The Spirit of the Rainforest :How indigenous wisdom and scientific curiosity reconnects us to the natural world
The Spirit of the Rainforest :How indigenous wisdom and scientific curiosity reconnects us to the natural world
hardback
Published:
22 May, 2025
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Description
'Every page feels alive with passion' - Sophie Pavelle, author of 'Forget Me Not'
'A beautiful book' - Levison Wood, author of 'Walking the Himalayas'
'A heartfelt account of exploration and discovery' - Liz Bonnin, broadcaster
Join scientist Dr Rosa Vasquez Espinoza as she uncovers one of the most unexplored regions on the planet.
Dr Rosa is no stranger to the Amazon. Growing up with the rainforest as her back garden, she learnt the lessons of the rainforest from her grandmother, a native healer in natural medicine. She went on to pursue a classical education in science, gaining a PhD in the US, but has always been pulled back to the heart of the Amazon. As a leading biologist in her field, Rosa continues to explore the region through a unique blend of scientific inquiry and ancient insight.
In this debut, you'll learn about Dr Rosa's journeys in the Amazon: her treacherous encounters with a boiling river, her conservation work with stingless bees, her experience of taking ayahuasca as a natural psychedelic - and all the amazing biodiversity of the rainforest.
At the heart of Rosa's expedition is her passion to combine science with the indigenous knowledge of the Amazon. She shares her experience of learning from the indigenous communities that she visits, and shows what they have to teach us - stretching beyond the realm scientific knowledge. Here Rosa learns the most important lessons in how to reconnect to the natural world - and, in turn, will teach us to do the same.
In this book, Rosa celebrates the richness of Amazonian culture, the wonders of biodiversity, and the enduring spiritual connections between humanity and the natural world.
Before you step into the jungle, there's a few things you need to know.
More Details
| Type | Book |
|---|---|
| ISBN13 | 9781856755566 |
| ISBN10 | 1856755568 |
| Number Of Pages | 304 |
| Item Weight | 521 g |
| Product Dimensions | 158 x 238 x 32 mm |
| Publisher / Reseller | Octopus Publishing Group |
| Format | hardback |
Media Reviews
This beautiful book encourages a dialogue with nature that is all too often forgotten -- LEVISON WOOD, author and explorer
Fierce, vibrant; full of warmth and fascination, The Spirit of the Rainforest is a beacon of hope . . . Every page feels alive with passion -- Sophie Pavelle, author of 'Forget Me Not'
With scientific precision and a storyteller's soul, Dr Espinoza doesn't just teach us about the Amazon, she inspires us to listen to it. -- Roma Wells, author of 'Seek the Singing Fish'
The worlds of spiritualism and science merge in this fascinating and heartfelt account of exploration and discovery, bringing the Peruvian Amazon to life on every page. Rosa is on a mission, and perfectly placed to help inspire a much-needed transformation in our relationship with the planet. -- Liz Bonnin, wildlife biologist and broadcaster
Dr Rosa captures the rainforest in a way that feels both intimate and otherworldly. She does so with a rare sensitivity and invites us to truly listen to the rainforest. -- Lucy Shepherd, explorer
[a] phenomenal debut filled with traditional wisdom, scientific explorations and transformational connections. * MS magazine *
GoodReads Reviews
Author's Bio
Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza is a Peruvian and Amazonian scientist, conservationist, TV presenter, award-winning artist, and National Geographic Explorer. Dr. Rosa is the founder and executive director of Amazon Research International (ARI), a foundation in Peru dedicated to advancing conservation and knowledge of Amazonian biodiversity and culture. In 2023, Rosa was named Ashaninka International Ambassador to further amplify the voices of Amazonian communities and expand conservation efforts. In 2025 she was awarded the Order of Merit for Women, the highest national honors given in Peru. She was also named one of the BBC's 100 women for her conservation work and the '50 most powerful women of Peru' by Forbes Peru.
Her expertise and storytelling have illuminated global platforms, from National Geographic & Walt Disney campaigns on sustainability to bilingual space content with NASA & HITN-TV, and TV host for the Science Channel's "Secrets in the Jungle". She was also featured in the "Extreme Climate Explorers" documentary, a 2025 BBC World Service production now available on iPlayer. Her work has also been featured in The New York Times, CBS News, BBC, Forbes, NPR, Science Friday, National Geographic Magazine, Caretas, El Comercio, Marie Claire, ABC Studios, RPP, and more.
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