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Before you step into the jungle, there are a few things you need to know...
Join scientist Dr Rosa Vásquez Espinoza as she uncovers one of the most unexplored regions on the planet. Growing up amid the landscape of Peru and the rainforest of the Amazon, Rosa's childhood was marked by the teachings of her grandmother. There, she was introduced to the world of traditional medicine and the rich biodiversity of the 'natural pharmacy' right outside her window. After training as a scientist, Rosa returned to the Amazon rainforest to explore its rich landscapes, and the waters teeming with life. As a leading biologist in her field, Rosa continues to explore the region through a unique blend of scientific inquiry and ancient insight from indigenous communities.
In this debut, Rosa uncovers hidden insights of the Amazon through fascinating stories from her expeditions in the jungle. Each chapter opens with a natural remedy from her pharmacopoeia – situating the reader in a specific region of the Amazon. Through her personal and engaging narrative, Rosa recounts stories from her and her team's journeys, and the many lessons they have learnt along the way. From the boiling river to the stingless bee, Rosa also shares fascinating discoveries of the unknown wonders of the Amazon – some of which will stretch beyond the realm of science to uncover the spirits of the rainforest.
In The Spirit of the Rainforest, Rosa celebrates the richness of Amazonian culture, the wonders of biodiversity, and the enduring spiritual connections between humanity and the natural world.
Dr Rosa Vásquez Espinoza is a Peruvian and Amazonian scientist, conservationist, TV presenter, award-winning artist, and National Geographic Explorer who combines her curiosity with a deep-rooted passion for nature's wonders. Today, Rosa travels to the most extreme environments in the planet from the Amazon Rainforest to Yellowstone's acidic, boiling waters to Alaska's frozen lakes searching for new biodiversity and interconnecting science with indigenous knowledge to create positive changes in the world. Dr Rosa is the founder and executive director of Amazon Research International (ARI), a foundation in Peru dedicated to advancing conservation and knowledge of Amazonian biodiversity and culture. In 2023, Rosa was named Ashaninka International Ambassador to further amplify the voices of Amazonian communities and expand conservation efforts.
