His commitment extends to the ongoing struggle against destructive illegal mining activities that threaten the river’s integrity. As complaints go unheeded by authorities, José continues to pen articles in national and international media and via his blog, “A Viva Voz Iquitos“. In recognition of his efforts, José was honoured as an Environmental Defender by the Peruvian legislative congress in 2017. José is driven by a vision of safeguarding nature and preserving the vibrant cultural heritage of his people, the Kukama indigenous peoples, one of 51 officially recognised in the Peruvian Amazon. “Water is part of our culture, it is intrinsic to the Amazon.”

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