The Amazon rainforest, which occupies an important amount of Peru's territory, is home to The Ashaninka. They have lived here for hundreds of years, surrounded by nature's beauty and this magical environment. With populations in the departments of Cusco, Ayacucho, Junin, Pasco, Huánuco, and Ucayali, the Asháninkas are dispersed throughout the central jungle all the way to Brasil. If there is one thing that defines the Ashaninka people, it is their devotion and respect for the traditions of their ancestors. For them, hunting, fishing and agriculture are a fundamental part of their lives and their economy. One of their primary principles is the respect for nature and for others. They do not believe in violence, but they do encourage education and consider it the basis for their development.

The aim of this book is to provide an overview of the history of the Ashaninka people, their relationship with nature, the threats they have faced throughout the years and trace the issues of deforestation in this area. Additionally, the Peruvian Amazon is facing increasing deforestation rates due to slash-and-burn agriculture, logging, coca plantations, and illegal mining. These issues also have negative impacts on the Ashaninka and the other indigenous groups that inhabit the area. On top of that, this book intends to demonstrate the importance of indigenous people like the Ashaninka for the overall protection and conservation of the Amazon.