![Native Amazonian vanilla, Vanilla pompona]()
Native Amazonian vanilla, Vanilla pompona
Dear Camino Verde family,
Greetings from Peru! This Missive consists of one simple, thought-provoking question.
Why does Camino Verde’s work matter… to you?
What does it mean to you to help support the regeneration of Amazonian forests? How has the Earth or the rainforest touched your life?
We are grateful to you, who are reading this, for supporting Camino Verde with your interest, your curiosity, for believing in what we do, and for materially sustaining our organization with your financial support.
What we do is only possible due to your generosity. Thank you!
Why does Camino Verde’s work matter… to you?
What about this effort, to regenerate Amazonian forest landscapes in active collaboration with Amazonian communities, resonates with you deeply? What about this mission, to plant hundreds of tree species in protection of ever more endangered biodiversity, moves you and speaks to you?
What inspires you to contribute your hard earned money in support of Camino Verde’s tenaciously pursued mission? What moves you to want to move the needle?
Why does Camino Verde’s work matter… to you?
This is the question we’re asking in this quarter’s Missive. And it’s the question we asked the members of the Camino Verde team, here on the ground in the Peruvian Amazon.
The main body of our Missive this time around is to turn the question over to the CV family in Peru. What is it about the work that we do that matters to you? Why do you think Camino Verde’s activities make sense, make an impact?
We passed the microphone and the pen to a who’s who of team Camino Verde, and this is what they told us. Why does Camino Verde’s work matter to each of them? Their responses are in the body of this Missive, below.
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Support Camino Verde's Amazonian regeneration work today!
Make your donation here today!
Or, consider becoming a recurring donor of Camino Verde and pledge monthly donations on a sliding scale, helping sustain CV with budget stability, and receiving additional reports from the field.
With immense gratitude,
Robin Van Loon
Executive Director
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LEAN CRESPO
Assistant Coordinator Camino Verde Loreto
with CV since 2021
I feel deeply passionate about the work we do, especially in the field of agroforestry. This integral and holistic approach not only encompasses the planting of crops, forestry and conservation, but also includes animals and the strengthening of the social fabric. It is this synergy between nature and communities that really gives life to our project.
I firmly believe that agroforestry has the power to transform current agricultural practices, offering a sustainable alternative that respects and protects our environment. We are convinced that this approach is not only vital for the present, but will also serve as an inspiring example for future generations, showing that it is possible to care for our planet while producing responsibly and efficiently.
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ELVIS ANCÓN
Agroforestry Technician Camino Verde La Joya
with CV since 2014
I love to plant trees that are endangered, so that our children and the general public can continue to learn about them and pass them on to future generations.
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CLEMENCIA PINASCO
Programs & Strategies Manager
with CV since 2023
Camino Verde integrates the best aspects of environmental science with intentionality, purpose, and innovation. We don’t fit the typical labels often assigned to similar organizations— our approach is holistic, with regeneration at its core in every sense of the word.
I find it incredibly valuable that as an organization we recognize that Amazonian communities are the main actors of change towards a sustainable Amazon rainforest, while living and depending on its natural resources. Our primary goals are not driven by the need to protect massive areas of land, but on finding tangible solutions that provide alternatives to the dependency on extractive practices, reducing the pressures on the existing landscape.
Our team navigates the complex and diverse realities of Amazonian life, driven by passion and belief in our programs. We combine principles of biodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge, and horizontal knowledge exchange among stakeholders—especially the local farmers who are integral to our programs. We also recognize the importance of sharing the wonders of the Amazon with a global audience, using our public voice to highlight the value of plants to the ecosystem, the people, and the Earth as a whole.
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PERCY LEVA
Reforestation Coordinator Camino Verde La Joya
with CV since 2017
Producing and planting native species is an important thing, to restore the health of soils in degraded areas and bring back the flora and fauna.
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CARLOS GARCIA
Regional Coordinator Camino Verde Loreto
with CV since 2020
Since I have been part of Camino Verde, what attracted me most, and what I like about Camino Verde is the mission to work with native Amazonian plants in agroforestry systems, through which the organization itself experiments and learns, in order to transfer examples of sustainable ecological management easily to farmers in native or mestizo communities, providing them with additional economic opportunities, respectful of the environment, sustainable over time and respectful of the traditional knowledge of the different communities.
Another very important point for me is the horizontal culture within the organization, the ability to listen and reflect. And, the enthusiasm for new activities, such as meliponiculture (the breeding and management of stingless bees), activities that can later be expanded to a greater number of communities and interested farmers.
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ESTEFANIA WAYNA
Chief of Operations
with CV since 2019
I am proud to be part of an organization that focuses its efforts on strengthening sustainable dynamics that actively involve the local population to support the high value ecological functionality of Amazon forests.
