SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION PROGRAMME ON ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE HUMID TROPICS WORKING PAPERS No 8, 1995 - ORGANIS4TION Wfl DES NATICNS UNIES APOUR L’kWCATION. LA SCIENCE ET LA CULTURE PROGRAMME SUR L’HOMME ET LA BIOSPHERE LWNIVERSITk DES NATIONS UNIES ,_ .-The Working Papers series is a publication of the South-South Cooperation Programme for Environmentally Sound Socio-Economic Development in the Humid Tropics. The series aimes to disseminate the results of the research on Biosphere Reserves on such topics as (i) the prevailing conservation and resource-use pattern ands, (ii) the ways of improving traditional practices and orientation for applied research aimed at a more intensive and sustainable use of the biodiversity to provide a better livelihood to the local population in the buffer and transition zones. On more general issues, the Working Papers are also an attempt to identify key problems that will become areas of concentration for international cooperation. The map on the front page has been produced by using a commercial software programme. The boundaries do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by Unesco or the United Nations. Neither do the ideas and opinions expressed in the Working Papers series, which are solely engaging their authors. The Workina Paners series is published as necessary either in English, French or Spanishen depending on the language used by the author. 0 Permission to reproduce any material of the Workina Pap= series will be given without any previous authorization, provided that full reference to the author, title, series title, date, institution editor and place of publication are given. Edited by UNESCO Division of Ecological Sciences South-South Cooperation Programme 7 place de Fontenoy 75 700 PARIS (FRANCE) Telephone : 33 w (1) 45.68.41.46 Telefax : 33 - (1) 40.65.98.97 Telex : 20.44.61 Paris E-mail : smcl@ unesco.org k0L-k DES HAUTES ETUDES EN SCIENCES SOCIALES (EHESS) Centre de Recherche sur le Bresil Contemporain (Cws) 54, Bd. Raspail 75 270 PARIS Cedex 06 FRANCE Telephone : 33 w (1) 49.54.20.85 Telecopie : 33 5 (1) 45.48.83.53 ,)Wrnln~~t~atiii& .f ditor Miguel CL&.ENER-GODT UNITED NATIONS EDUCA- TIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULtURAL ORGANIZATION (UNESCO) Division of Ecological Sciences South-South Cooperation Programme 1, rue Miollis 75 732 PARIS Cedex 1.5 FRANCE Telephone : 33 - (1) 45.68.41.46 Telecopie : 33 w (1) 40.65.98.97 ‘j.j&,i&ti&j Ea’jror ; .... Michel LE BERRE UNIVERSITC CLAUDE BERNARD LYON 1 (UCBLl) lnstitut d’Analyse des Systemes Biologiques et Socio- Economiques (IASBSE) Socioecologie et Conservation 43, Bd. du 11 novembre 1918 69622 VILLEURBANNE Cedex FRANCE Telephone : 33 - 72..43.12.48 Telecopie : 33 b 72.43.12..47‘I .H. . - , . 1 The Biosphere Reserves or similar managed areas that are joining the South-South Cooperation Programme, are, requested to produce an overview of their covering area containing first hand information on its conditions and urging problems. These reports will be primarily used as background materials for the comparative projects agreed upon in the programme of activities established at the Chiang Mai meeting, held in May1994. For more details please report to the newsletter South-South Persuectives (N” 1, October 1994 [28 pp.], UNESCO, Paris [France]). Given the rich information value of these reports, there are being made available to a wide audience. They may be obtained by contacting UNESCO/MAB Secretariat, Division of Ecological Sciences. For other documents available in the series, see the back-cover Working Paper NC 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)2 The Manu Biosphere Reserve is situated in Southeastern Peru where it covers 1.9 million hectares. Around 6500 Quechua and 2000 Amazonian peoples are living inside the Reserve. The Manu Biosphere Reserve is concerned by 3 major biogeographical provinces (the Puna, the Yungas and the Amazonian provinces). It ranges from 200 to 4020 m a.s.1. Combinated with topographic, soil and climate conditions; the Manu Biosphere Reserve is characterized by a very hight level of diversity (Natural World Heritage Site). Some of the . wildlife species are endangered. The Manu Biosphere Reserve is composed of 3 main areas : a core area (the Manu National Park) devoted to conservation, a buffer area including indigenous territories and private ecological reserves, a transition area with biogeographical boundaries and experimental, application and traditional use areas. The biological station of Cocha Cachu alows to carry out different researches on biological species. and ecosystems. An inventory of the biodiversity was undertaken in the Manu Reserve Zone since 1987. Planning and monitoring research are also performed in the core and buffer areas. An applied research programme aims to set up sustained management of biological resources such as Cedrela odorata and Podocnemis unifilis. Since 1991 an agroforestry project has been initiated (soil fertility, fallow agriculture) and complemented by studies on animal husbandry systems, fodder for ruminants and fishery resources. Indigenous population’s ownership of the land is recognized by the State (traditional use area). Colonization around thenational park took place during the forties with logging and farming activities. Resident populations have access to natural resources through mining, - log,gg, subsistence farming and cattle raising. An integrated conservation and development project of the Manu Biosphere