Javier Velásquez and the Amazon rainforest that captivates children

Since childhood, Javier Velásquez has been in love with nature and Amazonian culture, thanks to the places his grandfather took him to visit. Many years later, this biologist and activist dedicated to the conservation of our fauna and flora fulfilled his dream of working on a project in the Private Conservation Area (ACP) “Amazon Biopark: Huayo Forest,” located in the district of San Juan Bautista, province of Maynas, in the Loreto region, which was the winner of the “Conservamos por Naturaleza Scholarship – Carlos Ponce del Prado 2022.“

”Strengthening the learning experience in the forest through improvements in the environmental interpretation script and educational circuit“ of this PCA was the name of this work, which features the animated character ”Huayo.” The idea is that the vast majority of children in Iquitos who are unfamiliar with the forest will be attracted to it and become aware of it from an early age, says Christian Vélez of the Amazon Forever organization and coordinator of the “Bosques de Huayo” project.

“Finding a place where children can have positive contact with the forest, where they can feel love and pride for the Amazon they are part of, is a great achievement,” says Javier Velásquez, also director of the Amazon Rescue Center (CREA). In Huayo, children can learn more about rivers, rescued manatees, white sand areas, jungle searches, and other activities that will spark their interest and concern for nature.

Thanks to the Conservamos por Naturaleza grant, Velásquez highlights the substantial improvements in Huayo’s interpretive script, as well as improvements to the circuits, trails, and environmental interpretation modules, which have made it possible to use communication tools that enhance visitors’ connection with nature. By 2024, thousands of children will have visited Huayo and enjoyed a unique experience of contact with the forest, thanks to its educational tours and workshops.

Following the various improvements made to the “Bosque de Huayo” thanks to the award granted by the Peruvian Society for Environmental Law (SPDA) and other organizations, Huayo has broadened its horizons. According to Christian Vélez, in September 2024, the Education Department of the Regional Government of Loreto signed an agreement to implement this educational method in 14 educational institutions in the region to generate greater awareness of nature through stories, songs, and other artistic activities.