By Liza Sweitzer
Former Student of the Rehearsing Change Program
Former Team Member of Fundación Pachaysana
As an alum of the Rehearsing Change study abroad program, my time in the Amazon was nothing short of transformative. I arrived in Ecuador eager to learn about a new culture, language, and environment. But what I didn't expect was how deeply I would be touched by the realities of life in the Amazon, especially the devastating effects of deforestation.
Living in this biodiverse yet vulnerable ecosystem, I saw firsthand the challenges that the indigenous communities face—and the incredible resilience they demonstrate in protecting their land.
Witnessing Deforestation
When I first set foot in the Amazon, I was struck by its breathtaking beauty. The dense canopy, a symphony of wildlife sounds, and the river winding through the heart of the forest made it clear why this place is often called the "lungs of the Earth." However, it didn’t take long for me to see another side of this paradise.
During my semester, I traveled to several communities plagued by extractive industries & deforestation. Once thick forests teeming with life had been reduced to barren patches of land. The soil was polluted with sticky oil, and incinerated insects burned from the Flare Stack.
The sounds of machinery replaced the sounds of animals. These tangible differences were stark reminders of the pressures that the Amazon faces from various extractive industries. They weren't just statistics or headlines; they were the everyday reality for the people who called this land home.
Learning from the Communities
One of the most impactful parts of my experience was living with Indigenous families who are on the front lines of this battle. I learned that the forest is not just a resource for them but a living source of their life, culture, and identity. Every tree, plant, and animal has a place in their world, and their relationship with the land is deeply spiritual.
Deforestation threatens all of that. As I listened to their stories, I heard how the loss of the jungle not only impacts the environment but also erodes traditional knowledge and cultural practices.
The elders spoke of how the younger generation is losing touch with the ways of their ancestors – their native language, traditional farming, medicinal recipes – as the forest that once provided for them is disappearing.
Yet, amid these challenges, I also witnessed incredible resilience and innovation. Through the Humans for Abundance (H4A) program, indigenous communities are not only fighting back against deforestation but also reclaiming their role as stewards of the land.
I watched women plant native species in degraded areas, revive forest gardens, and share their knowledge with the next generation. These efforts are more than just environmental actions; they are a way of preserving a way of life.
Empowering Those Who Can Make a Difference
My time in the Amazon was a journey of transformation—not just for the land but also for myself. I came to realize that the fight against deforestation is not just an environmental issue; it is a human one.
It is about standing in solidarity with communities that have been marginalized for centuries and who now face the added pressure of climate change and environmental degradation.
Through the Rehearsing Change program, I learned the importance of being an ally in this struggle. It's not about imposing solutions from the outside but about supporting the incredible work that communities like those in the Amazon are already doing.
The Humans for Abundance program is a perfect example. It empowers Indigenous people, especially women, to take the lead in restoring their forests and building sustainable livelihoods, creating a ripple effect that benefits us all.
Call to Action: From Witness to Co-Restorer
As someone who has witnessed the effects of deforestation firsthand, I feel a deep responsibility to share this story. The Amazon is not a distant rainforest; it is a critical part of our global ecosystem, and its fate is tied to ours. We all have a role to play in protecting it.
I encourage you to take action and become a co-restorer. Whether it's through supporting programs like Humans for Abundance, advocating for indigenous rights, or simply educating yourself and others about the importance of the Amazon, every action counts. The fight against deforestation is a collective one, and it's a fight we cannot afford to lose.
My experience in the Amazon taught me that real change happens when we listen to those who are most affected, and when we work together to protect what is sacred. The Amazon and its people have shown me what resilience looks like, and now it's up to all of us to stand with them in this crucial time.
Let’s join hands and hearts in this collective re-worlding effort. The future of the Amazon depends on it, and so does ours.