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New Wake Forest Grant Will Establish Research Center In Peru

Credit: Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University has received the largest grant in its history to fund an international center in Peru aimed at scientific research and environmental sustainability.

The $10 million grant will establish the Amazon Center for Environmental Research and Sustainability or ACERS. It will be located in the province of Madre de Dios in Peru.

The region is known for its biodiversity, but it's also the site of significant deforestation and other environmental problems. Many locals suffer from high levels of mercury, a byproduct of illegal gold mining.

In a statement, Wake Forest conservation biologist Miles Silman says the center, "is about making sure that the local people and institutions in one of Earth's last best places have the scientific, technical and entrepreneurial capacity to make sustainable decisions on issues from development to public health to governance."

The project represents an alliance of U.S. and Peruvian institutes.

 

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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