Wherever we travel with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, we try to get involved with conservation and the local communities. Here in the Amazon, we are able to do this at the same time. Working with a Peruvian organization called Minga Peru, we are able work with an organization striving to improve women’s health and rights, and thus work towards conservation as well.
This morning, we visited the community of San Jorge. Situated on a high piece of terra firme, the views from the village over the Amazon are breathtaking. Here, we were warmly invited into various homes to experience a bit of local living. From there, we all reconvened in the school. Most of the villagers are of native ancestry of Kokama, but most know little of their native language or culture. An amazing teacher in the 5th and 6th grades is not only teaching them the Kokama language, but also working to restore native pride. The children were very entertaining and impressive, and left us all smiling.
We then proceeded onto a craft center and a presentation on Minga Peru. Here, we met a few community organizers. One very impressive duo was a mother and daughter team. The mother shared with us how she has come to have pride in being a native woman and has learned about her rights and abilities. Her 14-year-old daughter is a voice on the local radio program “Bienvenida Salud,” where she learns of reproductive issues and shares them with her peers. It was a warm and welcoming experience and I was very impressed by the pride these women have in their programs and their community.
Our early morning and afternoon were spent enjoying the nature side of the Amazon. Bird life was abundant, in two very different habitats. Early morning we explored the new land formed as the river meandered. Here, diversity of species was low, but abundance was high. Yellow-hooded Blackbirds, Wattled Jacanas, and White-eyed Parakeets were everywhere! A White-headed Marsh-Tyrant was a special treat. In the afternoon we explored a narrow, black-water river and discovered a huge diversity of birds. Woodpeckers, kingfishers, toucans, parrots, and hawks were plentiful. As well, many of us found Pygmy Marmosets and Squirrel Monkeys. All of this, surrounded by some big, beautiful forest, all in a protected area.
Today was two very different sides of the Amazon, both equally as rewarding and exciting.
