Fredy R. Grefa is an indigenous (Napo Runa) first-generation human and cultural geographer, using Amazonian concepts and values to understand how Amazonian peoples make sense of living in rainforest environments. He has researched territorial claims (including those of his own community) for more than 15 years in the Ecuadorian Amazon, working with indigenous organizations such as CONFENIAE (Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon) and COICA (Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin). His research makes use of Indigenous methodologies to assess development initiatives in the Ecuadorian Amazon.