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Amazon Headwaters

Local scientists documenting one of the most biologically diverse places on earth

Local scientists documenting one of the most biologically diverse places on earth

Milton is an Ecuadorian research assistant to the Smithsonian Forest Dynamics project, working in Yasuní National Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The orange flagging is used to divide the forest into quadrants. Tree data is taken from every tree within a quadrant.

It is here that the team discovered the highest diversity of trees on earth. Shortly after this photograph was made, the team tallied more than 644 tree species in a single hectare (2.5 acres) of rainforest! New species continue to be found.

Discoveries of new plant species and potential new medicines often begin with the groundwork of tropical research stations and botanists who mentor in-country university students into conservation careers.

Images from the documentary project promoting the conservation work of local and indigenous communities, women and youth in the upper Amazon basin. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) The Flooded Forest River conservation Theme: Interconnectedness Sustainable Contact with Indigenous Communities Local scientists documenting one of the most biologically diverse places on earth Sleeping beauty of the rainforest Ecuadorian child inspired by her local rainforest Lowland Quichua at the cutting edge Lowland Quichua home Natural smiles Hats off to rainforest conservation Plants and people Diversity in art Baby Armadillo The Añangu lowland Quichua: Conservation Role Models Comunidad Capirona: Leaders in Rainforest Management Leading by Example River conservation in the upper Amazon Looking to the future in the rainforest Gate-keepers of the Yasuní National Park & UNESCO Biosphere Reserve