Dilwyn Jenkins Obituary 1957-2014

Dilwyn Jenkins Obituary 1957-2014

It is with huge sadness that we announce the death of Dilwyn Jenkins. He was an extraordinary Project Manager for the Peru programme and the foundation of so much that Cool Earth has achieved.

Dilwyn passed away in Lima having just returned from the rainforest. He was only 57 and was as active as ever. Just last month he was setting the pace on six-hour hikes in 100% humidity. Having just got back from a trip to the department of Amazonas, he was buzzing with excitement about the new project he had just put in place. He seemed very fulfilled and happy.

Dilwyn Jenkins leans against a wall in a Peruvian rainforest village, in conversation with a community member.

It has been a huge shock to his large family and everyone else who loved him. The outpouring of grief from the forest communities that were so close to Dilwyn’s heart has been overwhelming. The impact of his long-standing loyalty to the Asháninka is impossible to exaggerate. For over thirty-five years, Dilwyn has been their biggest advocate and defender. Cool Earth’s Peru programme development is in large part down to the compassion, energy and integrity of Dilwyn.

When we talk about the Cool Earth model – which puts indigenous people in control of their rainforest – we should really talk of the Dilwyn Jenkins model. With the team he assembled in Peru, Dilwyn won the trust of even the most skeptical communities. He did more to protect rainforest and protect unique cultures than anyone.

Claire, Dilwyn’s wife, and his children have asked that Cool Earth work with the Asháninka communities to create a memorial for his lifetime’s commitment to safeguard the Asháninka way of life. They ask that support goes to indigenous peoples, who have overcome the threats of Shining Path guerrillas, petroleros, cocaine cartels and logging companies.

All donations in memory of Dilwyn will go towards a much-needed Medical Outpost in the Asháninka village of Tinkareni. Tinkareni was the first village that welcomed Dilwyn in 1978.

Read The Guardian Dilwyn Jenkins Obituary here.