To commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th, our Peruvian sister organization, Conservación Amazónica—ACCA, held a webinar highlighting prominent women scientists leading vital studies on Amazonian biodiversity. From studies on keystone species like the Andean bear to research on tropical diseases and insect biodiversity, these scientists are helping advance the understanding of the rainforest and inform conservation strategies.
The webinar, moderated by Dr. Corine Vriensendorp, Director of Science at Conservación Amazónica-ACCA, brought together our renowned staff researchers Ruthmery Pillco (Peru), Juliana Morales (Colombia) and Erin Rivera (Mexico), who each lead research at our biological stations in the Peruvian Amazon.
Science and Community: the Andean Bear, Guardian of the High Andean Forests

Ruthmery Pillco, National Geographic Explorer and Disney Conservation Hero presented the Andean Bear Conservation Project she has been leading at our Wayqecha Biological Station for the past several years, where her team studies the movement of this species, which is key to forest regeneration. “The Andean bear is an indicator of the state of health of the forests. Understanding their behavior helps us develop better conservation strategies,” Pillco explained. Her work has contributed to the reforestation of 430,000 native trees, benefiting wildlife and local communities affected by climate change.
Getting to Know the Transmitters of Leishmaniasis (Uta) in Peru

Juliana Morales, Director of the Thomas Lovejoy Biodiversity Laboratory at our Manu Biological Station, addressed the global and regional impacts of tropical diseases such as Leishmaniasis. “Our work allows us to better understand disease vectors and develop more effective prevention strategies for local communities,” Morales highlighted. Her work identifying the transmission mechanisms of diseases contributes to improving not only local conservation action but also driving efforts to protect human health and prevent future pandemics.
Applied Technologies For Insect Sampling at the Los Amigos Biological Station

Erin Rivera, a researcher at our Los Amigos Biological Station, highlighted the importance of studying insects as indicators of ecosystem health. “Insects can tell us a lot about environmental changes. They are key to understanding the health of the forest and its resilience to climate change,” Rivera explained. Using innovative technologies such as UV light traps and digital analysis software, the team is progressing in understanding the biodiversity of Amazonian insect species and how factors like human activity and climate change impact foundation species like insects.
The event concluded with words from Dr. Alizon Rodríguez, President of the Pro-Women Committee of the National Council of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Peru, who emphasized the need to create more opportunities for women in science, especially in rural environments and vulnerable communities. “We must guarantee that more women have access to research and tools to develop the scientific potential of the region,” said Rodríguez.
Finally, the researchers shared their personal experiences building their scientific career paths, highlighting the challenges they faced and the gratification of contributing to the knowledge and conservation of the Amazon. With an inspiring message for younger generations, they emphasized that with the right effort and determination, women can achieve their goals in science and make their dreams come true.
These research efforts in science and conservation were made possible thanks to the support of organizations such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, International Conservation Fund of Canada, Acción Andina, National Geographic Society, Seadream Family Foundation, and the Catto Shaw Foundation.





This year, Amazon Conservation is continuing to ensure that our conservation programs have a real, lasting impact on the ground. Addressing today’s most urgent threats to the Amazon has become more important than ever, as challenges caused by deforestation, illegal mining, and climate change continue to drastically affect local people and wildlife.
What if we told you that you can raise funds without lifting a finger? Now you can with the unique giving tool, My Givmo! Simply put, your computer’s unused processing power can be converted into donations for your favorite cause. Your computer’s idle time can earn pennies for the Amazon, without costing you a thing! Just download the MyGivmo app, install it, and enter AMAZON in the code field. Every minute your computer is powered on, you’re helping raise funds to protect one of the world’s most precious ecosystems!
It’s never too early to plan for the future, so make 2025 the year to create a lasting legacy that will create a positive impact for generations to come. Plus, you can get started today at no cost! By including the Amazon in your estate plan through FreeWill, you can ensure your values live on in a meaningful way. It’s simple, free, and can have an enduring impact.
With your support, we can help plan long-term solutions to protect and restore forest ecosystems, fight the most urgent threats to the Amazon, and empower local families and communities. Join our resolution for greater conservation impact, and make 2025 a hopeful year for our planet for future generations!
As we begin a new year filled with celebrations of our 25th Anniversary, this is the perfect moment to reflect on the strides we made in 2024 toward conserving and protecting the Amazon. 2024 was a year of incredible progress, collaborative action, and resilience in the face of global environmental challenges. From groundbreaking science that is helping to better understand and protect biodiversity to expanding protection for wild places while using our real-time monitoring capabilities to track and report illegal deforestation in existing protected areas.
Right at the tail end of 2024, a team of researchers at our Manu Biological Station made a groundbreaking discovery:
We were honored to participate in last year’s
In December 2022, the Washington Post published an article highlighting a MAAP report about illegal mining on top of a sacred tepui in the heart of Yapacana National Park in the Venezuelan Amazon (
In National Geographic’s special October issue of “
One of our biggest accomplishments of 2024 comes in the form of over 1.2 million acres of newly protected areas in the Bolivian Amazon. In combination with your generous contributions, support from the Andes Amazon Fund, and technical support from our Bolivian sister organization
With the end of the year coming upon us, Amazon Conservation is excited to share the discovery of a new species of sandfly identified at our Manu Biological Station in the Peruvian Amazon. This most recent scientific breakthrough reminds us of the groundbreaking research and innovation taking place in the heart of the Amazon, showcasing the critical role of biodiversity and science in addressing global challenges.
Similarly, at our state-of-the-art Wildlife Conservation Laboratory at our Los Amigos Biological Station in the Peruvian Amazon, scientists conduct cutting-edge research on advanced wildlife genomics and monitoring of key species right in the heart of the Amazon without the delay, cost, and complications of transporting samples to bigger labs.
Scientific exploration and innovation are at the heart of effective conservation. The discovery of 


Now, as 2024 is coming to a close, we’re thrilled to share that another remarkable scientific breakthrough has taken place at our 
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