High up in the cloud forests of Ecuador, a group of local people, scientists, and volunteers are working together to contribute to the sustainable future of this ecosystem, which supports thousands of species of plants, more than 300 species of birds, countless insects, roughly 45 known mammal species—and perhaps many more species which remain undiscovered. This is the Santa Lucia Cloudforest Reserve, my home for the next two weeks.
Earthwatch ambassador and record-breaking yachtsman Brian Thompson hopes to make history by becoming the first British sailor to win the most coveted prize in solo ocean racing, the Vendée Globe, a round-the-world, solo yacht race regarded as the ultimate challenge in ocean racing.