Amy L. Mertl. Biology Department. Boston University, USA.

"The word Yasuní brings a flood of physical memories. A cacophony of bird and insect calls at dawn, the touch of warm rain, the sweet, fuzzy taste of fresh Inga fruits, the scent of jungle steam rising under the hot sun. And green, the deepest and densest green imaginable, as far as the eye can see.

As a scientist, I can easily list the values of the Yasuní ecosystem: extraordinary biodiversity, a role in maintaining climate cycles and soil, potential as a source of medications, and an enormous wealth of research possibilities. For an entomologist like me, Yasuní is a taxonomic treasure trove. Invertebrates make up an estimated 90% of the areas biodiversity; I can barely take a step without observing a new species. Millions of year of evolution have shaped Yasuní into a complex web of life which we as humans are now unraveling bit by bit, without knowing the potentially devastating consequences.

Yasuní has forever changed my life, and it affects the life of every human being that experiences it. The air is richer, the sounds, sights and smells are more vibrant, more real then anywhere else I have ever been. I speak as an outsider, having spent les s than a year inside this pristine forest. I can only imagine the passion with which the native residents of Yasuní must love their land, and I strongly support their efforts to protect it. As scientists, as citizens, and as human beings, we must protect the unique biodiversity and spirit of Yasuní National Park. We can not afford to lose this fight."

Amy L. Mertl

Biology Department. Boston University, USA.