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

Guardians of the Forest

Forest conservation right there on the ground

Our team at Secret Forest

In Peru, local forest guardians ensure the protection of our areas. They regularly monitor the land from the river, through foot patrols, drone flights and sensors; they maintain contact with the local community and lead environmental education and Agrofort projects.

In this way, by protecting their native forests, they can earn a sustainable livelihood that offers an alternative to logging, hunting or gold mining.

Forest guardians are local people who have a great deal of experience and extensive knowledge of the forest.

Locals with locals

Forest guardians are local people who have a great deal of experience and extensive knowledge of the forest. Therefore, alongside safeguarding the protected areas, another important task is leading environmental education projects with people from the surrounding villages or towns. In this way, they pass on their knowledge and experience to the local community and inspire them to protect the forests.

As guides, forest guardians also lead and support our international expedition teams in monitoring and documenting the protection of these areas, or in carrying out research projects.

Guido Nuñez

Forest Guardian

I’m originally from the highlands of Peru and I’m proud of my roots in Arequipa. I’ve known the jungle for many years. My children were born in Madre de Dios. I fell in love with the jungle straight away and carried out many important construction projects for the city, such as the Madre de Dios obelisk. I have considered myself a lover of biodiversity and an expert on flora and fauna since I was 20 years old. I am delighted to be part of WI because I appreciate its approach to protecting nature and preserving what little remains of our wonderful forests.
Xiomara Banegas

Forest Guardian

My career in nature conservation began in Peru – I wanted to protect the rainforest. After studying environmental engineering and completing a research placement with Wilderness International, I became a forest ranger. There, I worked directly with researchers studying amphibians, mammals and birds, and honed my skills in wildlife monitoring.
Today, I collect biological data in our protected areas – to inform decisions that safeguard fragile ecosystems. The rainforest teaches me something new every day. Every day brings surprises in the form of colours, sounds and shapes you’d never otherwise discover. That’s the best thing about this job.
Branco Francisco Montalvan

Forest Guardian

I grew up in the Peruvian city of Iquitos, in the eastern part of the Peruvian jungle, and even as a child I was taught to protect the jungle and its natural beauty. With Wilderness International, I can now do just that and, as a forest ranger, work to combat deforestation and poaching in intact ecosystems to prevent further human impact. My skills in operating drones, outboard motors, ATVs, motorbikes, GPS and seasonal radio communications come in handy every day.
Omar Torres Martinez

Forest Guardian

I was born in the Peruvian Amazon, in the Madre de Dios region. I have lived surrounded by nature since childhood, and as an adult I have worked primarily in public institutions such as Osinfor, Serfor and others, for the benefit of the forests. I have always been drawn to the idea of nurturing and conserving the flora and fauna of my region. That is why I consider myself fortunate to be working at Wilderness International Peru. Every day, I learn anew to appreciate the Amazon and to contribute my knowledge for the benefit of the rainforest and future generations of forest conservationists.
Guimo Granados Isita

Forest Guardian

I’ve just come from Puerto Maldonado, right in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. I work for Wilderness International because it gives me the chance to do what I love, which is protecting nature and its wildlife. I learn new and exciting things every day and am proud to be part of this group of forest conservationists!
Luis David Guzmán Lomas

Forest Guardian

Hello, I’m Luis David Guzmán Lomas, a forest ranger in the Amazon region. My job is to protect and preserve this unique and diverse ecosystem. My day-to-day work involves patrolling the trails, monitoring the activities of people and animals, and educating local communities about the importance of nature conservation. Our aim is to protect the Amazon’s biodiversity and ensure that human activities do not harm the ecosystem. To achieve this, we work closely with local communities and authorities.
Henry Torres Martínez

Forest Guardian

I was born in Puerto Maldonado in the Madre de Dios region – where our conservation areas are also located. I began working in Tambopata National Park in 2001 as a park ranger dedicated to nature conservation. Since then, I have come to realise the importance of environmental protection, as it guarantees and safeguards the ecosystem services provided by nature, which help us to meet our basic needs. And today, I am proud to be part of Wilderness International Peru and to be able to contribute my knowledge and experience to the Forest Guardians. As this is a nature reserve that faces many challenges from people with illegal intentions, I say with one voice: YES WE CAN!
Ezequiel Quezada Taricuarima

Forest Guardian

Working at Wilderness International gives me the opportunity to do what is closest to my heart, namely conserving and caring for the environment – because this is of fundamental importance to our future. As a forest ranger, I am committed to protecting biodiversity, promoting sustainability and combating the deforestation of our forests. Only by working together can we make a difference!
Luis Marvin Perez Salazar

Forest Guardian

I grew up in Puerto Maldonado, surrounded by nature. That’s why I work for Wilderness International – to do my bit to protect our forests.

