A boat throttles upstream on Rio Beni in the Bolivian rainforest. I always struggle with the heat, humidity and relentless bug bites, but, it surely is a magical place. I truly love being on the river and listening to the sounds murmuring from within the depths of the seemingly impermeable jungle canopy. It is a fragile ecosystem that is being largely destroyed by strip mining, gas exploration, deforestation and encroaching development. However, how are we the west able to tell people that have no other options for work and money to not engage in these lucrative economic drivers? These seemingly terrible practices put food on their family's tables, allow them to have a few small luxuries and provide us with our beautiful hardwood floors, kitchen cabinets, cell phones, televisions, computers, jewelry etc...It is such a complicated reality, and I have no panacea. What I do know is that this is an incredible place that is essential to preserve for our earth's well-being ...maybe by providing alternatively viable economic options to those that live in the region. We also need to curve our appetite in the west for unnecessary luxury items and cut down on the demand. I am guilty as charged and am trying to make small changes. Being conscious to the realities and making baby steps is a great start!
An afternoon storm sweeps across the Sacred Valley creating dramatic light.
Afternoon light reflects all its beauty in the small and isolated community of Cochamarka in Q'eros, Peru.
