Invitation to Hileia Reserve

Dear Alana,

It was a pleasure to speak with you this afternoon and to hear about your plans to establish a business with an admirable vision. I am also very pleased to hear that you are considering a visit to Brazil, and know that your journey will be at once rewarding and informative.

Your goal to support organizations which are dedicated to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest is an area where we share a common interest. As I mentioned to you in our conversation, I have spent most of the last 4 years in the region of Manaus as we work to establish a fruit processing business which will redefine the business dynamic of the region in favor of a more ethical and equitable outcome for smallholders in the Mid Solimoes region. Our initiative involves an integrated approach to many of the challenges which currently exist in the region, and employs a long term strategy informed by both local and international stakeholders. You might be interested to have a look at our site, www.turiyaamazonia.com.

Our primary partner in Manaus is Associacao Hileia (www.hileia.org.br). Their grassroots, principled approach and profound understanding of the local conditions were fundamental in our choice to work with them. They have a reserve near Manaus which boasts an impressive level of biodiversity due to its location at the confluence of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes. They work with local communities, the State government and the scientific community in their efforts to spread knowledge and protect the rainforest.

I feel that a meeting with the Director of Hileia, Dr. Erich Pabst and his team might be very useful for you as you undertake your due diligence. I would be pleased to connect you with Hileia should your travel plans be confirmed, and I have every confidence that your journey to Manaus will be pivotal to your understanding of how best to accomplish your specific goals.
Please keep me informed of your plans, and I can make all of the necessary arrangements to make your visit productive and worthwhile.

I am also hopeful that we might have the opportunity to meet either in Manaus or in LA before too long.

With best regards,

Ian Scanlan
Turiya Amazonia