Tarek E. Milleron was born in Berkeley, CA. He studied biology at Oberlin College, spent several seasons as a field research assistant in Panama and French Guiana and went on to complete a Ph.D. in Ecology at Utah State University. Based in the Ye'kwana community of Edowinña, he conducted research on tropical tree regeneration along the Nichare River, in the Caura River Basin in Venezuela. Participation in day-to-day Ye'kwana life there for months at a time over a six-year period left a deep impression. Tarek founded the non-profit conservation group, Caura Futures, to work on ecosystem conservation rooted in indigenous culture in the Caura Basin. While his axe technique remains at the level of a local thirteen-year-old, he had more success climbing palms for sustainable fruit harvests.

Caura Futures is dedicated to the conservation of the Caura River Basin by helping to fortify its indigenous cultures, by promoting low-impact trade, and by working directly to sustain its forest and river ecosystems.  Projects include the development of a cultural library, sustainable palm climbing and oil extraction, malaria prevention, photovoltaics, management of commercial hunting and fishing, and water quality improvement.  

Specifically, projects will help members of the Ye’kwana and Sanema tribes in the Caura River Basin, Southern Venezuela avoid the cultural erosion which often accompanies the use of modern technology and, further, seek to use technology to maintain cultural practices and the sustainable use of natural resources. A strong emphasis is placed on simple, proven technologies and building nearly closed systems such that outside intervention decreases over time.

To find out more about Tarek's work in the Caura River Basin, visit: Caura Futures .