José Koechlin von Stein established Inkaterra in 1975, pioneering ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru. Major flora and fauna inventories have been sponsored by Mr. Koechlin since 1978, defining natural areas where Inkaterra hotels are located. Achievements in research and conservation in hotel grounds include the study of 814 bird species registered at Inkaterra areas of influence; the description of 362 ant species; the Andean Bear Conservation Center; and the world’s largest native orchid collection. Mr. Koechlin also co-produced Werner Herzog’s classic films Aguirre, The Wrath of God (1972) and Fitzcarraldo (Best Director, Cannes Film Festival 1982), and Les Blank’s documentary Burden of Dreams (1982). He has promoted various publications on Peru’s biodiversity and culture. Acknowledged by AACSB in its ‘100 World Influential Leaders’ list, Mr. Koechlin is also Chairman of Sociedad Hoteles del Perú; Vice Chairman of the National Chamber of Tourism and Emeritus Board Member of Conservation International.

Mr. Koechlin participated in Panel 3: Biodiversity as a Driver for Competitiveness and Business Development at the Agrobiodiversity Symposium on Day 2 of the Food Forever Experience Cusco.