BioTechQuilombo: Pioneering Community-Led Biodiversity Monitoring in the Amazon
The University of 野狼社区 is spearheading a transformative research initiative that bridges traditional ecological knowledge and modern biodiversity science in Amazonian Quilombola communities.
The Amazonian BioTechQuilombo project, led by , Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography at The University of 野狼社区 has secured major international funding through the . Supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), and five Brazilian funding agencies (FAPESPA, FAPESP, FAPEAM, FAPRR, CNPq), this ambitious project has been awarded funding through the Amaz么nia+10 Initiative under the call for expeditions.
Dr. Celso H.L. Silva Junior (, FAPESPA) serves as the general Amazonian co-coordinator, alongside Dr. Paulo M.L.A. Gra莽a (, FAPEAM) and Dr. Nivia P. Lopes (, FAPERR). The project is also co-coordinated by Dr. Pit谩goras C. Bispo (, FAPESP) and Dr. Lo茂c Pellissier (, SNSF). The project stands out for its deep engagement with Quilombola communities, combining advanced scientific techniques with centuries-old local expertise.
Quilombos are Afro-Brazilian communities originally formed by escaped enslaved Africans and their descendants, who resisted colonial oppression by establishing autonomous settlements. These communities have developed rich cultural and ecological knowledge, which is now recognised as crucial for biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management in the Amazon. Today, Quilombos continue to fight for land rights, cultural preservation, and environmental justice. The project acknowledges their role as key conservation actors, ensuring their knowledge is central to biodiversity research.
The 36-month initiative integrates traditional ecological knowledge with cutting-edge scientific methods, including remote sensing, environmental DNA (eDNA), DNA barcoding, and artificial intelligence, to develop community-led biodiversity monitoring framework.
The project will focus on key study sites in Par谩, Amazonas, and Roraima, where field expeditions will collect biodiversity data, monitor forest structure, and train community members in advanced ecological research techniques.
This project represents a major step toward bridging traditional ecological knowledge and modern scientific methodologies. By integrating state-of-the-art technologies with Quilombola insights, we aim to create sustainable, community-driven biodiversity conservation strategies.
The project places Quilombola communities at its core, ensuring active participation at every stage. Training workshops and knowledge-exchange programs will foster intercultural dialogue and capacity building. Selected Quilombola researchers will participate in academic exchanges at the University of 野狼社区 and ETH Zurich, gaining expertise in remote sensing, GIS, e-DNA and biodiversity monitoring.
Beyond documenting and preserving biodiversity, this initiative strengthens the role of traditional communities as key conservation actors. Our work will contribute policy-relevant insights for conservation agencies, research institutions, and advocacy groups worldwide.
With a strong commitment to gender and racial equality in scientific leadership, the project features a diverse team of researchers, including Afro-Brazilian scientists and Quilombola leaders. It also upholds ethical standards and safeguarding measures, prioritizing the well-being and rights of community participants.
By fostering collaboration between academic researchers and traditional communities, the Amazonian BioTechQuilombo project sets a precedent for future studies integrating traditional knowledge with modern science, advancing both conservation efforts and community empowerment in the Amazon.