News
Ancestral Tides Annual Report
Sea turtles are living ambassadors from a deep and distant past. For Indigenous cultures along the coast, these ancient, 100 million-year-old creatures embody wisdom, endurance, and the power of creation. Through our Ancestral Tides program, the Amazon Conservation Team partners with Indigenous and local communities to protect sea turtles and the coastal ecosystems they call…
Read MoreThe Lost City, Hallucinogens, & Shamans
The Plants of the Gods Podcast, hosted by renowned ethnobotanist and ACT President and Co-Founder Dr. Mark Plotkin, is back June 4 for its seventh season! The first episode delves into the enduring allure of lost cities—a captivating blend of mystery, adventure, and the promise of forgotten knowledge. Mark recounts his journey as part of…
Read MoreColombia Embraces Indigenous Health as National Policy
Last month, in a historic act, Colombia’s national government formally adopted the Indigenous Intercultural Health System (SISPI) as national public policy by signing Decree 480. The President signed the decree alongside representatives from the Minga Indigena and other organizations from across Colombia. Indigenous organizations, Colombia’s Ministry of Health, and other state entities worked together for…
Read MoreA Return to Ulupuwene: Indigenous-Led Conservation in Brazil
Ulupuwene, within the Batovi Indigenous Territory of Brazil, has a special place in the heart of ACT. It is a small community of courageous Waura people, led by Chief and Pajé (shaman) Eleukah and his wife Kapi, who is also a powerful shaman. We met a little over two decades ago, and since then, together,…
Read MoreMeet the Amazon Tapir: The Rainforest’s Gentle Giant
Every April 27, we celebrate World Tapir Day—a chance to shine a spotlight on one of the Amazon’s most unique and underappreciated animals: the tapir. Often described as a cross between a pig and an anteater, the Amazon tapir (also known as the South American tapir or lowland tapir) is neither. In fact, its closest…
Read MoreFinding Climate Optimism in the Amazon this Earth Day
Earth Day, celebrated this Tuesday, is a global reminder to reflect on the health of our planet. And right now, there’s no sugarcoating it—the biosphere’s vital signs are concerning. The past decade has been the hottest on record. Droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes are growing more intense. The climate crisis feels more real than ever. But…
Read More“Intangible Zone” Documentary Highlights the Protection of Isolated Indigenous Peoples
Discover the upcoming documentary Intangible Zone, focusing on the protection of the isolated Yuri-Passé people in the Colombian Amazon. Directed by Greg Méndez López, this film highlights the importance of safeguarding Indigenous cultures and the Amazon ecosystem. Join the sneak preview screening with insights from the director and experts.
Read MoreThe Unresolved Fight For Indigenous Land Rights In Suriname: UPDATE
UPDATE: A Critical Moment With just over a month left in the current government’s term, recent legislative changes in Suriname threaten to halt enormous momentum toward finally codifying fundamental rights for the country’s Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in national law. These changes undermine international human rights commitments, including the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed…
Read MoreLegendary Field Botanist and ACT Honored by Surinamese Government
Surinamese Minister of the Environment Marciano Dasai recognized legendary field botanist Frits van Troon along with other members of the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) for their outstanding contributions to forest conservation in the region. The recognition took place during a special event at TBL Cinemas, where the life of field botanist Van Troon, 89, was…
Read MoreThe Amazon Rainforest: Fascinating Facts About Its Importance and Biodiversity
The Amazon Rainforest represents one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth, home to an incredible variety of plants, animals, and indigenous tribes. As the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon is crucial not only for its biodiversity but also for its role in regulating the global climate and supporting human life. As a result,…
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