Photo courtesy of Arlison Castro
Arlison Castro is pursuing a Ph.D. in ecology at the National Institute of Amazonian Research in Manaus, Brazil, and also works as a biology technician at the Federal University of Western Pará. In a GEF Voices interview, he shared how receiving a Fonseca Leadership Program grant has propelled his studies and opened avenues for a career in environmental protection.
What are you focused on through your studies?
My research has always centered on monitoring wildlife to understand how animal communities respond to changes in land use. Currently, I am focused on how these changes affect vital ecological interactions, such as seed dispersal, which is essential for forest regeneration.
How did you get into this field?
My career in ecology was driven by a desire to understand how the forest depends on the ecological interactions surrounding it.
In the Tapajós National Forest, for instance, my work focuses on how the relationship between wildlife and plants is a key piece for environmental resilience. Without protecting the animals, we lose the seed dispersers of essential species used in both timber and non-timber forest management by local communities. In the medium term, this loss compromises both the forest's structure and the economic viability of these activities. However, this effectiveness depends directly on management actions and the involvement of local traditional populations.
As an Amazonian researcher who understands these local challenges, I always ask myself: 'How can my research contribute to local knowledge and lead to increasingly sustainable initiatives in the Amazon?' That is why I always strive to combine the scientific rigor of my results with a practical contribution that improves the activities of traditional communities, ensuring that forest management in Tapajós becomes more sustainable and maintains the balance of the forest by preserving local wildlife.
Is there a GEF-funded project or program that is close to your heart?
A program of great relevance to me is the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Program, funded by the GEF and led by the World Bank. As an Amazonian researcher, I admire these large-scale projects that integrate vast dimensions of the Amazon biome, promoting connectivity even across countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. This program is fundamental because it focuses on the sustainability of protected areas and the strengthening of forest management, which has a direct connection to my work, even if mine is carried out on a smaller scale.
In the Tapajós National Forest, my research on seed dispersal shows that landscape connectivity depends on wildlife. Amazon Sustainable Landscapes creates the ideal scenario for sustainable management to be viable, while my work helps explain part of the biological balance necessary for these areas to remain productive and resilient. Knowing that there is a global initiative dedicated to keeping the forest standing, uniting conservation and the well-being of traditional populations, is what motivates me.
Has anyone you have met through your work made a lasting impact on you?
This is a difficult question to answer because, throughout these 15 years in academia, from my undergraduate studies to my current professional standing as I conclude my doctorate, many important people have contributed in different ways throughout my journey to shape the “apprentice researcher” I am today.
From an academic perspective, I must first mention Rodrigo Fadini, who supervised me during my bachelor's and master's degrees and shared with me his passion for plant-animal interactions, specifically seed dispersal and pollination. Secondly, Wilson Uieda, who introduced me to bats, the first group of mammals I specialized in and developed projects with during my undergraduate degree in biological sciences and my master's in environmental sciences. Thirdly, Carlos Brocardo, who introduced me to medium and large-sized terrestrial mammals and taught me the monitoring techniques for this group. Finally, Clarissa Rosa, an outstanding researcher and mammal specialist, whom I had the honor of having as my advisor during my doctoral studies. I am deeply grateful for all her wise counsel and unwavering support.
In this final stage of my training, the support from the Fonseca Leadership Program grant has been fundamental. Receiving this fellowship was not only academic recognition but also the necessary support to continue my research, helping to consolidate my academic collaboration network. This support, combined with the learning from my advisors, has facilitated the transition from scientific data to practical conservation actions, strengthening my career path in the environmental field. All these collaborations and support have resulted in numerous projects and high-impact science published in leading ecology journals.
What life lessons has your job taught you?
My work has taught me that, contrary to what many researchers believe, science is not and does not need to be a solitary path, but rather a constant exercise in cooperation and patience. Coming from the public education system, I learned that resilience is essential to navigate the stages of research, and field work reinforced that real results respect nature’s timing, not our own. Above all, my work has brought me humility as a form of social awareness; I have come to understand that my doctoral degree does not make me superior, but rather responsible for sharing the knowledge I have acquired. My greatest lesson has been learning to deeply recognize and respect the traditional knowledge of Indigenous and local communities, who possess an understanding of the forest that academia often takes decades to grasp.
The state of the global environment is concerning. What gives you hope?
Broadly speaking, there is still much to be done. What keeps me resilient is seeing that, despite increasing pressures, public preservation policies and the management of protected areas continue to endure. The Brazilian Amazon is currently within the “Arc of Deforestation,” the last great frontier between agribusiness and the vast areas of still-native forests. Being part of this landscape is challenging and makes me realize that doing science in the Amazon is essentially “ant work” (small, steady, and collective steps). The results of this daily dedication are often not visible in the short term, but their impact becomes evident and solid over time. For example, today the Tapajós National Forest is one of the most studied conservation units in Brazil, and I am proud to have contributed to this achievement. Therefore, I believe that the consistency of these small efforts is what can ensure real and lasting change for the future of our biome.
What advice would you give a young person today who is interested in a career like yours?
My advice to any young person, especially those coming from the public education system like I did, is this: make science a tool for transformation. The path in ecology is long and requires persistence. You don't have to follow a solitary path; seek out good mentors and value solid partnerships. Moreover, don’t limit yourself to theory, go into the field, work in partnership with traditional communities, and believe me, they have much to teach. Be persistent with your “ant work,” because every small effort contributes to a larger step toward environmental conservation.
Photos courtesy of Arlison Castro
