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ACERS is the result of the alliance between Wake Forest University(WFU) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with the Amazon AID Foundation, the University of Engineering and Technology, WWF, Althelia Ecosphere, ESRI Global Inc., the Research Institute of the Peruvian Amazon and the National Amazonian University of Madre de Dios.

So far the center has raised funds that exceed $ 9.5 million. Thus, USAID has committed to provide $ 2.5 million, and an additional $7 million in support, including cash and in-kind contributions, will come from the Amazon Aid Foundation, Ecosphere Capital Partners/Athelia Climate Change Fund, ESRI Global Inc., World Wildlife Fund, University of Technology and Engineering, the Peruvian Amazon Research Institute and the National Amazonian University of Madre de Dios.

ACERS will serve as a new hub for Peruvian and foreign scientists and affiliates to collaborate on critical priorities in Madre de Dios: restoration and reforestation, reduction of human health threats from environmental mercury, detection of deforestation threats, and sustainability.

During the event, the Amazon Aid Foundation premiered the documentary River of Gold, which shows the devastating effects of illegal gold mining in Madre de Dios.

The announce was made by the Vice Minister of Environment, Mariano Castro; Ambassador of the United States in Peru, Brian Nichols; WFU Associate Provost for Global Affairs, Kline Harrison; Amazon Aid Foundation President, Sarah DuPont, among other authorities.