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When a representative from Operation Wallacea came to our University and gave a talk on their overseas projects, the only question in my mind was 'where shall I go'!? I was so excited that the prospect of raising thousands of pounds to make the dream a reality was only a minor challenge, there was no doubt in my mind. I was going on an adventure and that was that!
My first thoughts were Africa - spending a month or two in the Kruger National Park surveying elephant populations, but the dates clashed with my best friend Caraline's Wedding in Greece - and seeing as I'm bridesmaid I wouldn't miss it for the world! But when I spoke to the Op Wall representative about my career goals of working with locals to protect their cultural traditions, whilst implementing sustainable conservation methods, his response was 'you want to be working with turtles in Peru'... I thought 'bloody turtles! I had enough of those in Tobago!' That was one trip that is best left in a box where it belongs! But after speaking to the guy I realised that he was right - working with scientists in the remote Peruvian Amazon really was the right choice for me. With my special affinity for Latin American culture and my decent but rusty Spanish meant I have a headstart - and with years of business and management experience apparently my skills will be a valuable resource out there. The scientists are working with the locals to maintain their vulnerable habitat - to protect their traditions of hunting local animals, but making sure that they don't hunt the animals to extinction. I'll be working for Dr Rick Bodmer who has been carrying out research on local wildlife populations for about 20 years in the Amazon. He really knows his stuff and I would love to work on a project like this in the future. In fact, there may even be a job for me after I graduate according to the Op Wall representative!
I will be helping the scientists to collect numbers of individual animal species, to monitor the success of the 'headstart' programme which was implemented many years ago. This means that they can continually reassess which species require more conservation effort and can perhaps use the format of the initiative in other parts of the Amazon.
I like the fact that the locals essentially run the show, with the scientists providing the hard data. It means that local traditions and Western concepts can be used in harmony and essentially means that everyone is happy! Although the terrain will be pretty tough going, with no contact with the outside world - I am prepared for the challenge. I'd also better dig out the sea-sickness bands as I'll be living on a boat the whole time!
I decided to extend my trip slightly and head to Macchu Piccu with GAP Adventures before my jungle adventure. How could I miss the opportunity to see one of the seven wonders of the world. I'm already in training for the ascent! I really cannot wait and have already raisied about £1000 - my target is £3000 for the whole trip. The Operation Wallacea costs and flights total over £2200! The rest is for equipment, food and accommodation whilst in country. I am having various fundraising events and will be using whatever savings I have. The price is irrelevant when it means following your dreams and being on the right path. That's my philosophy - I always find a way to do what I want!
You can watch Natural World on BBC Iplayer to find out more about the work that scientists do out in the Peruvian Amazon. In fact, Dr Rick Bodmer makes an appearance on the latest Natural World programme : http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00jjf27/Natural_World_20082009_Uakari_Secrets_of_the_English_Monkey/
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