Reserve aims to manage the resource base, to improve social and economic development and to extend Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)4 residentes peuvent profrter des ressources naturelles soit par l’activite miniere, la foresterie, I’agriculture de subsistance ou par l’elevage de betail. Un projet integre de conservation et de developpement de la Reserve de la Biosphere de Manu a pour objectif de gerer la base de ressources pour ameliorer le developpement social et economique et pour etendre le champs de la conservation. La cooperation technique et fmanciere a ces activites se fait par des projets men& par FPCN et APECO. Les plus importants problemes de conservation et de menace de la Reserve de la Biosphere de Manu sont l’abattage d’arbres et l’extraction d’or. L’impact grandissant du tourisme sur les plantes et animaux sauvages est aussi une source d’inquietudes. Gustav0 Suarez de Freitas is executive director of the Fundacion Peruana para la Conservation de la Naturaleza (Lima, Peru). - Luis Yallico is a member of the Fundacion Peruana para la Conservation de la Naturaleza (Lima, Peru). Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)5 I- INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 7 1) General context .................................................................................. 7 2) The Biosbhere Reserve Concept ...................................................... 7 3) DescriDtion of the Manu Biosphere' Reserve and the Manu National Park .......................................................................................... 9 4) Cultural Features .............................................................................. 12 5) Natural Features. Biodiversity ........................................................ 13 II- CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE .............................................................. 16 Ill- OBJECTIVES OF THE RESERVE .............................................................. 20 IV- ZONING OF THE RESERVE ...................................................................... 20 1) The Core Area ................................................................................... 20 2) The Buffer Zone.. .............................................................................. 21 3) The Transition Area .......................................................................... 23 4) Other Specific Areas or Role-Based Associations.. ..................... 23 a- Experimental areas ................................................................ 25 b- Application areas .................................................................. 25 c- Traditional use areas ............................................................ .25 V- CURRENT STATUS AND LEGAL CONSIDERATION.. ............................. 27 VI- RESEARCH. MONITORING AND ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION.. ... 28 1) Advances in Basic Research at Cocha Cashu Bioloaical Station28 2) Research on Biological Diversitv Outside the National Park.. .... 29 3) The ADDlied Research Proaram ...................................................... 30 a- General objective of the project.. ......................................... .30 b- Research for sustained management of biological resources ................................................................................... .30 c- Other research projects related to sustainable resource management ............................................................................... 31 4) Research for Plannina and Monitoring - .. ........................................ 32 VII- RESOURCE USE PATTERNS .................................................................. 32 1) Patterns of Settlement and Land Tenure in the Manu Biosphere Reserve ................................................................................................. 32 2) Access to Resources ....................................................................... 34 Working Paper NC 8,1995, UNESCO (South-Sooth cooperaim Progranm$ Paris (France).., “” ,..-. _.._.-... I_,.. ,_ _,^, ;@L DEVELOPMENT Viii- ECONOMIC: A&C i;i’\* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 “_l- ..--.& I) Local Partim: ‘{,\\I**- . . . . . . . . . . ..-.-......-................-................................. 37 2) Them_, “‘Mani- (‘I gj@ct”: an Integrated Conservation and 1 r)v Development Px\P~~~ ............................................................................ 3l a- Object&4 Qf the project ....................................................... 39 b- Conswkd !~n of the resource base ...................................... 39 c- Social ad economic development ...................................... 40 cl- ConserA \~n extension ........................................................ 41 IX- OPERATION OF THE lIESERVE ............................................................... 42 X- FINANCIAL AND TE&wcAL CooPERAT’oN ........................................ 44 x,- MAJOR CoNSERvA,\~fl PROBLEMS AND THREATS.. ........................ 44 REFERENCES _ . . . . . . . . . . ..-.-..-...-..-...................................................... 