A rainforest ecotourism partnership project involving the University of Suffolk has been shortlisted for an international award recognising innovation in sustainable travel experiences.
The project, based in the Peruvian Amazon, is a citizen science initiative delivered by Rainforest Expeditions in collaboration with the University of Suffolk’s Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science course. Known as the 8 Primates Project, it focuses on monitoring and protecting primate species through a combination of research, technology and community involvement.
The rainforest ecotourism partnership project has been shortlisted in the travel experience category of the Regenerative Travel Impact Awards 2025. It uses bioacoustics, artificial intelligence and engagement with local communities to record and safeguard species including spider monkeys, howler monkeys and capuchins.
Since its launch, the project has created an extensive library of primate vocalisation recordings. Over the past year, activities have expanded beyond the Tambopata National Reserve to neighbouring communities, where local people are being trained in bioacoustics research methods and conservation practices.
Visitors staying with Rainforest Expeditions contribute directly to the conservation work. Tourists help collect audio recordings of primates using directional microphones and record behavioural observations. Students from the University of Suffolk also play a central role in the rainforest ecotourism partnership project through placements and fieldwork.
Several undergraduate students have completed placements with the project. The most recent visits took place during the summer and involved second year students Dan Beckett and Leyla Huo. Their work included guiding tourist groups into the rainforest to collect audio samples of primates and other species, analysing recordings, and delivering educational talks to visitors.
Leyla Huo said: “The experience that I had at the Tambopata Research Centre was incredible as it is one of the most remote ecolodges in South America, meaning I was able to fully immerse myself in nature and see the different biodiversity up close.
“I also had the opportunity to assist with the research for macaws and discovering new species projects, which allowed me to get a better understanding of how wildlife conservation practices should be managed. These activities really helped to expand my knowledge and get some hands-on experience in the field, making me better prepared for my next placements and future jobs.”
Dan Beckett said: “It was a great experience. A lot of skills I was developing in the weeks running up to the placement, such as recognising different primate vocalisations, but visualising these with sonograms, which I’ve used to look at bat calls in the lab at university, was a good way to build on my existing skills.
“I’ve gained a new appreciation for many of the rainforest species, particularly the primates – there’s something special about seeing them in person.”
Further academic involvement is planned as part of the rainforest ecotourism partnership project. An optional primatology module scheduled for early 2027 will allow 10 students to study bioacoustics alongside primate ecology and conservation directly at the 8 Primates Project site.
Research linked to the project also includes doctoral work. Suffolk PhD student Borislava Gacheva is using the growing archive of recordings to help develop artificial intelligence algorithms capable of detecting species presence in audio surveys.
Dr Mark Bowler, Course Leader for the Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science course at the University of Suffolk and Principal Investigator and Project Leader at the 8 Primates Project, said: “It’s fantastic to see the hard work of our team and volunteers in Peru, and our students that have worked on the project, recognised with this award shortlisting.
“The 8 Primates Project allows citizen scientists to make a meaningful contribution to conservation in a practical and sustainable way, and our students get the opportunity to put into practice the skills they learn in the classroom to help protect these hugely important species.”
