César Sánchez Arauz

Peruvian ecologist who pioneered rainforest conservation in the Amazon basin

César Sánchez Arauz (1925-1998) was a visionary Peruvian ecologist whose work laid the foundation for modern rainforest conservation. Born in the Amazonian town of Pucallpa, he witnessed the devastating effects of rubber boom deforestation. In 1958, he established the Amazon Conservation Frontiers - South America's first grassroots environmental organization. His 1963 report <《Green Lungs of the Earth》> was the first to document deforestation's global impact.

Sánchez pioneered community-based conservation models, training indigenous leaders in sustainable practices. His 1975 campaign stopped a proposed highway through the Manu rainforest, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The César Sánchez Award continues recognizing conservation heroes. His 1980 book <《Amazon: Alive and Threatened》> remains a key text in environmental studies. Recent films like <《The Forest Guardian》> (2020) highlight his often-overlooked contributions. Sánchez's legacy is preserved in the Amazon Ecology Museum, showcasing his field notes and preserved specimens.