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Amazon Headwaters

Looking to the future in the rainforest

Looking to the future in the rainforest

A lowland Quichua boy rests inside the buttress roots of a giant "Chuncho" tree (Cedrelinga cataeniformes). He's contemplating an upcoming community "minga" or work party. The 120-foot tree was scheduled for a shamanic ceremony after which it would be cut and crafted into a dugout canoe using only traditional methods.

After I made this image, the workers determined that the tree was rooted inside the neighboring community's land. "Amazon Headwaters" will revisit this community as they enjoy the cultural event of making another dugout canoe. The canoe will be carved by hand, dried over bonfires of native palms (choosing species for their specific heat) and launched to great fanfare.

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