Women in Science Webinar: Conserving the Andes Amazon and Inspiring the Future
February 24, 2025
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.
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