Podcasts

Episode 4: Bridging the Amazon

Saving Wildlife with Innovative Solutions and Indigenous Wisdom

Join Kate Humble, broadcaster and Ambassador of the Whitley Fund For Nature, as she explores the groundbreaking efforts to protect the Amazon Rainforest’s incredible biodiversity. In this podcast episode, we delve into the innovative work of Fernanda Abra, a conservationist dedicated to saving arboreal mammals from road collisions.

Download an episode transcript here.

The Amazon Rainforest, a vital ecosystem spanning eight countries and home to 10% of the world’s species, faces unprecedented threats from infrastructure development. Roads cut through the forest, endangering wildlife on the move. Discover how Fernanda Abra’s ingenious canopy bridges provide a lifeline for these creatures, enabling them to traverse dangerous roads safely.

Through collaboration with the Waimiri-Atroari Indigenous community, Fernanda’s project not only mitigates road impacts but also highlights the indispensable role of Indigenous knowledge in conservation. This episode captures the essence of their joint effort, revealing the remarkable story of these canopy bridges and their transformative impact on the forest’s wildlife.

Episode Highlights:

  • The challenges faced by wildlife in the Amazon due to expanding road networks.
  • The role of canopy bridges in providing safe passage for arboreal (tree-dwelling) mammals.
  • The vital partnership with the Waimiri-Atroari and their deep-rooted knowledge of the forest.
  • The innovative solutions used to build and maintain these bridges.

Tune in to learn how a simple yet revolutionary idea is making a profound difference in the heart of the Amazon. Explore the hopeful strides being made towards preserving one of the world’s most precious ecosystems.

How to Save It is a podcast by the Whitley Fund for Nature, highlighting ingenious solutions from the world’s leading conservationists. New episodes are available every Friday. Listen and rate on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

If you’re leading a grassroots conservation project in the Global South, apply for a Whitley Award today.