From April 25 to 27, the Experimental Station El Padmi, located in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, hosted the first edition of the scientific camp for women “The Roof of My Forest,” an initiative led by Aini Chamba, a young researcher and winner of the 2024 Bio Youth competition, supported by UNESCO’s Amazon Project.

Over the course of three days, more than 20 young women took part in training, exploration, and dialogue activities focused on Amazonian biodiversity, the conservation of humid forests, and the role of women in science. The program included theoretical talks, interpretive hikes, birdwatching, bat monitoring, and creative workshops centered on the connection between nature, science, and community.

The camp aimed to strengthen female environmental leadership, promote citizen science, and raise awareness about the ecological wealth of the Podocarpus-El Cóndor Biosphere Reserve, one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. Participants also received practical training in the use of tools such as iNaturalist, mist nets, camera traps, and ecological restoration project design.

The camp is a powerful example of how youth can lead concrete actions for environmental protection and community empowerment, aligned with UNESCO’s objectives and a shared vision for a sustainable future for the Amazon.