46 . .1 .. . . . . . . his YALLICO, Gustav0 suj# $8 rje FRUTAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)7 I- INTRODUCTION 1) General context Peru is going through a significant political and economic transformation process. AS a result of the open market economy which is virtually free of any government regulations, coupled with a significant reduction of the State system, the outlook has changed for protected natural areas, particularly Biosphere Reserves. Part of the current changes involve a gradual transfer of resources and responsibilities to local governments (municipalities), whilst various pubhc sectors play an ever-diminishing planning role. On the one hand, opportunities arise for a greater participation of the local population and authorities in the management of Biosphere Reserves such as the M~Iw; on the other hand, however, the government not only fails to promote or carry out any planning processes, but does not even approve the plans created by the interested parties. An unfinished and pa,t-tia.lly reverted regionalization and decentralization process has created misunderstanding among national and local conservation authorities. This situation has yet to be corrected by the recently created Institute of Natural Resources. Nevertheless, despite the political uncertainty and economic restrictions, interesting experiences have arisen mvolving cooperation between government sectors, private organizations and local Populations. Coinciding on the need to apply the Biosphere Reserve concept, they are working together in the &&MU, with promising results. Such experiences are based on participatory Planning, the involvement of locai populations, an understanding of the Biosphere Reserve concepts, and the cooperation of national and international private conservation organizations. ., ,here Reserve p,“4 $I AS a result of the actions implemented by the MAE! National Committee (UNESCO’s . ..wk ‘M~ and Biosphere Progmm) and the Peruvian Government, UNESCO acknowledged the ‘“< ;L ..@stencC of the mu, Huascdn and North Western Reserves in 1977. . . ‘,> 0 $$$ In 1987, the author&s of the Development Corporation of Madre de Dies -the entity $$%mPQnsible for th e management of the Manu National Park- hired the Services Of a local ‘:.msultUt in order to beti the mitid field activities and obtain the partiCipatiOn Of the bCd &,F a 5: Community. i. ’ hih The first workshop was held in’ November 1987 in the area referred to as “Erika”, ’ was attended by rep es r entat-ives of the local population, regional authorities and %*s Of the National Aman University of La Molina. The Biosphere Reserve Concept ,u,fhc ussed and defined at&his workshop and guidelines were established for a participatory management of the Reserve. Working Paper-N”& 1995, UNESCO (South-South Coop&tion Programme), Paris (Franct8 -,--. ._. _. - After many hours of work, this first worksho ; :‘u-,:. I.;,: :- cir:ti.:r:i, I:‘ .’ ,ji.;:;;’ -. .I’ Reserve in the form of a declaration, which reads as f; li. IL : “A Biosphere Reserve is interpreted as a port::: n ( )I f’Lan!vian tenit’:).-> ,>il ! jrja,-.;i’?(; .-‘ I^ in such a way that a perfect harmony between man anti tllr environment IS xh;eved, as 3~ best sustained development alternative”. (COFLDEMAD, 1487). This definition resulting from a participatory workshop, includes factors, related to rhe sustained development concept. As regards management and the participation of the local population, this same document states that “The Management of the Biosphere Reserve must include the active participation of all government, non-government and grass roots organizations involved in the area in the decision-making process.” (CORDEMAD, 1987). The introduction of the part referring to the active participation of the population in all development stages of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, emphasized the need to include local communities in decision-making and encourage them to assume a role in the development of the region. The slogan of the second participatory workshop held in the so-called Amazon region in 1988 was “The role of the Manu Biosphere Reserve in regional development”. The “Manu Project” was also drawn up at this meeting with the participation of local dwellers, and was assumed by the Peruvian Foundation for the Conservation of Nature (FPCN), with the financial support of the World Wildlife Fund (Yallico, 1989). As a result of the implementation of this project, new conceptual aspects were included for the management of the reserve, broadening the MAB concepts and putting them into practice in an experimental manner. The development philosophy applied with the dwellers of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, stressed the other conservation and logistics roles. Representatives of shanty towns, indigenous people, authorities and NGOs met again in 1989 in order to democratically elect the organization responsible for the management and development of the Manu, referred to as the Committee Supporting the Manu National Park and Managing the Manu Biosphere Reserve. The structure and organization of the management committee reveals the population’s intention to ensure a greater involvement of local governments and representatives .of grass roots organizations than of the State (Yallico, 1989). This committee acquired a legal status arid is legally acknowledged as the representative of the population in the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Subsequently, during the course of another five participatory workshops directed by the Inka Regional Government, the Management Committee and the FPCN in 1991, with a view to drawing up the 1992-1993 Operational Plan for the Manu National Park, it was Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)decided at the request of the dwellers themselves to expand and improve the original zoning of the Manu Biosphere Reserve in order to include surrounding