Who We Are
Ekobius International is an intentional community and cooperative development initiative on the Catañiapo River in Amazonas, Venezuela. Founded in 2013 by Col. David J. Wright and collaborators, the project is being refocused as a biodiversity field station, a base for extended stays and a meeting point for Indigenous forest producers and their partners.
A Physical Home for a Larger Purpose
The current planning area is 27.4 acres—approximately 11.09 hectares. The property is the physical base; relationships with surrounding communities extend beyond its boundaries. Landholding does not confer authority over neighboring Indigenous territory, people or knowledge.
Simeon Moreno and the Roots of Ekobius
Simeon Moreno was Ekobius’s first caretaker in 2013. His work remains part of the place’s continuing story. A cacao grower with a farm on the upper Paraguaza River, he is a key representative of the producer relationships behind this initiative and holds a 1% interest in Ekobius. He has authorized Ekobius to use his company’s name in this collaboration. Visit his company website
What We Are Building
Our central ambition is an in situ cacao biodiversity research station: a place to study cacao in its ecological setting, connect field observations with local expertise and strengthen the livelihoods that keep living forests valuable. A nursery and a Centro de Acopio are proposed supporting facilities.
How We Work
We seek practical collaboration with the Piaroa, also known as Huottuja or Uwottuja, and the Huottuja Foundation. Each activity requires agreement with the people involved. Producers, knowledge holders, researchers and visitors should understand their roles, compensation and responsibilities before work begins.
An Intentional Community with a New Focus
Ekobius retains its identity as an intentional community and ecovillage. Its isolation, shared property and existing infrastructure create a setting for people who want to live, contribute and build a practical life around common purposes. Research, Indigenous partnerships and sustainable agroforestry now lead its development; community living remains a complementary path. Prospective residents are invited to discuss compatibility, accommodation and responsibilities before making arrangements.
Executive Trustee and Property Ownership
According to the project’s ownership statement, Arol J. Wright is the executive trustee of Ekobius International and the sole owner of record of the property. Direct participation proposals concern an undivided interest in this shared property. The title record, trustee authority and the instrument used to convey an interest form part of the documentation for an investment agreement.
An Autonomous Cooperative Arrangement
Ekobius describes its cooperative arrangement as autonomous and not constituted under Venezuela’s domestic cooperative regime. The project states that the Venezuelan State is neither an owner nor a participant. Its 1,000-unit division is Ekobius’s own participation model; governance, voting and ownership rights are defined in its agreements rather than inferred from the number of units.
Current Administrative Status
Project administration reports that no taxes are currently due in Venezuela. This reports the project’s current position; it does not describe a permanent tax exemption. Supporting ownership and administrative records belong in the documentation reviewed for a direct investment.
Two Addresses, Distinct Functions
The field property is at Kilometer 24, Vía Gavilán, Concejal Comunal Indígena de Barranco Colorado, Municipio Atures, Amazonas 7101, Venezuela. Ekobius maintains its U.S. business and registered office at Unify Cooperative, 302 General Smith Drive, Richmond, Kentucky 40475, United States. The field and WhatsApp contact is +57 322 671 6433; the U.S. business telephone is +1 859 379 8277.
Publisher, Editor and Webmaster
Unify Cooperative publishes this website and its content. Col. David J. Wright is the editor and webmaster. These publishing and office arrangements are separate from Arol J. Wright’s stated role as executive trustee and owner of record of the Venezuelan property.