AMAZON RESERVE FOR PEACE
One of the distinguishing features of SELVA-Vida Sin Fronteras is that it the only NGO specialized in sustainable development that owns and operates two field bases, incorporated within 200 hectares of primary and flooded forest,– latitude 00 06′ 49.85″ longitude 76 10′ 39.13″ -situated at the head waters of the Amazon River basin and in the heart of the most species rich tract of Tropical Rainforests in the world.
On September 28th 2004, Dr. Gustavo Lopez Ospina, Regional Director of UNESCO for Latin America and the Caribbean and Mariana Almeida, Executive President of SELVA-Vida sin Fronteras, subscribed a “General Agreement of Cooperation” in-between the two institutions, which outlined strategies to enhance the welfare of Amazon Indigenous societies, sustainable development, scientific research, education and environment protection.
On January 31st. 2006, UNESCO bestowed the accolade of “Amazon Reserve for Peace” for our Aguarico 3 and Aguas Negras centres. Dr. Lopez Ospina stated: “Peace is an inalienable right for all forms of life. A permanent presence and social interaction in the field is paramount to understanding reality, especially if our common objective is to actively address critical human and environmental issues. The work of SELVA-Vida Sin Fronteras, the professionalism of its human resources and it’s installed assets in the Ecuadorian Amazon, warrants this particular distinction”.
DR. GUSTAVO LÓPEZ OSPINA, UNESCO DIRECTOR FOR LATIN AMERICAN AND THE CARIBEAN MARIANA ALMEIDA, SIGNING THE DECLARATION “AMAZON RESERVE FOR PEACE”
All SELVA-Vida Sin Fronteras Direct Action activities, educational and research programs are coordinated from our Amazon Reserve for Peace Aguarico 3 Centre. With a permanent staff of 5 field specialists, the facility consists of a medical clinic, a laboratory to diagnose tropical diseases, a dock for the fluvial ambulances, five cottages with 10 suites, with private bathrooms, to accommodate 20 people, conference spaces, restaurant, kitchen, lounges, maintenance area and storage facilities.