areas and define further area associations for the buffer zone in the Alto Madre de Dios river basin. This is the area in which most of the population are concentrated and which exercises the most pressure on the Park’s resources. The Andean highland area in the Manu Biosphere Reserve is under the jurisdiction of the local Government of Paucartambo, who requested the expansion of the buffer zone referred to by dwellers as “multiple use zone” to the headwaters of the Alto Madre de Dios river. The development of the Manu Biosphere Reserve concept put into practice by means of concrete activities in the field aimed at integrating Conservation and Development, has been -and continues to be- a new experience, based on the participation and decision-making of part of the local population, giving them the opportunity to assume responsibilities and secure the conservation of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. 3) Description of the Manu Biosphere Reserve and the Manu National Park In 1977 the Man and Biosphere Program of UNESCO declared the Manu Biosphere Reserve (MBR) which includes the Manu National Park (MNP) as the core area. The original boundaries of the reserve included the entire Manu river basin and the left bank of the Alto Madre de Dios River. The total area encompasses 1,9 million hectares (19 000 km2) (Map 1). The reserve is located in South-Eastern Peru, in the provinces of Manu and Paucartambo, departments of Madre de Dios and Cusco, respectively (Map 2). The Manu National Park (The Biosphere Reserve’s Core area) established in 1973 covers an area of 1,5 million hectares (15 000 km2), its largest portion lying in the Madre de Dios department and a smaller part in the department of Cuzco. The Amazon lowland tropical rainforest in Madre de Dios is considered as the region in the world with the most wide- ranging biological diversity within protected areas, containing world-record numbers of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish and plants. Working Paper NC 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (Fran@Map 1 : Manu Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO - 1977) Scale : l/l ,500,OOO .,.:::: . . ..,. ..,:::::. . :;i‘. :. Il ., .,...,, : ... . . : ,..~~...., ,...: , A B C A - Manu National Park (Core Area) B - Maw Reserved zone (Buffer Zone) C - Cultural Zone Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)11 Map 2 : Location of Manu Biosphere Reserve I . I L, .- i I \i / I Working PaPer NC 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (FranW12 4) Cultural Features The Manu Biosphere Reserve encompasses the territory of the Quechua people in the highlands and different indigenous groups in the lowland. These cultural and racially mixed groups are an expression of the area’s cultural diversity. Photo 1 : The Manu National Park includes territories with altitudes that exceed 4,000 m a. s. 1. A view of the Control Post in Acjanaco in the Hight Andean Grassland or “Puna”. Photograph by L. Yallico, 1981. The population in the Andean highlands includes the “Queros”, the most closely related to the Inca civilization. These people still maintain their ancient culture and customs and are considered a living vestige of the Inca Andean culture. These groups live in the higher part of the 34apacho river basin, a transition area of the MBR. Given the tremendous cultural value of this area, its “formal” integration into the MBR has been proposed. The expansion of the MBR is therefore vitally important as an area for conserving a significant part of the Andean and Amazonian cultural heritage and this significance is considered of equal importance to the park’s biological value. Approximately 6 500 Andean peasants live in the south-west area near the park’s boundaries. Luis YALLICO, Gustavo SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Maw Biosphere Reserve (Peru) iThe Alto Madre de Dios basin includes indigenous groups with different cultures and levels of contact; five native communities with land titles were identified, others have been acknowledged and are negotiating their land titles. However, there are some groups living in the most remote parts of the National Park and in the Las Piedras river basin, who have virtually no contact at all and whose survival habits are primitive. The indigenous groups in the MBR and the transition areas include the “Machiguenga” (Matsiguenka), the most highly populated of the groups in the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu river basins; the Huachipaeries and Amaracaeris concentrated in the upper Alto Madre de Dios river basin; the “Mashco Piros” within the Manu National Park area and the Piedras river basin; the “Yoras” or “Yaminahuas” near the headwaters of the Manu river; and others such as the “Amahuacas” with land near the headwaters of the Put-us and Piedras rivers. Indigenous groups such as the “Piros” also live in this area. The population of the Amazonian native groups inside the park includes approximately 1000 people. Another 1000 people in the transition zone of the Alto Madre de Dios river are also lowland natives (APECO, 1994). The mixed race population who have settled in the Alto Madre de Dios are mainly outsiders from rural Andean areas such as Puno, Cuzco and Apurimac, who have not adapted their cultural customs to the environment. The areas in which these people are most highly concentrated are the Blanco, Azul and Colorado river basins, where it is estimated there are about 10 000 people involved in gold mining (CERA-Bartolome de las Casas, 1993). 