My path hasn’t been a straight one. I’m a graphic designer and computer technician, but I left that career behind me a long time ago. Instead, I became a ranger in nature reserves – which is how I ended up at Wilderness International Peru.

What drives me every day: treks through the jungle with unexpected wildlife sightings. Boat trips on the rivers, where the landscapes and sunsets are simply breathtaking.

I’m grateful to be part of this team. Here, I’m constantly learning new things from people from all over the world. You’re my daily motivation!
Jhon Fasabi

Forest Guardian

I come from Pucallpa, in the heart of the Peruvian jungle. Ever since I was a child, I have lived surrounded by the natural diversity of the Peruvian jungle. Thanks to the support of a good friend, I joined Wilderness International Peru and was immediately fascinated by the idea of using my knowledge of the rainforest for such a noble cause: protecting nature and, in doing so, securing a future worth living for humanity.
Eudes Pashanaste

Forest Guardian

Before joining Wilderness International Peru, I spent 10 years in the army and worked, amongst other things, in the VREAM – a dangerous area known for drug cultivation, trafficking and widespread violence.

At Wilderness International, I am dedicated to the safety and upkeep of our nature reserves. Over time, this job has taught me to love nature, and I now consider myself an environmentalist through and through. As a forest ranger, I am prepared to protect our reserves with my life. I want to be a better person every day and keep learning new things so that I can do a better job every day – for us and for nature.
Lenin Sangama Panduro

Forest Guardian

I was born and brought up in the rainforest region. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved the stories my grandparents told me about the spirits of the forests. When I close my eyes, I can still hear the sound of the birds at my grandparents’ house and remember how I used to listen to an owl’s call every evening.
Not everyone has the same connection to nature – which is why I find it all the more important to share the experiences from my childhood, spent surrounded by forests and wild animals. I want to do my bit for nature conservation every day – even though I know I can’t do it on my own. But I’ll do my part, and I’m grateful to be able to realise one of my many dreams at Wilderness International: protecting our rainforest and its inhabitants!
Ner Charun Arirama Sabalbascoa

Forest Guardian

I come from Pucallpa, a city situated in the heart of the Amazon region. I have known the rainforest since I was a child and grew up in harmony with this ecosystem. Nevertheless, my path first took me to the big city, and I worked for a long time as an entrepreneur in Lima.

But when I heard that Wilderness International was looking for forest rangers, I didn’t hesitate to apply for this important role and return to the forest that I know so well. I am very happy to be able to contribute to the care and protection of this habitat. The thought of my parents also motivates me, as the forest provides their livelihood too. By protecting it, I can also give something back to my parents.
Gilberto Macedo Tapullima

Forest Guardian

I come from the Peruvian Amazon, in the Loreto region, so the rainforest has always been a part of my life.
One of the memories that has shaped me most comes from Tambopata, when I saw the majestic flight of a harpy eagle for the first time. That moment sparked a deep admiration for wildlife within me, along with a desire to help protect it. I am delighted to now be able to help protect this forest as a forest ranger with Wilderness International.

As conservationists, we do vital work, because illegal logging, deforestation and illegal mining are destroying our flora and fauna – and with them, one of our planet’s most important sources of oxygen. We must make our children and everyone else aware that the forest is the most important source of life for us humans, and we must look after our planet.
Christian Alexander Lázaro Huaytalla

Forest Guardian

I’m from Lima and travelled to Puerto Maldonado when I heard that Wilderness International was looking for new forest rangers. My motivation is to help protect our natural environment.
I love being out and about in our protected areas with the other forest rangers and actively working towards a common goal: protecting nature and the animals that live there. Every day brings new challenges, and the rainforest has new lessons in store for me. This motivates me and helps me to keep learning, put my knowledge into practice and push myself to new heights.
Humberto Shuña Acho

Boss

Hello, I’m Humberto Shuña Acho. I’m very pleased to be part of Wilderness because we’re committed to caring for and protecting the environment. I’m ready to take on this challenge and to care for and protect nature, as it is the basis of our existence and therefore irreplaceable.
Guillermo Melito Arirama Salbabascoa

Boat Driver

I am a boatman and forest ranger in the Peruvian Amazon. My role is to protect and preserve the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem by working with local communities to ensure the sustainability and resilience of the rainforest.
Hugo Yaicate Sánchez

Forest Guardian

I work as a forest ranger for Wilderness International Peru in the Peruvian Amazon and am delighted to be part of this organisation, which is dedicated to environmental conservation.

Life in the city was stressful, but working outdoors and being in contact with nature and all the wild animals that surround us has changed my way of thinking. I have committed myself to the task of caring for and protecting these forests to prevent their destruction. For me, nature itself is like a work of art, an open book for all to see, and the true way to care for it is through dedication and respect.