At Mamoní Valley Preserve, protecting the rainforest takes more than fences or boundaries on a map. It takes people who know the land, understand its surroundings and are willing to put in the work to protect it. The Mamoní Guardians play an important role in that effort.

Their responsibilities go beyond walking forest trails. Through regular patrols, they monitor the territory, document what they observe and report potential threats. They also use tools such as GPS and smartphones to record information and help keep track of what’s happening across the Valley. It’s practical, hands-on work that calls for observation, teamwork and a good understanding of the landscape.

Just as important is the knowledge local people bring to conservation. They know the territory and its communities, and with the right training and equipment, they can turn that familiarity into valuable conservation skills. Research highlighted by the World Bank on conservation employment also shows how creating opportunities for local residents can strengthen efforts to protect forests.

At MVP, the Guardians bring these elements together through their work on the ground.

Their efforts help monitor the valley and support the long-term protection of its forests. After all, looking after a rainforest takes plenty of natural resources, but one of the most important is human: people who know the land and care enough to look after it.

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