My life in the Amazon rainforest

I spent one year as a weltwärts volunteer in the Peruvian jungle, where I worked for the NGO Camino Verde. As well as gaining insights into the relationship between nature conservation and local economic structures, I also got the opportunity to build myself a house from fallen trees and make my own chocolate. My time there was extremely rewarding.

Why I chose Camino Verde

Camino Verde works to protect biodiversity in the Madre de Dios and Loreto regions of the Amazon. These areas are severely threatened by deforestation, agriculture and illegal gold mining. While working for Camino Verde, I soon learnt that environmental degradation often has social causes such as poverty and the absence of alternatives, which is precisely what the organisation is seeking to redress.

What makes Camino Verde special is that it operates on the principle that nature conservation goes hand in hand with improving the living conditions of local people. The rainforest can only be protected if local communities have sustainable ways of earning a living.

A core element of this is agroforestry, which involves cultivating a diverse range of native plants in mixed systems that resemble the natural rainforest. These systems conserve soil and promote biodiversity, while providing stable sources of income in the same stroke.

Daily life in the Amazon

I worked at the Baltimori centre, located in the heart of the rainforest near the Tambopata National Reserve. A large swathe of the territory is unspoiled primary forest, while other areas have been reforested with native tree species over the course of many years. These mixed systems combine various species of plant – ranging from trees for timber, nuts and fruit to medicinal herbs – and are based on the natural composition of the rainforest.

It didn’t take long for me to realise how special this place is. The remarkable thing about the centre is that it is dedicated to researching how sustainable agriculture and reforestation can work in conjunction and demonstrating this in practice.

My daily life had a clear structure, but was nevertheless very varied. For the most part, I was working outdoors in nature. A large part of my work took place in the tree nursery, where I planted seeds and seedlings, watered plants and took care of the stock. In the agroforestry systems, I pruned trees and light vegetation and planted new species.

Looking after our animals was part of our work too – I fed chickens and ducks and collected eggs, which helped to keep us self-sufficient. I also regularly harvested fruit, including bananas, pineapples and cacao. I had never heard of many of these plants before, which made the work particularly interesting. Sometimes it even involved climbing palm trees, which I thought was fantastic fun.

A special experience: making cacao into chocolate

As well as working in the great outdoors, I also helped out in the workshop. I built simple furniture and assisted with repairs. I found the woodwork especially fascinating: together with a co-worker, I processed fallen trees into planks and beams, which we then assembled into a building. I found it exciting to be part of the whole process of turning a tree into a house.

One of my most memorable experiences was processing cacao into chocolate. I took part in every step of the process: from harvesting the fruit to fermenting, drying, roasting and milling the beans. It made me realise how much work goes into a product that we take completely for granted when we buy it in the supermarket.

What I learnt about sustainable development

Even though I mostly worked at the Baltimori centre, where my role was not directly concerned with people from the indigenous population, I did learn a great deal about projects involving local communities. My two best friends in Puerto Maldonado were both from indigenous communities, some of which Camino Verde specifically works with. This taught me so much about language, culture, childhood and current problems affecting these communities.

I was particularly impressed by how successfully sustainable approaches are implemented in these communities – for example, by using diverse agroforestry systems or beekeeping with native bees.

My understanding of nature conservation has been fundamentally transformed. Now I know that just planting trees isn’t enough. Truly sustainable solutions must also be economically and socially viable. As well as specialist knowledge, I’ve also gained lots of practical skills: working with tools, tending plants and developing a deeper understanding of craftsmanship. At the same time, I improved my teamwork skills. I’m particularly proud that I picked up almost fluent Spanish along the way.

Living in Puerto Maldonado changed me as a person too. The simple way of life, manual labour and intimate connection with nature have given me a sense of tranquillity and balance. At the same time, being away from my usual environment changed my perspective on consumption and lifestyle.

What has stayed with me from this year

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful. I have a new-found connection with nature and have developed a better understanding of global interdependencies. This experience has been a truly special chapter of my life. My volunteer service at Camino Verde will stay with me for many years after my return.