Acknowledgments

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals and organizations who welcomed me and so generously took the time to introduce me to their projects, their work, and their knowledge of the socio-ecological context of the Amazon region. I feel extremely privileged to have met them and to carry with me today the unique experience they made possible. It is their spirit of sharing that now inspires me, in turn, to perpetuate it.

I would especially like to thank the NGO Saúde e Alegria, which hosted us the day after the second hospital boat for the Eastern Amazon was handed over to President Lula, and in particular its co-founder, Eugenio Scannavino.

My thanks also go to Nato Tupinambá, whom I am now pleased to call a friend, and who taught me the true meaning of belonging to the original peoples of the Amazon rainforest—their struggles, traditions, and identities.

I would like to extend my warmest thanks to the Maguari and Jamaraqua communities of FLONA Tapajós for their hospitality and their unforgettable bingo nights, especially Cari and Dido. I am equally grateful to the MUSA (Museu da Amazônia) team for the guided tour, particularly Filippo Stampanoni.

I also wish to commend the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Institute for the time and effort they devoted to sharing their knowledge, the result of over 25 years of research in the region. I am grateful for the unique opportunity to experience genuine fieldwork by staying in their research bases and accompanying them on data-collection outings. A special mention goes to João Valsecchi, Director General of the institute.

Finally, I would like to thank the association “Pour le Brésil” and especially its then-president, Davi N. Maciel, for allowing me to join their activities, attend their discussions, and participate in their visits.