Protection and regeneration of the high Andean puna grassland and the tree line forest of the Manu Biosphere Reserve (PunaManu)

The Manu Biosphere Reserve is globally one of the biodiversity-richest intact ecosystems. It is object of long-term conservation efforts and source of sustainable livelihood for the local population. The characteristic Puna grasslands and Andean timberline forests of the high Andes part of Manu contribute to climate protection, biodiversity conservation and supply critical ecosystem services. The treeline region of the community of Lucuybamba in the Mapacho Valley is a focus for restoration from human impacts. In cooperation with local population and park administration, the project supported fire prevention measures, the withdrawal of cattle and the recovery of the natural ecosystem. Flora and fauna as well as carbon storage capacities were monitored to document the process of restoring natural ecosystem functions. Environmentally-sound use of natural resources by locals was further encouraged through education and the generation of an alliance of stakeholders with local communities.

Project data

Countries
Peru
IKI funding
800,000.00 €
Duration
07/2021 till 12/2024
Status
completed
Implementing organisation
Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V (ZGF)
Implementing Partner
  • Aid for Endangered Wildlife Frankfurt Zoological Society - AVISA SZF Peru (FZS Peru)
  • Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
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State of implementation/results

  • Project was completed.
  • Thirty productive family enterprises were implemented, 14 of which were run by women. These enterprises had permanent technical support in production techniques and good agricultural practices and were oriented towards sustainability criteria, a prerequisite for achieving the Manu Biosphere Reserve Brand licensing.
  • The rural honey-producing association of the Patanmarca sector was technically equipped and was provided with consultation to improve honey production and to allow a closer relationship between the beekeepers of the Mapacho Valley. Technical training in beekeeping, apiary and hive management was also developed in alliance with specialists from the Challabamba district municipality.
  • Three one-hectare plots for studying tree diversity and biomass dynamics were established. Two measured undisturbed areas and one measured areas with grazing cattle. Notably, the plot with livestock impact exhibited lower tree diversity when compared to the other two. The laboratory work identified various plant samples and conducted chemical analyses on both plant and soil specimens. Additionally, soil microbiota analyses were conducted, which represented an innovative aspect of biodiversity research.
  • Environmental monitoring stations were installed in each of the three flora plots. These stations provided relevant information on water balance and dynamics on plots on both sides of the watershed. Understanding the hydrology of this region was essential to assessing future water availability patterns for the Mapacho Valley, along with the sustainability of the agricultural and economic activities of the communities bordering the protected area.
  • The fourth field evaluation of the faunal study was completed. New species of arthropods and mammals could be identified in the following period as field investigations were still on track and showed promising results.
  • A forest nursery was implemented with more than 8000 native plants, which were to be planted with active participation of the local population. The seedlings that were in the nursery for reforestation had been recovered from areas along the roads that were undergoing expansion. Without this effort, these seedlings would have been eliminated.

Latest Update:
04/2026

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