On January 16, 2025, our founder, Mascha Kauka, received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for her more than 40 years of voluntary work to protect the Amazon rainforest and indigenous peoples.

The award was presented by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Bavaria’s Minister for the Environment and Consumer Protection, Thorsten Glauber, presented the Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

This honor recognizes her outstanding services to the preservation of one of the most important ecosystems on earth and her support and promotion of indigenous cultures in Ecuador.

Mascha Kauka has been campaigning for the rights and living conditions of the indigenous population in Ecuador’s rainforests since 1982.

From the outset, she worked closely with the indigenous people to develop innovative solutions.

In recent years, she has promoted exchanges between indigenous communities and international universities, founding the AMAZONICA Academy to this end. This has led to a groundbreaking approach that combines indigenous knowledge with modern science.

The award of the Federal Cross of Merit not only underscores Mascha Kauka’s lifelong voluntary work, but also the international relevance of the projects realized by AMAZONICA. Her commitment impressively demonstrates how individual dedication can have a global impact—in the fight against rainforest destruction and in the protection of cultural identities.

Further information about the award ceremony can be found here

You can find more photos here