Citizen science tourism supports Amazon conservation research
8 reported
A citizen science organization is helping preserve the Peruvian Amazon by bringing tourists to participate in long-term ecological research. Biologist Richard Bodmer has hosted visitors at his research station along the Yarapa River for decades through a partnership with Earthwatch Expeditions, a tour company that connects people with scientists. Participants in the eight-day trips help track wildlife and collect ecosystem data, with their findings contributing to conservation strategies. The research conducted by Bodmer’s teams, including data collected by Earthwatch tourists, has helped demonstrate that sustainable use of natural resources can conserve biodiversity and support local economies. The Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Regional Conservation Area, where much of the work occurs, is a government-protected and Indigenous-managed region. Earthwatch Expeditions recently converted the research station to 100 percent solar power and eliminated diesel fuel, according to the company. Participants pay a flat fee of $4,795 for the trip, which will increase next year to fund sustainability initiatives.
What’s reported
The Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Regional Conservation Area in the Peruvian Amazon is a government-protected region where humans coexist with nature.
Biologist Richard Bodmer has welcomed visitors to his research station along the Yarapa River for decades through Earthwatch Expeditions.
Earthwatch runs nearly two dozen trips, including studying polar bears in the Arctic, whooping cranes in Texas, trees in Acadia National Park, and large mammals in Kenya.
Participants sleep on a restored vessel from the early 19th century that once transported rubber, now powered by solar energy for air conditioning and hot water.
The research station was recently converted to 100 percent solar power and eliminated diesel fuel, according to Earthwatch Expeditions.
Participants pay a flat fee of $4,795, which will increase next year to meet costs of sustainability initiatives.
Lusbita Manuyama Torres, a member of the Cocama community, says Earthwatch has become integral to her village, with women selling baskets and wood carvings to tourists.
The research has helped drive a global shift in understanding that people can coexist with the environment.
Key figures
Richard Bodmer, biologist
Jared Katz, psychotherapist in Vermont
Jennifer Jewiss, Katz’s wife
Gyan Nyaupane, director of Arizona State University’s Center for Sustainable Tourism
Lusbita Manuyama Torres, member of the Cocama community in Mariscal Castilla, northeastern Peru
Sources: Wired
