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 one of the biodiversity-richest and intact ecosystems at global level. 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 downstream ecosystem services. The treeline region of the community of Lucuybamba in the Mapacho Valley, upper Manu National Park, has been a focus for restoration from human impacts. In cooperation with local population and park administration, the project supports the withdrawal of cattle and fire prevention measures, thus contributing to the recovery of the natural ecosystem. Flora and fauna as well as carbon storage capacities are monitored to document the process of restoring natural ecosystem functions. Environmentally-sound use of natural resources by locals is being 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
open
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

State of implementation/results

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

Latest Update:
11/2024

Legend:

  • Current Project
  • Previous project
  • Follow-up project
  • Topic
  • Country selection

The link has been copied to the clipboard