5) Natural Features. Biodiversity The Manu National Park includes a whole range of habitats on the eastern slope of the Andes in Southeast Peru, extending from the “Puna” or “Paramo” in the highlands at 4 02Om to the tropical ram forest in the lowlands at 200 m. Three of the seven bio-geographic provinces identified in Peru by Udvardy (1975) -the Puna, the Yungas and the Amazonica provinces- are found within the park’s boundaries (CDC-UNALM, 199 1). The Manu National Park contains the best sample of the “Amazon&a” province in Peru protected within the National System of state-protected areas (SINAIWE) so far, and the best and largest sample of the protected “Yungas” province. On a national scale, this is equivalent to 2,6%; more than half of the protected “Puna” area at a national level is within this park’s boundaries. Working Paper NC 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France) I --14 The Manu National Park includes the entire upper and middle drainage of the Manu River System and upper drainage of the tributaries on the left bank of the Alto Madre de Dios river. Photo 2 : The Pillahuata Cloud Forest a 2,000 - 2,500 metre area. In view of the great potential for tourism in this area, private ecological reserves are being set up adjoining the park. Photograph by R. Foster, 1984. Specific climatological information on the park is still very limited. A nearby village at the base of the mountains, Quince Mil, registers over 10 m of annual rainfall, the highest in Peru (Terborgh, 1990). Its name ‘Quince Mil’ (Fifteen Thousand) originates from the levels of rainfall recorded in the past. The combination of topographic, climatic and soil conditions creates a diversity of environments. According to the “Ecological Map of Peru” (ONERN, 1976) there are at least 13 different “life zones” within the park’s boundaries. The Madre de Dios region in Peru is possibly one of the richest areas in the world as far as biodiversity is concerned. Preliminary inventories and scientific studies of flora and fauna took place mainly in the Cocha Cashu Biological Station in Manu (Terborgh, 1983). A number of studies of birds (Robinson and Terborgh, 1990) mammals (Janson and Emmons, 1990) and plants (Foster, 1990) have all stressed the biological wealth of Manu. Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)15 These studies suggest that this is one of the best areas in the world in terms of biodiversity within protected areas. Photo 3 : The “Cocha Cachu” lake in the tropical rain forest is the site of the oldest biological station in South America. Photograph by L. Angel Yallico, 1988. Collections from the Manu river have produced 3 228 species, 1 382 genera and 249 families. (Foster, 1990). Scott, R. and Terborgh, J. (1990) mention that the western Amazonia forest contains the richest and least disturbed bird communities in the World. As regards the birds of four neotropical forest sites -La Selva in Costa Rica, Barro Colorado in Panama, Manaus in Brasil and Manu in Peru, more species have been recorded in 1’lanu (554) than anywhere else (Karr, Robinson, Blake and Bienegaard, 1990). In addition to its bird population, Cocha Cashu may have one of the world’s highest densities of amphibians and reptiles (Roti’guez, 1990), considerin, c the much lower sampling intensity compared to other Amazon areas. Preliminary surveys by Lamas, G., Robbins, R. and Harvey, D (1991) in the Manu Reserved Zone suggest this may be one of the most diverse known sites for Lepidoprera. Working Paper N” 8,199-T UNESCO (South-South ~mpemitm Programme), Paris (France)II- CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE The Manu National Park is one of the most important protected areas in the Amazon region and is considered the most important conservation area of Peru’s National System of Natural State-Protected Areas (SINANPE), Photo 4 : Indigenous people and their culture are an overall part of the wealth of both the Manu National Park and the Manu Biosphere Reserve. A view of the campsite of an ethnic group who have no contact with the outside world. Photograph by MNP, 1980. Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Maw Biosphere Reserve (Peru)17 Besides being declared as a Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the Manu National Park was also declared a UNESCO “Natural World Heritage Site” in 1986, due to its outstanding natural value. Due to its numerous advantages for scientific research purposes, its biodiversity and the presence of several ethnic groups who still maintain their traditional knowhow and culture, the Manu Biosphere Reserve is outstanding among the world’s Biosphere Reserves. Photo 5 : Cargo daphnopsis sp (Lauraceae) a genera collected in the Manu, is new to America and to science, althought it had been identified in Vietnam and China. Photograph by R. Foster, 1981. Dr. John Terborgh (UNA-CEPID, 1986) who has been carrying out research studies in the Manu since 1972, emphasized its scientific value, as follows: i> The incredible wealth of its flora and fauna remains untouched by civilization. The fauna includes more than 800 species of birds -more than any other park in the world. In addition, estimates reveal 200 species of mammals, including those in danger of extinction such as the grant river otter (Preronura brasilensis). This wealth provides unlimited opportunities for biological studies. ii) This is a natural environment guaranteed by a system of game wardens. Without an absolute control of furtive hunting, it would be impossible to contemplate establishing