The concept for Journeys in Conservation was originally developed in 2014 by Executive Director, Andrew Puente, while he guided international tours through Central America and Southern Mexico. Having grown up with a passion for wildlife and nature, he took note of local environmental problems through his travels — Central America claims one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. He also could not ignore the poverty facing many communities he worked with and how problems such as slash-and-burn agriculture, over-harvesting of resources, littering, and poor sanitation often resulted from substandard education and insufficient capacity support for communities. Having participated in a group service trip to Nicaragua organized through his high school in 2008, Andrew experienced firsthand how international volunteers can impact the lives of families and communities in need. Little did he know, this trip was going to change his life forever. The following year, he and his brother spent three months volunteering in a handicapped children’s clinic in Cusco, Peru while studying to improve their Spanish language skills. In 2011, Andrew and his childhood best friend studied abroad in Panama City, Panama for two months, subsequently traveling through every Central American country. This was the first time Andrew visited Guatemala. With its Mayan roots, historic colonial towns, stunning landscapes, mysterious ancient temples, massive nature reserves, and abundant wildlife, Andrew was enamored while also worried by the poverty and environmental degradation he witnessed. He vowed to return with help.
Andrew holds a BS in Conservation Biology and Spanish from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Canada.