We all know that the Amazon rainforest has been continuously destroyed by massive deforestation, thereby depriving it of its natural resources. But what long-term effects does this have on the biodiversity and the way of life of the local Indigenous population? Exciting questions that need to be answered and, above all, solutions found. Our Rainforest Reserve project in the Peruvian region of Madre de Dios has set itself the task of developing and implementing sustainable solutions. Together, the team works with great passion to protect, regenerate and understand the biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon. By working with local farmers and research institutions, space is created for education, with the aim of spreading sustainable ways of life and initiating fair, regenerative development in the region.

Over the last decade, the project has already planted over 250,000 trees representing around 400 species. These now serve as part of the living seed bank for the reforestation center. The work also brought an area of ​​around 60 hectares of rainforest back to life. The knowledge gained at the reforestation center is collected in a research project and shared with local farmers and growers. Since 2006, the research program has been working continuously to expand the knowledge of economically productive and viable restoration strategies.

The research also supports the development of processes for the sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products from wild and cultivated plants. In 2019, the project began to link the restoration activities with the production of non-timber forest products in order to offer the local communities a new livelihood. For example, an organic start-up in the region is involved in the production of essential oils, which are distilled from the trees specially planted for this purpose. There is also a great focus on supplying farmers with seedlings, connecting them with local and international markets and supporting the development of regenerative supply chains.

The Amazon is the lungs of our earth and is home to over 30% of all plant species known to date. In Peru alone, the Amazon covers around 60% of the total land area, an area as large as Turkey. In order to protect this diversity in the long term, our Rainforest Reserve and the team there of over 20 full-time employees, volunteers and interns need your active support. As a volunteer, all you need is physical fitness and the drive to support the rainforest, even if or exactly because it means to get your hands dirty. Even though you will work closely with the project team, no prior Spanish skills are required, as the team can communicate in English. Furthermore, all equipment will be provided at the project site - looking forward to seeing you!