Tropical rainforests are by far the world's richest ecosystems. Amongst them, Amazonia is the largest area of virgin rainforest on earth. But Amazonia is not one huge monogenous rainforest. Its highest biodiversity is found in the southwestern part of the Amazon basin. There, in the Peruvian corner, the ecosystem has been enriched by species from the mighty Andean mountains and from the nearby pampas. They have pushed the biodiversity up to figures not dreamt of anywhere else on earth. Over 1300 butterfly species have been recorded in an area of only 55 km2, far less than the size of any big city. More ant species (43) were collected from a single tree than in the whole of Great Britain.

Furthermore, 500 years of colonization have never really affected this region, its remoteness guaranteed by the steep Andean mountains on one side, and the thousands of kilometers of rivers to the Atlantic on the other side. Jaguars still roam freely. Several species of monkeys, colorful macaws and the harpy eagle (the aerial top predator) are seen regularly. Giant otters and black caymans, wiped out elsewhere by hunters for their skin, have found their last resorts here. Recent human activities, like farming and the pursuit of timber, gold and oil, have become serious threats, but growing environmental awareness, re-evalution of the traditional, indigenous lifestyle and booming ecotourism are positive signs. This has already resulted in the creation of several nature reserves of growing international fame. Everybody has heard about the bleak future for the tropical rainforests and about the accelerating loss of species, conservatively estimated to be 3 per hour!

The key to conservation is knowledge. Without it the urge to conserve is not truly felt. A growing number of lodges serve the needs of adult ecotourists, but young people might be the real key to conservation. That's why we started Sachavacayoc Centre, the centre for education and conservation on the Rio Tambopata in the Madre de Dios region of Peru, one of the biological 'hotspots' of the world. Here we provide flexible programmes for students of all ages, to experience, study, appreciate and respect the rainforest. Activities range from camping to experimental fieldwork, from assisting scientists in gathering data, to raftbuilding and canopy exploration.