With gratitude to our Tsimane’ partners

November 20, 2025

Much of our work in the Bolivian Amazon would simply not be possible without the generosity, patience, and wisdom of the Tsimane’ people. Every day in the field reminds us that research is not something we do alone, but something we build together through conversations, shared walks in the forest, and moments of learning that unfold slowly over time. We are deeply grateful to the many Tsimane’ families and knowledge holders who welcome us into their communities, share their time with us, and open spaces for dialogue about forests, rivers, plants, and ways of living with the land. Their knowledge and kindness are at the heart of everything this project seeks to understand.

The photograph here, by conservation photographer Joan de la Malla, beautifully captures something that inspires us deeply: how knowledge is not only shared with researchers, but also passed from one generation to the next. It is a privilege to witness and learn from these moments. To our Tsimane’ partners and friends: thank you for your trust, your hospitality, and your willingness to walk this journey with us.

The IEK-CHANGES project is an ERC Starting Grant funded by the European Union (IEK-CHANGES, 101117423) to Dr. Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

© 2026 Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
All rights reserved

All Amazonian pictures by Joan de la Malla

Illustrations and logo design by Mar Cartró-Sabaté

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