Ruthmery Pillco has dedicated 12 years of her career to the protection of tropical ecosystems. First volunteering, doing internships and courses in Peru and then in Costa Rica, where she had the opportunity to develop a conservation program for rare and endangered trees. Currently, she leads , in Manu National Park.
Since she was a child, she has had a great interest in the Andean Bear and a vocation to become a biologist. She grew up in an environment where local parents wanted their daughters to stay at home doing care work and their sons to become doctors or lawyers. However, Pillco decided to follow her dreams and work her way up to become a scientist, achieving a master’s degree in Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation of Plants and Fungi at Queen Mary University of London and taking on a leadership role that has led her to gain national and international recognition.
“I have always been curious and a nature lover. Then, being born in a rural area, in a community surrounded by nature, accompanied by my parents who are farmers, I think that motivated me to do science. I love being a scientist,” she says.
After completing her university education, Ruthmery did not hesitate to go into field research. During her early career, she worked in , collecting seeds and propagating rare species for restoration projects. This experience allowed him to understand that conservation implies protecting an ecosystem, and, in addition, actively restoring degraded spaces to ensure their long-term sustainability.
In 2021, Ruthmery returned to Peru to join the organization , where she leads an ambitious research project on the Andean bear in Manu National Park. Her work, together with her team of scientists, not only focuses on the study of this emblematic species, but also seeks to understand how climate change and deforestation affect its life cycle and, consequently, the balance of the cloud forest ecosystem. Using , Ruthmery has discovered crucial information about the movements and behaviors of the Andean bear, which promotes the development of more effective conservation strategies.
Ruthmery has overcome numerous challenges in her career, especially as a woman in a field dominated by men. During her expeditions, she has faced physical and personal obstacles, from carrying heavy equipment for long days to gaining the trust of local guides and male colleagues. However, her determination and passion for science have been key to advancing her career, earning respect and admiration both inside and outside her team.
“I think another challenge of being a woman, at least my age, is the social pressure to have a family. Getting married, having kids. You kind of have to make these decisions already and not keep doing what you want to do. So, it's a little complicated for women. But I know you can do it. There are many examples of women who have continued doing science and having families,” she says.
Her work is not limited to scientific research. Ruthmery is a passionate promoter of and the empowerment of local communities. In Manu, she has created an education program for students from nearby schools, who visit the biological station to learn about the Andean bear and the importance of forest conservation. She also works closely with the high Andean communities, communicating in Quechua, developing ecosystem restoration projects with endemic species.
“The indigenous women's knowledge of plants is incredible. Working with them is one of the most enriching experiences I have had. First, because of the resilience that women show. Second, is the creativity, they always come up with new ideas, they are proactive and have a lot of wisdom,” she says.
Research, environmental education and collaborative work with communities is Ruthmery Pillco's approach. She is an example of commitment and resilience. An indigenous woman scientist who not only seeks to understand the mysteries of nature, but also to socialize and exchange this knowledge with the communities that depend on her. Her story is a source of inspiration for young women and girls who dream of pursuing science and contributing to the conservation of the planet.
“I tell girls, women in general, not to be afraid, to be very curious and follow your instinct. I think something that differentiates us from boys is the feminine instinct, so let them follow that instinct, passion, strength, resilience and creativity. There will be many challenges in the field, but everything is possible,” she concludes.
