Forest protection and the management of natural resources in Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru

The Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. It is also home to various indigenous groups and settlers. Although still relatively small, forest loss is increasing, mainly due to an expansion of agricultural use. The project protected the biosphere reserve including the national park by supporting the inhabitants in the management of natural resources. The participation of local and indigenous stakeholders was improved through training. Nature conservation-compatible uses were developed and conflicts between humans and wildlife are reduced. The project also contributed to climate protection by avoiding deforestation and gaining land for natural regeneration. As part of the IKI Corona Response Package, affected communities were supported in developing environmentally sustainable sources of income and, together with the authorities, in dealing with crises and their prevention.

Project data

Countries: Peru
IKI funding: 2,452,843.00 €
Duration: 11/2012 till 12/2021
Status: completed
Implementing organisation: Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V (ZGF)
Political Partner: Madre de Dios Regional Government - Peru

Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MINAGRI) - Peru

Ministry of Culture - Peru

Ministry of Environment (MINAM) - Peru

National Office of Protected Areas (SERNANP) - Peru
Implementing Partner: Association of the agriculturists of Callanga - Peru

National Office of Protected Areas (SERNANP) - Peru

Native Federation of the Madre de Dios River and Tributaries (FENAMAD) - Peru
Online: https://fzs.org/en/

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State of implementation/results

Project completed. Within the framework of the Corona Response Package income sources from sustainable economic activities in the buffer zone will be compensated and further diversified in order not to endanger the income situation of the indigenous communities and the management of the biosphere reserve.
In 2017, UNESCO approved the expansion and updating of the biosphere reserve's boundaries, increasing the area by almost 30 %.
The Manu National Park monitoring and control program has verified through aerial surveillance and special patrols that 96 % of the reserve is in good condition with no evidence of illegal activities.
The creation of 15 textile manufacturing associations in the Mapacho Valley led to an increase in income for the families involved.
The project's support for the management of the Manu Biosphere Reserve enabled the positioning of the brand “Manu Biosphere Reserve” and the organisation of trade fairs of the Biosphere Reserve in the city of Cusco. This has enabled 100 producers in the reserve's five districts to access the regional market and sell their products.
The support of the Management Committee enables the various members and representatives to participate in the management of the Manu National Park.
On 28/03/2019 a joint meeting of the Coordination Committee of the Manu Biosphere Reserve and the Management Committee of the Manu National Park took place.
As part of the Corona Response Package, satellite internet was installed in six communities in the Manu Biosphere Reserve in late 2020. Internet access was particularly important for communication with indigenous communities in the Manu Biosphere Reserve and was a critical factor in containing the COVID-19 pandemic in the area.

Latest Update:
04/2024