I recently took part in the adventure of a lifetime, swapping my Macbook for a machete to take part in an eye-opening rainforest conservation project deep in the Peruvian Amazon. I am a freelance journalist who has always been fascinated with this majestic jungle, but sadly knew more about shopping on Amazon.com than Amazon deforestation and conservation. I regularly report on combating carbon and supporting green initiatives, so I decided to sign up as a rainforest conservation volunteer to practice what I preach.
With the support and sponsorship of 21 corporate partners, including Voltimum, I travelled to the Manu Biosphere Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon. Along with conservation work and donations, my project's aim was to increase awareness about
what is actually happening within the Amazon rainforest.
With a camcorder, notepad and dry bag on hand, I had the opportunity (in between grueling treks and hard manual labour)
to report on deforestation and its effects on the incredible biodiversity found within this unique and quickly disappearing
environment.

Conservation and Community Projects at CREES

Perhaps you are wondering what types of projects volunteers get involved with? Here are some of the key projects I worked on whilst at the MLC:

Agroforestry
Agroforestry: Planting new softwood and hardwood trees amongst specific agricultural crops to provide renewable commercial timber. Lots of strenuous but rewarding hard labour here – digging through challenging ground (filled with rocks, thorny plants and bullet ants) with a machete.

Vegetation Mapping: This involves measuring the rainforest’s tree trunks, leaf litter and types of biomass. Recording this data will help create an accurate map of the rainforest around the MLC.

GPS Mapping: GPS technology is used to map the area and record areas of special interest. Lots of intense hiking through stunningly beautiful primary forest involved.

Blue Headed Macaw Monitoring at the Clay Lick: This endangered species of bird visits the clay lick (amongst other species of birds) to consume soil that neutralize toxins in their diet. The MLC can therefore study the Blue Headed Macaw closely and assess its population here. Non-morning people be warned – this project starts 5am-ish each day.

Butterfly Traps: The Peruvian Amazon has over 2,500 different species of butterflies. The MLC sets up traps in the rainforest to identify and record the different species found, where they are then released daily.

Small rodent in Tomahawk Trap
Tomahawk Traps: These are set up to monitor the different types of small mammals in the surrounding rainforest and are checked and released daily.

Biogardens: This community project helps locals build and maintain a garden filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, increasing nutrition and creating an additional source of income.  Volunteers are involved with the planting and fence building.

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