Internships with Semillas Life
Based in the Huánuco region of Peru, Semillas Life is a NGO taking a multilayered approach to rainforest conservation. The organization’s aim is to help protect the Peruvian Amazon through youth and community development. Their belief is that the way to create long-lasting change in how locals treat the rainforest is by working alongside them to build skills which lead to the development of sustainable practices and the creation of new job opportunities. In this way, they not only reduce regional poverty, but reduce the need for activities that harm the rainforest like logging and illegal gold mining.
The organization operates on a number of levels. They provide disadvantaged children with English lessons and a safe space to grow and learn, whilst fostering a deep, respectful connection with nature and helping them to understand the need for environmental conservation. They also work to create an infrastructure for sustainable tourism in the area, thus incentivizing protection of the rainforest whilst boosting economic development for local communities. The aim of all their work is to create an enduring change in our relationship with the environment and reduce destruction of the Amazon Rainforest.
