The End of an Era

After over 6 years of intensive research and community development work in and around the Yachana Reserve, GVI Amazon is coming to a close. We have finished our final research project (look forward to our Road Effects paper, coming soon!) and are handing over the project to our partner, The Yachana Foundation. They will continue to maintain and monitor the reserve, using it as an hands-on science education center for students -- we're very excited to see what fabulous things this next generation of scientists find! For more detail on GVI Amazon's closure, and our accomplishments over the years, please read on...
GVI Amazon Closure Statement

Sunday, September 12, 2010

End of Another Expedition Phase

What can be said of the last five weeks,

In the Jungles of Ecuador through its rivers and creeks?

There’s been so much that’s happened it’s actually insane,

And to tell of it all would be to much to explain.

So perhaps a brief poem on what to expect,

A reminder of good times not to forget.


It’s always quite busy here at Amazon GVI,

And with so many surveys time really does fly.

If on Amphibs your sure to catch kichwarum frogs,

And the occasional bilinguis in detritus filled logs.

Anything with birds and you’ll be up early for sure,

And if on point counts with jen, she’ll have hundreds while you have four!


The butterfly surveys with Edwin are great,

Despite the fact that he makes you eat fermented banana bait!

When going out in the forest there’s things not to forget,

You’re map, compass and whistle and the expectation to sweat,

And should things go more than slightly wrong in the field,

No need to worry the EFR gang will ensure your healed!


When not out on surveys chilling out is the best,

The hammocks in the commodore allow for optimum rest.

During my time here the three T’s have taken hold,

The ways of Trix, Tang and Tiger Balm will never get old.

And if you’re ever bored or things are not that exciting,

Saturday nights and week seven antics always make quite the sighting!


Towards the end of the trip you will meet Hector at Yasuni,

Where you’ll climb trees, eat ants and see more than agoutis!

But inevitably, as ever, time goes too fast,

And just as you’ve settled all the weeks have passed.

Sitting here now while everyone starts to pack,

I find my self smiling as I stop and think back.


So I guess it’s now time for the big cheesy end,

The friends and the memories will stick to the end!


Sophie Lentzos - GVI Amazon volunteer Aug-Sep 2010
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