long- Working Paper NC 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation /%gramme), Paris (France)term studies. Due to the lack of an adequate connol in the parks OP ether tr~p~ca! CCH.:EC-::a there is no such other propitious place in the entire Amazon river basiil. iii) This is the only park in Latin America that includes the entire r;ln:c (I); environments between the low tropical forest and the subalpine scrub land. This environmental diversity is very valuable for studying the factors that restrict the distribution of species. It also provides the opportunity to gain a better understanding of natural, geological and biological processes in the different life zones on the Andean slopes. iv) The park is appropriate as a control area for any type of environmental evaluation. The scientific appraisal of the effects of “deveiopment” on the wild animal population, the productivity of vegetation, soil fertility, the quality of water, the erosion rate, etc. could not be carried out without such control areas. v> The park is an ideal setting for basic studies on the productivity of economically important animals and plants. It is virtually the only place in this country in which monkeys and other large animals can be directly observed in their large natural habitat. Likewise, valuable tiees such as cedar, “aguano” and mahogany no longer exist in other places. Photo 6 : River turtle are a source of protein for native people. A successful outcome of the Applied Research Programme’s “Taricaya project” (Podocnemis unifilis) could lead to turtle farming in the future. Photograph by PNM, 1980. Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Maw Biosphere Reserve (Peru)19 There is a lack of basic studies on the natural regeneration of these and other economically important species. It will be impossible to take advantage of these renewable resources (outside the protected area) until such studies are made. The park contains the last good populations of certain species in danger of extinction, such as the grant otter Pteronura brasilensis, the black caiman Meianosuchus niger and the “taricaya” Podocnemis unifilis. Although these three species play a very prominent role in the economic history of the Peruvian jungle, because of their universal over-exploitation their contribution has dropped to virtually nothing. The same occurs with certain trees such as cedar Cedrela odorata and mahogany Swietenia macrophylla. In order to re-incorporate these species into the national economy, healthy large enough populations are required, not only for study purposes but also as sources of a new genetic material for re-introducing the species in areas where they have disappeared. In general, the tremendously wealthy flora and fauna in the park could serve as a national store of biotic resources. In many cases, due advantage has not been taken of these resources because of the lack of research work. vi) As a result of the research efforts of over 10 years, Cocha Cashu has the largest ecological data base in the entire Amazon basin. This data base is tremendously useful to researchers and not only enhances the scientific value of the biological station, but of the entire park. vii) The park contains the entire Manu river basin and parts of certain tributaries of the Alto Madre de Dios river. Consequently, the watershed is not polluted in any way. Rivers of such purity no longer exist in many parts of the world, including the 48 states of the U.S.A. The park could therefore be used as a model for calculating the production of fish and for studies on the effects of pollution and erosion. viii) The park is one of the last places in the world where the customs and lifestyles of indigenous tribes have remained unchanged. Consequently, there are excellent opportunities for anthropological studies on the sustained use of environmental resources by human beings. There are also good opportunities for discovering new medicinal plants. A scientific knowledge of the natural history, anthropology and archaeolo,T of the park could make it much more appealing for tourism purposes. Working Paper N’ 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)20 Ill- OBJECTIVES OF THE RESERVE Biosphere Reserves are designed to protect representative areas of ecological importance all over the world. The objectives of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program (MAB) include the protection of landscapes and nature, the sustainable use of natural resources, the promotion of scientific research and public awareness of environmental issues. It is intended that the Manu Biosphere Reserve (MBR) should serve to demonstrate how man can use natural resources in a sustainable manner. IV- ZONING OF THE RESERVE Three large areas or zones are considered in the MBR. 1. The Core Area 2. The Buffer Area 3. The Transition Area (influence area, cooperation area, etc.). According to the Manu National Park’s Master plan (UNA-CEPID, 1986) within these three areas it is possible to locate specific areas or area associations, based on the following roles of a Biosphere Reserve: i> A natural intangible area for preserving resources on site. ii) An experimental area used for experimental work and for developing models for the sustained use of resources. iii) An application area for the rehabilitation or recovery of defaced areas. iv) Traditional use areas (cultural zone) for maintaining and developing traditional use systems. 