A few years ago, far away from the Amazon, I found myself seated in front of the computer, editing photographs that I had recently taken of the jungle. On the radio, I listened with horror to the news of forest fires advancing along the borders of Brazil and Bolivia, devastating not only the forest and its inhabitants but also rendering hundreds of native communities homeless. In that moment, I felt that the vibrant colors in the images I was working on began to fade, gradually transforming the photographs into somber memories that symbolize the pain and longing for these endangered territories. This is how the title "The Amazon is turning black" came into being.

Over a span of five years, I had the privilege of working in direct contact with various indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon, serving as a photographer and communications specialist for GIZ, supporting the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment.
The indigenous communities of the Peruvian jungle are actively engaged in an innovative forest conservation program. Within this program, they commit to preserving their primary forests, while the Peruvian government pledges to provide annual economic incentives to facilitate the development of environmentally sustainable projects. This approach enhances their economic livelihoods, betters their quality of life, and safeguards the forests, which play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. 

 

For further details about this conservation program, please visit the website of the National Forest Conservation Program of Peru: http://www.bosques.gob.pe/