Impact Makers: Rafael Pástor Vélez

NAME

Rafael Pástor Vélez

TITLE

Founder, Pástor

LOCATION

Guayaquil, Ecuador

ABOUT

Rafael Pástor Vélez is a partner at PBP Law Firm in Ecuador, where he specializes in helping companies take serious responsibility for their environmental impact. In a region where rules are often weakly enforced, he works with businesses to understand their legal obligations and put systems in place that make compliance practical, reliable, and effective.

His work ranges from advising on how waste is handled or water is discharged, to introducing digital tools that help companies track risks before they escalate. Just as important, he trains in-house teams to recognize problems early and act on them.

MOTIVATION

“My passion stems from the privilege of living in a country blessed with extraordinary natural wealth; a living mosaic of ecosystems that reminds us daily of what is truly worth protecting. I have also been fortunate to devote my life to the law, a human invention as fascinating as it is powerful, capable of shaping conduct and redefining our relationship with the environment.

What inspires me most is witnessing how environmental law evolves constantly, demanding that we adapt, learn, and innovate. I see myself as a translator between this evolving legal framework and the corporate world; a space where I can practice a form of corporate activism, guiding companies to move from environmental unawareness towards genuine commitment. Watching that transformation of mindset is deeply rewarding because it creates ripple effects that reach far beyond the boardroom.

Finally, I am passionate about technology and innovation. Both allow us to understand environmental challenges with greater precision and pragmatism, accelerating the transition towards a more conscious and sustainable future.”

IMPACT

Before

Many companies approached environmental rules as a formality; a box to tick or something to deal with only when a problem arose. This often led to poor waste handling, unmonitored discharges, and pollution that could have been prevented.

After

With Rafael’s support, more companies in the region now treat compliance as a core part of how they operate. They take early steps to identify and fix potential issues, using tailored legal guidance and practical tools. This shift has not only improved how they meet legal standards but also strengthened their role in protecting local ecosystems and communities.

CHALLENGES

“One of the most significant challenges I faced was the initial resistance from companies that saw environmental compliance as a burden rather than an opportunity. Many businesses were hesitant to adopt a proactive approach, preferring to react only when legal pressures became unavoidable. Changing this mindset required not only patience but also a strategic communication plan to demonstrate the long-term benefits of environmental responsibility. Despite these obstacles, I found that persistence and clear communication were key. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of proactive compliance, both in terms of reduced legal risk and improved sustainability, many companies began to shift their approach, embracing environmental responsibility as a core part of their operations.”

ADVICE

“There is no single formula for creating impact. Every path is unique, but all of them require determination, discipline, and a genuine sense of purpose. When we set ambitious goals, the journey will inevitably present challenges and moments of failure. Yet failure itself is not the problem; it’s the direction in which we fall that matters.

We can fail backwards, retreating into fear or frustration, or we can fail forwards, transforming setbacks into opportunities for learning and growth. Choosing the latter allows us to move with humility and resilience, both essential qualities for anyone striving to make a lasting impact on the climate and on society.”

CONTACT

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