About us
Mission
We pioneer experiential learning and educational tourism at Manu to support conservation and community projects in the Peruvian Amazon to create a better and safe future.
We believe that promoting biodiversity understanding and its conservation through visits, internships and educational tours is the most effective way to support large scale rainforest conservation and community empowerment. But unfortunately we face a major challenge.
Challenge
Manu is the most biodiverse place on Earth, but it’s under threat. Poverty and population growth drive people to destroy the rainforest through logging, farming and mining as ways of providing for their families.
To save Manu, sustainability has to be a realistic choice for local communities. That is why Crees is working on the solution through conservation research, environmental education and sustainable livelihoods.
Solution
We believe that the local people of Manu must determine their own future. Our role is only to provide sustainable choices, so that they are empowered to drive social, economic and environmental change within their own communities.
By visiting Manu rainforest with Crees as a guest, intern, or tourist you become a key important part of the solution because you will be helping to support this vital conservation and community work to protect the Amazon rainforest and empower its people.
OUR TEAM
Quinn Meyer
Owner and Founder
An American/British Anthropologist, Quinn has spent over 18 years working in Manu to find solutions to environmental degradation by working with scientists and community members to build a sustainable path to forest usage and management. He serves as the treasurer of the Latin American Travel Association and serves as an advisor for several charities working in education, conservation and health.
Juan Carlos Cárdenas
Crees Manu - General Manager
He has 30 years experience working in the Amazon Rainforest, specialising in eco-tourism since 1993. Juan Carlos was born in Cusco-Peru and has worked in many parts of the south america rainforests, from Tambopata National Reserve to Manu National Park.
Carolina Herrera
Experiential Learning Coordinator
Biologist from the National University of San Agustín de Arequipa. She has a diploma in Safety, Occupational Health and the Environment, experience in identification and monitoring of fauna and flora species from dry and humid forests, and small mammals from southern Peru. She participated in research projects with camera trapping, telemetry, and geographic information systems.
Edgar Marquina
Program Manager
Biologist with postgraduate studies in the Master of Ecology and Environmental Management and postgraduate courses at the National University of Tucumán (Argentina) and intern at the Miguel Lillo Foundation of Argentina. He has experience in research and management of biodiversity, natural protected areas and conservation. He is the author of scientific articles published in indexed journals.
Vivian Arbulú
Communications Area
Manager
She studied Communication Sciences at the National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco. She has training and experience in photography and videography, in formulating communication plans, and in coordinating and executing communication strategies. She develops communication materials and content for social networks.
Yuli Percca Melo
Head of Logistics
Verónica Torres
Accounting Manager
She has a degree in Accounting with a master’s degree in taxation from the San Antonio Abad National University of Cusco. She has extensive experience in labor, accounting, and tax issues, and in projects related to Crees activities.
Lucy Torres
Head of Operations
She has 18 years of experience in traditional tourism in the city of Cusco and now, working in conservation tourism leading our Operations area.
Daniel Ash
Multimedia Coordinator
Wildlife photographer and filmmaker from the UK. Coming up to 8 years of experience, with 3 in the tropical humid rainforest within Peru. He specialises mainly in birds and mammals, and his favourite project is leading expeditions to see the Harpy Eagle! Contributed to a reptile guide, and numerous eco-notes. Has experience in camera trapping, and his self built DSLR camera trap. In 2020, his photo and video project of nesting Blue & Yellow Macaws was shown in a TV Perú livestream to over 7.1 million people. His portfolio can be found on www.danielashphotography.co.uk
Jhendy Mancilla
Sales Executive
Has a professional degree in tourism, and technical studies in tourist guiding, with experience in the public and private sector. Her sensitivity, love of the environment, and concern for sustainability led her to work as an ecotourism guide in the Tambopata Reserve and Manu National Park. She is currently Sales Executive at Crees Manu, promoting the Manu Biosphere Reserve’s protection and sustainable development, as well as raising awareness among all of our visitors.
Brenda Loaiza
MLC Administration
She studied Tourism at Andina University in Cusco. Has worked in several tourism and public administration organizations, where she acquired business management training. Brenda, like many of our team members, is one of the young people who advocate the involvement of youth in the conservation of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.