1) The Core Area Given its characteristics, the ~Manu National Park can easily be qualified as the core of the MBR, for the following reasons: . * Its natural wild state. * It represents three different bio-geographical provinces - Puna, Yungas, Amazonica. * It is physically capable of maintainin, u its ecological processes as a natural sample of perpetuity. * It is large enough, covering a total of 1,532,806 hectares. Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)21 * There are relatively minor conflicts regarding the use of the land within and outside the area, with facilities for an effective protection. * It is public property. 2) The Buffer Zone The Buffer Zone generally surrounds the core area. In the case of the MBR, this buffer zone is being set up gradually. One of the fmst areas to be used as a screen to protect the lower course of the Manu river is the Manu Reserved Zone (257 000 ha) which actually has an extension proposal to protect an indigenous group without contact with the outside world known as the “Mashco Piro”. As a rule, such areas require a basically natural environment. In the Manu Reserved Zone, scientific research and tourism activities predominate and other activities such as logging and the management of forestry resources and wildlife have been suspended. The indigenous territory of the Mascho Piro (Pinken river) will continue totally closed to any kind of activities. Another area considered as a buffer zone is the “State Reserve for the Nahna- Kugapakoric indigenous population” in the North-eastern sector of the Park. An additional protected area established in the region (Pong0 Mainique) which includes the headwaters of the Ticupinia river in the Alto Urubamba river basin, would be added to this zone. Other areas to be included as buffer zones in the eastern sector are indigenous territories with no contact, pertaining to the Amahuaca groups in the Las Piedras river basin. In addition, there is a proposal to establish a protected area referred to as “Megantoni” in the west. In view of the existence of indigenous groups who have no contact with the eastern sector of the Park bordering the Las Piedras river basin, it is also necessary to establish another Reserve for these groups, which could also serve as a Buffer Zone. The possibility of establishing this reserve is still being studied. The indigenous territories (Native Communities) established bordering the Park are good buffer zones on the basis of the stable, permanent and ancestral nature of the indigenous communities and their appropriate resources use pattern. In areas where it was impossible to award land titles to indigenous people or where the soil was not suitable for farming or forestry it is possible -to establish Working Paper N* 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)Map 3 : Manu National Park : The Buffer Zones and the Transitional Areas Scale: l/l ,500,OOO A - Maw National Park (core area) I3 - Proposed Buffer zones C - Actual Buffer zones Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Maw Biosphere Reserve (Peru)23 Communal Reserves or Protection Forest. Both are categories of protected areas which allows local inhabitants -including indigenous people, some use of forest extractive resources (medicinal plants, food, etc.) and wildlife, but not timber extraction or commercial logging. At least two proposals for the establishment of this kind of areas are under study currently. Besides, there are another possible kind of buffer areas, like the so-called “private ecological reserves” or private tourism areas, and right now there are two already set up: Pillahuata and Union in the forest known as “Bosque de N&es” or cloud forest. Finally, the establishment of new protected areas (protection forests) was proposed in order to protect the headwaters of river basins and steep areas, mainly the protection forests of Kcosfiipata, Pi% Pii and Pantiacolla. 3) The Transition Area The core area and the buffer area are surrounded by a transition area, which is not strictly demarcated and comprises bio-geographical rather than political boundaries. As far as the MBR is concerned, the entire Alto Madre de Dios river basin was considered, from its origin in the snow-capped mountains, including the basins of the Mapacho, Yavero, Urubamba, Sepahua, Las Piedras, Los Amigos and Madre de Dios rivers, more or less as far as the Boca Colorado village (Map 3). So far, the Alto Madre de Dios river basin has deserved special attention due to the fact that the headways of the tributaries on the left bank of this river form part of the core area and the pressure exercised in the Tono-Guadalupe sector by migrants from the Andean highlands is one of the greatest problems currently encountered in the Park. This is why conservation and development projects have concentrated on these areas and specific management areas have been defined. 