Public Story
Guardianas - Amazonas: Saving Hunted Primates
In Colombia's Amazon, a Scientist Challenges Patriarchy
by Saving Hunted Primates
Text and images by Lia Valero
Wildlife trafficking, a shadowy trade that fuels illegal profits, has cast a dark shadow over the Amazonian rainforest. But a transformation appears to be underway and a glimmer of hope shines.
Meet Ángela Maldonado, a fearless environmentalist, primatologist, Ph.D. in Conservation, and recipient of the Whitley Gold Award, along with two indigenous communities on the Colombia-Peru border. From the depths of the jungle, they're making a stand against wildlife hunting, opting for a path of conservation tourism. By choosing sustainable tourism over illegal activities, they´re safeguarding the Amazon's heartbeat – the primates.
This story is crucial as it sheds light on the urgent need to address wildlife trafficking— an illicit trade ranked among the world's most profitable. It is a story of resilience, and environmental justice —a tale that will inspire and inform the hearts and minds of the readers of this website.
This project has been published in Earth Journalism Network (EJN) in English and at MUTANTE.ORG in Spanish.
810
