Posts in Environment

We Are Harvesting the Ayahuasca Vine at an Alarming Rate

“The signs that wild ayahuasca is being overexploited for the global market are evident, according to the main players of this industry. “Wild ayahuasca is being depleted.” “There is almost none.” “Over harvested.” “We are worried.” “There is a shortage.” “You don’t find thick ayahuasca anymore.” “In a couple of years there won’t be any there.” Gatherers, intermediaries, processors and exporters based in Iquitos, the capital of the Peruvian jungle, or in the indigenous communities near Pucallpa, the other major production center, are in agreement about the overexploitation of wild ayahuasca…”

Ayahuasca, EnvironmentArtful AlchemyJanuary 23, 2020Ayahuasca, Plant Medicines, Politics, Banisteriopsis caapi, Amazon, Peru, Tribes, South America, Environment

8 Reasons the Landmark Ruling in Ecuador Signals Hope in the Ruling to Save Amazon Rainforest

“This summer, a court in Ecuador issued a ruling with profound implications for the urgent fight to save the imperiled Amazon rainforest. The decision effectively blocked a planned government oil-auction that threatened half-a-million acres of some of the world’s most biodiverse primary rainforest. The broad outlines of the situation are sadly familiar to similar cases found throughout the Amazon region: In pursuit of foreign investment, the government sought to partner with foreign firms to develop large swaths of ecologically fragile rainforest…”

Environment, PoliticalArtful AlchemySeptember 30, 2019Amazon, South America, Ecuador, Waorani Tribe, Environment, Ecology, Politics, Laws, Climate Change, Putamayo, Biodiversity, Human Rights