Group of people holding Wilderness International sign at riverbank in Peru. Diverse team poses together outdoors.

Projects in Peru

Conservation and education on the ground

Turning conservation into action

Our work in Peru spans two extraordinary rainforests: Tambopata and Manu, both in the biodiverse Madre de Dios region. We work closely with local communities and partners because we believe lasting conservation is only possible when the people who know and care for these places are part of it. Together, we strengthen rainforest knowledge, support sustainable livelihoods, and advance conservation on the ground.

Forest Guardians

Local Forest Guardians help protect our forests in Peru. They bring deep knowledge of the rainforest and maintain a regular presence in our protected areas through inspections, river patrols, drone flights, and sensors. They stay in contact with local communities, monitor for illegal activities, while supporting our research, environmental education, and agroforestry projects.

Meet the Guardians

Two hikers wade through a shallow stream in a lush rainforest surrounded by dense green vegetation.

Agroforestry

In December 2023, we launched our agroforestry project in Madre de Dios to support local families in developing sustainable sources of income while reducing pressure on the rainforest.

Working with local agroforestry pioneers Camino Verde and Fundo Ten Paciencia, we help farmers learn about agroforestry and sustainable cultivation practices. The project includes initiatives such as the production of wild bee honey and other forest-friendly products.

Explore agroforestry

Two people examine corn plants in a field while recording observations in a notebook.

WIPerú Educa

WIPerú Educa connects children and communities with the rainforest and the wildlife that depends on it. Coordinated by biologist and entomologist Thalia Hurtado Zegarra, the program brings environmental education into schools and communities across Madre de Dios through themed events, school projects, and visits to our research station in the Secret Forest.

By helping people better understand the rainforest and its importance, the program aims to inspire greater appreciation for the ecosystem and support its long-term protection.

Learn about the program

Group of approximately 20 people of varying ages posing together in front of a green wooden building with a garden.

Research scholarships

We offer research scholarships to Peruvian students and early-career professionals studying fields such as biology, botany, and environmental science. Scholarship recipients spend four weeks working alongside our researchers in the rainforest, gaining hands-on experience in biodiversity research and fieldwork.

The program helps build local research capacity and encourages a new generation of Peruvian researchers to contribute to conservation.

Explore scholarships