Rome, March 10, 2026 (KAP) – Benki Piyãko, a spiritual leader of the Ashaninka people in the Amazon region, has been awarded the 2026 Niwano Peace Prize. The Niwano Peace Foundation announced on Tuesday in Rome that Piyãko, age 52, will receive the approximately €100,000 prize (roughly $108,000 USD as of March 10, 2026) in recognition of his decades-long commitment to defending the rights of Indigenous peoples and preserving the Amazon rainforest. This marks the first time the prestigious award has been given to an Indigenous leader from the Amazon.
The foundation highlighted Piyãko’s dedication to transmitting traditional knowledge to younger generations and his tireless efforts to combat deforestation and protect the Amazon’s biodiversity. His work centers on a holistic approach to sustainability, blending ancestral wisdom with modern conservation strategies. The award recognizes not only his advocacy but also his practical work in reforestation and community development.
Piyãko’s leadership stems from a deep connection to Ashaninka traditions, nurtured from a young age by his grandfather, Samuel Piyãko, a renowned spiritual leader and healer. He has dedicated his life to healing the world through this traditional knowledge, as stated by the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute, which he leads. The Ashaninka people, numbering around 100,000, represent one of the largest Indigenous groups in the Amazon, with the majority residing in Peru and a smaller population in Brazil.
The Niwano Peace Prize, established in 1982, is named after Nikkyo Niwano (1906-1999), the founder of the Buddhist reform movement Rissho Kosei Kai. The foundation annually honors individuals who have made significant contributions to peace, interreligious dialogue, and environmental protection. Previous laureates have included figures from diverse backgrounds who have championed these causes globally.
Benki Piyãko’s journey began within his Ashaninka community, Apiwtxa, where he initiated projects focused on reforestation, education, and community development. In 2006, he established the Yorenka Ãtame Center on previously deforested land in Marechal Thaumaturgo, supported by donations and collaborators. This center served as a foundation for the later creation of the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute in 2018, which unites spirituality with nature protection to advance environmental preservation and food security.
Piyãko’s work extends beyond his immediate community, involving collaborations with various institutions, non-profit organizations, and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to restore degraded areas. He has garnered recognition from global leaders and received accolades, including the Ashoka Fellowship, acknowledging his innovative approach to social and environmental challenges. Ashoka describes him as increasing the capacity of Indigenous peoples to defend their land.
The award comes at a critical time for the Amazon rainforest, which faces increasing threats from deforestation, illegal mining, and agricultural expansion. Indigenous communities are at the forefront of protecting this vital ecosystem, and Piyãko’s work exemplifies the crucial role they play in conservation efforts. TIME Magazine reported in 2019 on Piyãko’s experiences and commitment to protecting the Amazon.
The Niwano Peace Prize ceremony will grab place on May 12 in Tokyo. The award underscores the growing international recognition of the importance of Indigenous knowledge and leadership in addressing global environmental and social issues. Association Aquaverde highlights Piyãko’s role as a shaman working for the rights of Indigenous peoples and the preservation of nature.
Looking ahead, the Niwano Peace Prize awarded to Benki Piyãko is expected to amplify the voices of Indigenous communities in the Amazon and strengthen the global movement for environmental justice. The prize money will support the ongoing work of the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute and its efforts to promote sustainable development and protect the rainforest for future generations. The international attention garnered by this award may also encourage increased support for Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
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