We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah DuPont. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.

Sarah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

As one who has travelled to the Peruvian Amazon for many years with some of the best forest ecologists on the planet, I realized that there was a lack of knowledge about the importance of the Amazon and the implications of its destruction both locally and globally . I founded the Amazon Aid Foundation to be the bridge between the scientists and the rest of the world.

With the Amazon rainforest now at a critical risk of collapse, we focus on one of the fastest growing and most dangerous types of deforestation today-illicit and unregulated gold mining, which uses mercury in the process.

Amazon Aid envisions a world in which destructive practices in the Amazon no longer exist, one where people who live in the rainforest have access to safe and dignified livelihoods, and the ecosystem thrives.

We challenge global citizens, consumers, producers, and members of the gold supply chain to find equitable, responsible and innovative solutions to ensure the survival of the Amazon and therefore the planet.

While this is a difficult task we are undertaking, it has huge global implications. This type of gold mining is responsible for releasing the highest levels of mercury on the planet today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

As a small child, I began spending large amounts of time in the woods. It was a dream come true when I began traveling as a layperson to the remote Peruvian Amazon rainforest with leading scientists over 20 years ago. At that time, it was the largest contiguous piece of rainforest in the world, mostly untouched, pristine, and loaded with some of the highest levels of biodiversity.

I learned about the importance of the Amazon to the world through the lens of the scientists.

Then sadly, I became a witness of the forests destruction. In 2001, after 911, the prices gold shot to one of its highest levels. Impoverished people flocked to the Amazon to mine for the flecks of gold that lay under the forests floor, destroying and poisoning the ecosystem with mercury.

Soon after, realizing that most global citizens had little to no knowledge of the importance of the Amazon I founded Amazon Aid. One of our first projects was to produce a documentary which today is called “River of Gold”. This film has been a game changer, seen on 6 continents and educating thousands from children in the classroom to leaders of countries.

It has been very difficult and the learning curve steep. I have never founded  an org, or produced a film, much less try and tackle a big problem like illegal gold. At times moving forward has been a slog, but there have been moments of joy and success, and it has paid off knowing that we have made positive change.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As someone, who has never been to film school or has worked in the film industry, it was somewhat insane to produce a film at the age of 50.

As a witness to the destruction of one of the most important ecosystems in the world, I felt a responsibility to share the beauty of the Amazon and the scars that illicit and unregulated gold mining was making upon this sacred ground.

I understood how the power of film could have a life changing impact, and chose it as my medium to engage as many people as possible so they could become aware and help stop the senseless destruction.

I was naive and did not understand the process of how to make a film. I made many mistakes, and it was extremely dangerous to film. There were times that I felt I could not go on. However, I was supported by wonderful friends( some who work in the industry) and a great team. The current iteration.or River of Gold took about 10 years of sheer determination, but today I am very proud of the film that has an impact globally. It was worth every tear.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my opinion, one of humans greatest gifts is to create beauty. Research has shown that creativity and the arts are important for developing successful initiatives and breaking through stereotypes and boundaries.

Societies recognition of the arts is now more that ever critical for creating a thriving world.

Contact Info:

• Website: Amazonaid.org
• Instagram: @amazonaid
• Facebook: @amazonaid
• Twitter: @amazonaidf
• Youtube: @amazonaidfoundation

Image Credits
Courtesy Ron Haviv/ VII