Being a part of Camino Verde inspires me to continue learning, innovating and creating results that have real meaning and lasting impact. We are green walkers and we go forward leaving a green footprint.
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ALEJANDRO ZEVALLOS
Production Coordinator Camino Verde Baltimori
with CV since 2022
I can't believe it's almost three years since I started working at Camino Verde Baltimori. They have been years of learning, adventures and challenges born out of a deep commitment to care for nature and preserve biodiversity. The focus on agroforestry systems here is very interesting. We can experiment and innovate, generating valuable knowledge that we share with the native communities of Loreto.
That is why I’m proud to be part of this team that works harmoniously to protect the forest by promoting sustainable practices. Together, we create a greener future for all.
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MAURICIO ARHUIRE
Hospitality and Research Coordinator Camino Verde Baltimori
with CV since 2022
Working at Camino Verde means finding meaning in what I do. The feeling of belonging to an organization that contributes to the world motivates me to do my best. Feeling that my contribution has a greater purpose, drives me to keep going.
Living in the forest had always been a dream, and today I am not only living it, but also living with it and its inhabitants, some of them temporary and others permanent. My role here is to share experiences, but it also allows me to transmit my passion and the mission of Camino Verde, which is reflected in the impact this experience has on the lives of everyone who spend time here.
The word sharing perfectly defines what we do: whether it’s time, meals, laughter or knowledge. Everything revolves around this common ground and our deep connection with nature, which is probably what keeps us here and is reflected in our predilection for this place, its preservation and its care.
At Camino Verde every day is an opportunity to grow and connect, and I am grateful to be part of this beautiful project.
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ABRAHAM ANCÓN
Assistant Coordinator Camino Verde La Joya
with CV since 2020
I like to plant trees of different species, to help the planet where we live, to free it from atmospheric pollution, ensuring the world's population can breathe clean air.
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KLAUS BARBAGELATA
Assistant Coordinator Camino Verde Loreto
with CV since 2020
What I value most about my experience with Camino Verde is the opportunity to share knowledge horizontally with community members. The constant interaction between reforestation techniques and ancestral knowledge about the use of plants is an enriching exchange that not only fosters mutual learning, but also strengthens our connection with the local communities.
In addition, participating in communities’ cultural festivals has been a very rewarding aspect, as it allows me to immerse myself in Amazonian traditions and build a closer relationship with the community members we work with.
Working with Camino Verde fills me with pride because of the significant environmental and social impact we generate in Loreto. The projects we carry out, such as agroforestry to preserve native species and improve food security, and meliponiculture to protect native bees and provide sustainable economic income, are concrete examples of our commitment to sustainability. The opportunity to contribute to these efforts, which address both ecological preservation and community well-being, makes the work extremely valuable and motivating.
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FROILAN RODRIGUEZ
Agforestry Technician Camino Verde Baltimori
with CV since 2018
What I like most about Camino Verde's work is the planting of timber trees and medicinal plants, and the rest of the trees that bear edible fruit. All the work that is done here is worthwhile, I like it a lot.
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LIZBETH CHAVEZ
Operations assistant
with CV since 2020
We are an organization that likes to inspire, to find alternatives for the sustainable use, management and production of what nature native to the Peruvian Amazon gives us. Of course, without harming biodiversity.
We are on the lookout for hearts, for green walkers, people committed to the conservation and preservation of the forests.
We share knowledge in organic reforestation management. We value and learn the importance of each forest ecosystem: high forest, low, riverside, dry land and more.
Looking for ways to care, protect and maintain a “Green Road” for future generations. Sharing knowledge of forest management. Rebuilding the connections that Mother Nature gives us as an inheritance.
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JUAN RAFALE
Nursery & Distillation Technician Camino Verde Baltimori
with CV since 2015
In Camino Verde, what we do is reforestation, right? And I like reforestation very much. Here, more than anything else, what I’ve learned about is the plants. How to recognize them, each of the trees.
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And why does Camino Verde’s work matter… to you?
Let us know!
We’d love to hear what it is about our work you find meaningful. And what you want to hear more about from our work in future missives.
Email us at info@caminoverde.org and tell us more!
And if anything you've read today has inspired you, please consider making a donation to Camino Verde today. Your support contributes directly to the planting of trees in native communities of the Peruvian Amazon.
Our Peruvian sister organization, Camino Verde Tambopata, is known by the team in Peru as CVT.
![A flower of Ceiba pentandra, the lupuna at CV]()
A flower of Ceiba pentandra, the lupuna at CV
![CV team and visitors in Baltimori]()
CV team and visitors in Baltimori
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