Behind the scenes: coordinating fieldwork across continents
While much of our work unfolds in forests and communities in the Bolivian Amazon, a great deal of preparation happens behind the scenes. Over the past months, our team has been meeting regularly online to carefully fine-tune research instruments, review protocols, and coordinate the many logistical details that make fieldwork possible. These conversations (often bridging […]
Joining forces to explore the deep history of the Bolivian Amazon
We are very happy to begin a new collaboration with our wonderful colleagues Umberto Lombardo and Kate Dudgeon, from the DEMODRIVERS project, based like us at ICTA-UAB. Over the years, many conversations about our shared fascination and deep affection for Bolivia have gradually grown into a meaningful scientific collaboration. While the DEMODRIVERS team works in […]
Our research with the Tsimane’ featured in El País
Our research with the Tsimane’ people of the Bolivian Amazon has recently been featured in the Spanish newspaper El País in a beautiful article written by the journalist Noor Mahtani. The piece highlights and discusses the findings of one of our recent scientific studies, which reveals a striking ecological pattern: across many regions of the […]
Júlia Orrit has successfully defended her MSc thesis!
We are delighted to share that our dear Júlia Orrit successfully defended her MSc thesis “Biocultural vulnerability of Cultural Keystone Species: implications for biodiversity conservation” at the University of Barcelona. This is a wonderful milestone and a well-deserved achievement that reflects Júlia’s dedication, and hard work throughout the project. We are deeply grateful for all […]
From a river conversation to a Nature Ecology & Evolution perspective
Sometimes ideas for scientific papers begin in the most unexpected places. While navigating the waters of the Beni River in the Bolivian Amazon, our team members Mónica Moraes and Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares found themselves immersed in a long and thoughtful conversation about the profound conservation challenges that Bolivia is currently facing. Surrounded by the forests and […]
Our first field campaign is completed!
Our first field campaign has now come to a close. After five months of intense fieldwork among the Tsimane’ people in the Bolivian Amazon, the team returns with a deep sense of gratitude for the time spent in communities and the many conversations, reflections, and shared experiences that shaped these months in the field. Together […]
Our botanical collection continues to grow!
Our botanical collection continue to grow, strengthening the foundations for the long-term study of ethnobotanical knowledge systems in the Bolivian Amazon. In close collaboration with the National Herbarium of Bolivia (LPB) and our long-term research partner Dr. Mónica Moraes, our team has established a carefully curated reference collection that links ethnobotanical knowledge with rigorously identified […]
On the Tsimane’ road
Although probably less known than the Maniqui River, the area between Yucumo and Rurrenabaque is one of the core centres of the ancestral lands of the Tsimane’ people. On the western side of the road connecting the two towns lies the TCO and Biosphere Reserve Pilón Lajas, one of the most important protected areas in […]
With gratitude to our Tsimane’ partners
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 […]
Up the Maniqui river once more
After days of anticipation, our final field journey for this year is finally underway. A nationwide fuel shortage had delayed our departure, but now, with the engines ready, we are setting off at last. For most of our team, this marks our fourth expedition; for Júlia, it is the very first. Over the next two […]
