News published: 09 May 2025

The project for the recovery of Cinchona anderssonii, an endemic and critically endangered tree from Bolivia, has combined rigorous science, technology, innovation and creativity to bring conservation closer to the people. Led by Dr. Carla Maldonado and her team from the National Herbarium of Bolivia at the Institute of Ecology at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, and supported by BGCI and Fondation Franklinia, the project has successfully documented the species’ biology, collected seeds for long-term conservation, and developed both in vitro propagation and reintroduction strategies.

One of the most innovative aspects of the project has been its strong education and outreach component, especially targeted at children—future stewards of biodiversity. Through storytelling, videos, comics, puppets, and a friendly cartoon version of the tree itself, the project translated scientific knowledge into accessible messages that inspired young audiences to care about conservation—not just of this species, but of entire ecosystems.

This creative, science-based approach led the project to win first place at UMSA Investiga 2024, a prestigious university competition, and second place nationally at the 5th Feria Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología hosted by the Universidad Autonoma Tomás Frías in Potosí. These recognitions highlight the project’s potential to inspire similar initiatives across Latin America.