Each one of us can make a difference, no matter how small we are and no matter how big the problem seems.
We work to support independent conservationists who are doing their part to restore the earth's ecosystems. Our main approach to activating support is through impact campaigns powered by top-quality documentaries that tell the stories of these conservationist heroes. Our process involves creating a network of global environmental activists, to direct support to conservationists who would otherwise lack the reach to expand their work in the face of a dying planet. Our donations and support to conservationists operate through out 501(c)(3) non-profit The Little Hummingbird Institute.
The Power of One Series
We are developing a television series, in which young naturalist, Alex Valdez, and his team of young documentary filmmakers, as they travel to ecological sanctuaries around the world, where visionary conservationists are rebuilding endangered ecosystems. Together, they embark on a mission to tell their inspiring stories, realize the conservationist’s dreams of developing their nature reserves, and discover what it takes within all of us to save our planet.
Our series will be based on our finished award-winning film/pilot, which focuses on the nature reserve of Jaibazul, a Colombian sanctuary that was rebuilt from a deforested jungle by one individual, and now houses multiple endangered species, yet is still threatened by imminent poaching and deforestation. With this pilot episode, we have garnered support from several organizations, some of which are listed below. The series would be hosted by Alex Valdez, a young naturalist with a passion for environmental storytelling.
This film is the first step in our mission to build a network for independent conservationists around the globe to access funding and ecological experts to restore our world’s ecosystems.
Our Host
Alex Valdez is a young naturalist, anthropologist and documentary filmmaker from Los Angeles, California, and the host of the film/pilot and the series The Power of One.
Being raised in proximity to the entertainment industry, film and television have always been a large part of his life. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he has translated his love of nature to dedicating the last two years to raising awareness, creating academic publications, and pursuing a documentary related to the Jaibazul sanctuary.
Alex is also working on his Ph.D. in primatology. As a proud Mexican American, he has not only a linguistic, but a cultural connection to Latin America, leading him to visit and initially scout out the Colombian nature reserve of Jaibazul on nothing more than an email conversation with its founder, Jorge.
OFFICIAL COLLABORATORS
Dr. Natalia Ocampo-Peñuela Conservation Ecologist with a focus on tropical regions and birds
We align with this 100%. The challenges we face as a planet were started by us, and only we can collectively be the ones to help change it. And it's a message that globally is still not resonating. So I love that they're doing this.
— Carl Meyers, Director of Communications, LA Zoo
Our Goal with Jaibazul, our Pilot Project
The primary goal of The Power of One and The Little Hummingbird Institute is to lead a restoration and conservation effort in the emerging nature reserve of Jaibazul. This was a 12-hectare property in Antioquia, Colombia that used to be a deforested cattle field until a man named Jorge inherited the land and planted close to 10,000 trees to turn it into a sprawling ecosystem. The habitat is an extremely unique confluence of the rainforest and dry forest, of which nowadays only 8% of its original landmass remains in Colombia.
Why Jaibazul?
We are in a race against time when it comes to preserving the ecological areas that give life to our planet. For example, there are less than 6,000 cotton-top tamarin monkeys roaming the wild and a large portion of them are in Jaibazul. We have a long-term plan to showcase the people around the globe who are individually making a change as ecological conservationists in order to inspire and activate a whole generation to use their power of one in unison to preserve the ecological beauty of this planet.
Jorge’s Impact on Jaibazul
EcoAction Tour
A dynamic, multi-part event that tours universities and other educational institutions, and which blends powerful storytelling with real-world environmental action. The event features Alex Valdez and Pablo De la Fuente, the two young and acclaimed documentary filmmakers behind the film/pilot, The Power of One who will screen the project.
Afterwards, students and faculty will be invited to engage with the filmmakers in a panel discussion, exploring themes of ecological justice, personal agency, and the role of media in activism. But the experience doesn’t end there, a hands-on ecological activity tailored to your campus, such as tree planting, habitat restoration, or sustainable landscaping will also take place. This is more than an event; it’s a catalyst for student engagement, interdisciplinary learning, and meaningful climate action to turn the power of one into the power of many.
The host of our pilot event was UC Merced.
THANK YOU!
Embark on this adventure with us and join the movement to shine a light on all the little hummingbirds building ecological and humanitarian initiatives to change our world for the better.