Dr. Corine Vriesendorp describes the incredible collaborative efforts and expertise of scientists, land managers, policy makers, and local indigenous peoples required to conduct a Rapid Inventory of the Amazon lowlands. This is the first installment in a ten-part series of video reports documenting their expedition.

As a plant ecologist and conservation biologist, Dr. Vriesendorp directs The Field Museum’s Rapid Inventory program, which brings together biological and social information to create a roadmap for practical, long-lasting, and locally-supported conservation. During October of 2008, Dr. Vriesendorp’s international team surveyed the Cuyabeno-Güeppí where Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia meet.

Be sure to check out Video Report #2 “Rapid Inventory Results”.

Want to learn more about Field Museum scientific expeditions around the world? Please visit fieldmuseum.org/expeditions.

For more about The Field Museum’s Rapid Inventory Program, please visit fieldmuseum.org/research_collections/ecco.htm.