Balance Jan Issue 2018 - 73

PRIME AMAZON

T

here's something magical about being
woken at 4am by a cacophony of
trilling birds. I didn't even mind the
humidity casting a constant wet film over my
skin. I slept in deepest black, listening to an
all encompassing roar of the Howler Monkey
stirring from its slumber. It was a wake up call
of the highest order and one of the endearing
memories from the Peruvian Amazon.
There's a certain anticipation and excitement
about visiting the jungle. It's the lungs of our
planet, the heartbeat for our survival. It takes
time to reach, but isn't as difficult as you may
imagine. The jungle is important for medicine,
climate, communities, plant-life, animals. How
much it thrives shouldn't be underestimated.
Although logging and mining are destroying
the rainforest, one hotel brand in Peru is helping
to keep the Amazon alive
José Koechlin is the creator of Inkaterra, a
nature hotel brand. He's an active orator on
sustainable actions and globally recognised
even at the age of 72.
José's vision started in 1975 with the aim of
keeping the rainforest alive and providing jobs
for local people. After 10 years of negotiation,
the Peruvian government granted an area of the
Amazon for him to create his vision.
First came Reserva Amazonica, a high-end
luxury hotel working in harmony with the
environment. There are now seven Inkaterra
properties throughout Peru, all with local staff,
and more similar projects in the pipeline.
The Field Station is Inkaterra's newest
addition, providing low-cost accommodation
for people who want to contribute to the world
by volunteering in the Amazon. I was greeted

January 2018 BA LA N CE

The high canopy
walkway is the best
way to see Amazon
life; working to
support local trade;
home in the jungle

by Erik, the softly-spoken manager, who
proved a good example of a peron whose life
has been turned around by Inkaterra. Previously
a miner, he is now able to provide for his family
doing a job he really loves.

WORKING TOGETHER
A guided exploration into the depths of the
densely tree-covered walkways revealed a lush,
brilliant green rainforest teeming with wildlife.
The best way to see most life in the Amazon
is via the 30ft high canopy walkway. From
toucans, hummingbirds and a slowly circling
vulture to huge ceiba trees, the elders of
the rainforest. The symbiosis of nature was
everywhere; aggressive fire ants protect the
Tangarana tree in return for the sap inside.
Garlic trees give shelter to bats, whose
droppings provides good fertiliser.
The most rewarding thing about Field Station
is that visitors can actively take part in crucial
projects. Banding birds is ongoing (to monitor

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Balance Jan Issue 2018

Balance Jan Issue 2018 - 1
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