Forest Guardians

I studied biology at UNSAAC in Cusco and have since worked on various projects in the Madre de Dios region, including an environmental study on the renaturation of natural areas destroyed by gold mines and tree species threatened with extinction. My studies have taught me to respect, appreciate and, above all, love nature. It has brought me here, to my beloved jungle, to do a great work. It reminds me of what the poet Rabindranath Tagore once said: "Turn a tree into firewood and it will burn for you, but it will not bear flowers or fruit for your children." Meanwhile, these are no longer just words, they are our reality. 

For me, it is indescribable to be able to study and protect what is so close to my heart. To even be able to make it my profession is one of the best gifts that life could have given me.

I am originally from the highlands of Peru and am proud of my roots in Arequipa. I have known the jungle for many years. My children were born in Madre de Dios. I immediately fell in love with the jungle and carried out many important construction works for the city, for example the obelisk of Madre de Dios. I consider myself a lover of biodiversity and a connoisseur of flora and fauna since I was 20 years old. I am happy to be part of WI because I like the approach of protecting nature and preserving what little we have left of our wonderful forests.

During my last year of study, the northern Peruvian coast was devastated by Cyclone Yaku. I saw how everything was flooded, the city was destroyed and people suffered from the effects of torrential rainfall similar to the El Niño phenomenon. Both events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. It was then that I realized that my generation and all of us who live on Earth in the 21st century have a duty and responsibility to do something about global warming.

One of the biggest challenges facing humanity is to protect and stop the overexploitation of forests such as the Amazon. Through social networks, I learned that Wilderness International was committed to protecting the Amazon rainforests in Madre de Dios, and from then on I wanted to work with them.

The mission of environmental education is to restore the connection between people and nature, and I am honored to contribute to this as the coordinator of the WI Peru Environmental Education Project. I firmly believe that there is good in everyone, and the Madre de Dios community is no exception. Conservation is an arduous and complex task, and environmental education and constant interaction with people is one of the most powerful tools for success.

Ever since I started working on various conservation projects in Peru, I knew that I wanted to dedicate myself to working in the rainforest. Now I am a forest guardian with Wilderness International, thanks to the research internships that the organization offers to young Peruvians. I had the opportunity to work first-hand with researchers in the fields of herpetology, mammals and birds, which allowed me to improve my knowledge of wildlife monitoring.

Now my work focuses on biological monitoring and the monitoring and surveillance of our protected areas. As an environmental engineer, my field work aims to generate data that contributes to decision making for the conservation of our most fragile ecosystems. Working in the rainforest is a constant learning experience because you never stop learning about all it has to offer. Every day is different and amazing, full of shapes, colors, sizes and sounds to observe on a walk.

I grew up in the Peruvian city of Iquitos in the eastern part of the Peruvian jungle and even as a child I was taught to protect the jungle and its natural beauty. With Wilderness International, I can now do just that and work as forest guardian against deforestation and poaching in intact ecosystems to prevent further human impact. My knowledge of drones, outboard motors, ATVs, motorcycles, GPS and seasonal radios comes in handy every day. 

I was born in the Peruvian Amazon, in the Madre de Dios region. Since my childhood I have lived surrounded by nature, and as an adult I have worked mainly in public institutions such as Osinfor, Serfor and others for the benefit of the forests. I have always liked the idea of caring for and preserving the flora and fauna of my region. That's why I consider myself lucky to work for Wilderness International Peru. Every day I learn to appreciate the Amazon and to contribute my knowledge for the benefit of the rainforest and the new generations of forest conservationists.

I come directly from Puerto Maldonado, in the middle of the Peruvian Amazon. I work at Wilderness International because it gives me the opportunity to do what I love to do, which is to protect nature and its animals. I learn new exciting things every day and I am proud to be part of this group of forest conservationists! 

Hello, I'm Luis David Guzmán Lomas, forest guardian in the Amazon region. My job is to protect and conserve this unique and diverse ecosystem. My daily work includes patrolling the trails, monitoring human and animal activity and educating local communities about the importance of conservation. Our goal is to protect the biodiversity of the Amazon region and ensure that human activities do not damage the ecosystem. To achieve this goal, we work closely with local communities and authorities.

I was born in Puerto Maldonado in the Madre de Dios region - where our protected areas are located. I started working in the Tambopata National Park in 2001 as a park ranger for nature conservation. Since then, I have become aware of the importance of environmental protection, as it guarantees and secures the ecosystem services of nature that help us to meet our basic needs. And today I am proud to be part of Wilderness International Peru and to be able to contribute my knowledge and experience to the Forest Guardians. As this is a protected area with many challenges for people with illegal intentions, I say with one voice: YES WE CAN!

The preservation of nature is of fundamental importance for our future. As forest guardian , I am committed to protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainability and opposing deforestation. Only together can we make a difference!

Nature is my passion. As forest guardian , I have the opportunity to work in the heart of the forest, surrounded by the beauty and diversity of wildlife. My work is a privilege and a challenge that fills me with pride and satisfaction.