This is a real tragedy as they have a huge wealth of knowledge about the medicinal plants ,which are dying out as they do. We are attempting to document what they will share with us. Don Ramon was able to mentor his grandson for several months, but then the grandson decided to leave the jungle for the city of Iquitos where he would join the army to get paid money. Western civilization is drawing many young people out of this part of the jungle and into the city of Iquitos, where they hope to have more and earn a living. Most end up living in severe poverty, filth and disease on the periphery of the city.
Alcoholism is a major problem both in the jungle and in the city.