Echoes of the Rainforest

In ‘Echoes of the Rainforest’ Dael Sassoon and Encarni Montoya, palaeoecology specialists at Geosciences Barcelona (GEO3BCN-CSIC) research institute, join forces with Peruvian environmental researchers and indigenous communities in the Pacaya-Samiria National Park to explore the critical work of studying, protecting and conserving Amazonian ecosystems. This short documentary offers a rare insight into how palaeoecology, through the detailed analysis of pollen samples, helps to understand climate change and its role in the conservation of the Amazon. The documentary highlights the vital collaboration between international research teams, Peru's scientific community, environmental activists and indigenous communities, highlighting conservation efforts and the central role of palaeoecology in uncovering the Amazon's past to anticipate its future. Filmed in July 2024 in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, the documentary amplifies the voices of the people most affected by climate change and other threats resulting from anthropogenic activities, such as oil extraction. Echoes of the Rainforest' highlights the urgent need to preserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Amazon before its ecological and cultural integrity is irreversibly lost. This documentary was produced for the MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions) project PALOMA, funded by the European Union. In association with GEO3BCN-CSIC Geoscience Barcelona. Supported by Craghoppers UK. Special collaboration with independent music artists Jonsjooel ("So Many Ways") and Gadi Sassoon ("Organico"). All other tracks and B-rolls were procured under license by Envato. We are grateful for the support of the Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana (IIAP). Thank you to the indigenous communities of Veinte de Enero and Parinari for agreeing to host and speak to us, and for generously sharing their wisdom with us. Thanks also to SERNANP for the providing the filming licenses that made this project possible (filming permit: AUTORIZACIÓN Nº049-2024-SERNANP-RNPSA).