake.

Our Amazing Team

Dayana Blanco

Founder

Bio

Dayana Blanco is responsible for planting and monitoring the growth of the Totoras, in addition to organizing groups to safeguard them from being consumed by cattle or destroyed by illegal settlers. Ultimately, her dream is to shed light on the significance of Indigenous knowledge, as a form of science capable of promptly combating threats posed by polluting industries in Indigenous communities and the effects of climate change.

Gustavo Andre Blanco

Founder

Bio

Gustavo Blanco is in charge of fundraising and internationalising our project. He works to amplify our story to the international community by spotlighting the novelty of our idea and its efficiency in revitalising our local environment. He is also in charge of bringing international individuals and groups to come and engage in service through our project.

Tupack Huayllani

Founder

Bio

Tupack is focused on finishing his Engineering studies. In his free time, he advises the team on the implementation of the plantation on specific areas of the lake.Tupack is in his senior year of Mechatronic Engineering studies. In his free time, he advises the team on plantation implementation in specific areas of the lake. He has represented and spoken about our work at international events, such as COP30 in Brazil.

Maria Llave Mamani

Volunteering Coordinator

Bio

Maria is an Indigenous woman who has been actively involved in the restoration of Lake Uru Uru since the very beginning. Her dream is not only to restore Lake Uru Uru, but also to show the world the urgency of protecting our planet from major threats such as illegal mining activities, plastic pollution, and the often-silent fight against climate change.

Mabel Calahuana

Financial Lead

Bio

Mabel Calahuana is responsible for building the floating rafts using recycled plastic bottles. Mabel aspires to empower Indigenous women to access climate justice and make decisions autonomously without being forced into becoming climate migrants or marrying at an early age.

Katty Nuñez

Community Coordinator

Bio

Katty coordinates community dialogues and nonviolent campaigns to urge authorities to address issues caused by mining corporations. During these gatherings, she advocates for greater involvement of young Indigenous people in the project and educates them about the adverse effects of mining activities, plastic pollution, and climate change. Her dream is for the voices of Indigenous communities to be included in decision-making processes concerning their territories, allowing them to have the final say.

Deymar Gomez

Tech Chair

Bio

Deymar helps co-manage and strengthen our media presence, ensuring our social platforms clearly share the Uru Uru Team’s agenda, initiatives, and opportunities, with a focus on reaching Indigenous audiences.

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