Julie Mayoud- Sept 2025
I came to South America looking for a volunteering mission. As a photographer, I wanted to explore both sociological and environmental subjects. I also wanted to contribute to development projects and improve my Spanish. When I discovered Sustainable Bolivia, I immediately felt inspired. The idea of working in the Amazon Forest—one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, but also facing serious environmental challenges—was very motivating. That’s why I joined as a grant writer and photographer. At the same time, I was eager to learn more about plants, biodiversity, and to be in direct contact with researchers so I could learn from their expertise.
After four flights and a taxi ride, I arrived at the Aquicuana Research Station. Immersion was immediate: the infrastructure is right in the heart of the reserve. What struck me first was the overwhelming sound of the forest, both at dawn and at nightfall. Waking up to the calls of birds, insects, and frogs is magical. There’s even a jungle trail with giant, ancient trees. Walking there, I felt humbled by the majesty of this ecosystem.
Life in the Amazon comes with both beauty and challenges. The forest is a powerful ecosystem that also reminds us that we are only guests here. Predators, venomous creatures, countless insects, and the tropical climate require constant awareness and respect.
The research station is relatively new. Before, volunteers and researchers were based in Riberalta, commuting daily. Now, living directly inside the reserve is a privilege: waking up in the forest, walking a short trail in the morning, and working right on site. Having electricity and internet here is a real luxury and a major achievement—it allows us to do meaningful work without leaving the jungle.
This has been an intense and transformative experience. I was the first volunteer to arrive in September, before the researchers. I met fascinating people working on jaguars, ecosystems, and water quality. We also had the chance to meet Vincent, a researcher who has been here for 25 years, and to visit the local university with him. Each encounter gave me a deeper perspective on the importance of research and conservation.
Nearby is Pisatahua, a retreat center for plant medicine. Through Sustainable Bolivia I had the chance to meet people from there as well, which created beautiful human connections. I also met the Kay Pacha team—Brian and Joseph—who came to film a documentary. Along with them came Natalia and Ximena, two curanderas from Ecuador (they don’t like the word “shamans,” which feels too commercial). Their warmth and humanity inspired me to take part in an ayahuasca ceremony—an unforgettable life experience.
I have enjoyed contributing as a grant writer, which means identifying opportunities, applying for funds, and then seeing projects come to life. It is very rewarding to be part of the process that transforms an idea into reality. I contributed to two projects: a hydroponic garden for the research station, offering a soil-free way to grow fruits and vegetables in a climate where agriculture is difficult, and a solar energy expansion project. At present, the batteries run down on cloudy days or during long rains, affecting essential needs. I am glad that my work is helping to secure funding for the expansion of the solar capacity.
I also joined Leah in the after-school programs organized by Sustainable Bolivia. Spending time with the children of Warnes village, photographing them, and seeing their joy in learning was moving.
For me as a photographer, Aquicuana is an extraordinary subject. But photographing here requires patience: animals are hard to see in the dense jungle, even when you hear them close by. Sometimes you wait a long time for the right light or movement. Photography is a lot about listening—to the forest, to people, to the moment. When photographing people, children for example, the camera becomes a bridge, opening a window onto their culture and allowing for connection.
Finally, life at the station is also about community. We shared meals, outings to Riberalta and to the nearby lake, and daily contact with Jackeline and Ely, our wonderful cooks. These simple moments created strong bonds and made this experience truly unforgettable. I am grateful to Erik, Sasha, and Leah for building and welcoming me into this project. I will carry the lessons, the encounters, and the memories from this time with me for the rest of my life.