4) Other SDecific Areas or Role-Based Associations Within the transitional area -and in the buffer area in some cases- the Reserve includes different combinations of the following types of “associated areas”, based on their role in relation to the development role played by the reserve. The following have been identified in the Alto Madre de Dios and Manu river basins (Map 4): Working Paper N’ 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)24 Map 4 : Actual zoning of the transition area in the Alto Madre de Dios Basin . . . . . . . . Pantiacolla protected forest Pihi Piiii protected forest ................... ................... ......... r ......... ..... .Kos?lipata ....... ...... ...... .................. ...... Pilcopata A - Other protected areas proposed B - Traditional use zone (Cultural zone) C - Experimental zone D - Application zone E - Private ecological reserves I Scale : l/800,000 Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)25 a- Experimental areas In addition to the Manu Reserved Zone, this area comprises the territories covered by logging contracts, cattle ranching and the plots of migrating peasants from the Andean highlands. Also included are the plots of land allocated to organized settlers (settlements) in the Alto Madre de Dios river basin suitable for forestry, cattle farming, fishery and by-catch. Two prominent areas in Alto Madre de Dios are Tono-Castilla and Palotoa-Llactapampa. b- Application areas Sectors that need to be restored because their natural resources have been destroyed or deteriorated; or sectors in which the non-traditional management of these natural resources is either taking place or is about to occur and which have the same ecological factors as the experimental areas, so that solutions can be easily transferred. Agroforestry practices, rectification of streams, forest management and the improvement of habitats have been proposed in this sector. The Reserve includes part of the land in possession of settlers located on both banks of the Alto Madre de Dios river, where signs of deterioration are evident. The Andean highland territories adjoining the Park’s eastern boundary have been intruded and their canopy reduced as a result of the cattle-raising activities of peasant groups and communities in the Mapacho river basin. c- Traditional use areas Comprises the sectors in which the environmentally consistent traditional management of natural resources is protected, studied and encouraged. It is not the intention to carry out experiments or change these practices, but merely to observe them, making an effort to prevent a negative impact on the part of the observers. These areas include the plots of land of native communities in Queros, Santa Rosa de Huacaria, Shintuya, Diarnante, Shipitiari and Palotoa-Teparo. The territories of indigenous groups within the National Park are also considered observation areas. Working Paper Nn 8,1995, UNESCO (Sooth-Sooth Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)26 Map 5 : Alto Madre de Dios Basin 7 Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)27 Originally, the so-called “Cultural Zone” (left bank of the Alto Madre de Dios river) included the native territories of the Machiguengas and Huachipaeris groups, and very few settlements in old farms. However, Andean highland migrants chose to settle in this area, in 1 the midst of an unsurveyed indigenous territory, therefore the objective to safeguard the tiaditional use of this land was not achieved. Subsequently, based on land titles and the award of land to indigenous groups, it was possible to recover the native communities of Shipitiari, Palotoa-Teparo and Santa Rosa de Huacaria, which are considered as cultural or traditional use areas. The remaining areas in the so-called “cultural zone” have become experimental areas, and over-developed areas have become application or restoration areas. The entire area of the old “Cultural Zone” has been named “Multiple use Amazon Zone”, a term accepted by the population who live in these territories, which have expanded to the right bank of the Alto Madre de Dios river. Similarly, another “Multiple use Andean Zone” was defined in the Mapacho river basin (Map 5). V- CURRENT STATUS AND LEGAL CONSIDERATION According to the Peruvian forest and wildlife law, a National Park is an area of land set aside for the full protection and preservation of natural associations of flora and fauna and scenery, where the direct use of natural resources and human settlements are strictly prohibited. Indigenous groups practicing traditional subsistence activities are the only exception. Activities like research and tourism are allowed in specific areas. National Parks, national reserves, national sanctuaries and historical sanctuaries comprise the National System of Conservation Units (SINK). These areas, together with other land reserves, make up the National System of State-Protected Natural Areas (SINANPE). The MNP was legally established by the Peruvian government and is under the direct responsibility of INRENA. INRENA is a decentralized public organization under the Ministry of Agriculture, which is autonomous in technical, administrative, economic and financial terms. INRENA’s General Bureau of Protected Areas and Wildlife (DGAPFS) is the entity responsible for proposing the policies, plans and standards for the management of the Protected Natural Areas comprising the SINANPE. The problems affecting the conservation of the Park’s resources are relatively minor, considering the size of the park. Nevertheless, the migration of people from the Andean highlands where natural resources are limited, and the pressure exercised by the economic activities of these people in the area bordering the Alto Madre de Dios river basin, are causing ever-increasing problems. Working Paper N’ ~$1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Parjs (France)28 The so-called “reserved zone” established by the Peruvian government within the buffer zone is under the responsibility of SINANPE. This is considered an experimental base and is being used for tourism and research activities which have a limited impact. Activities involving the tapping of forest resources (such as fauna) which have a greater impact, have been suspended. Established by Supreme Resolution No.0151-80-AA on June 26, 1980, this area covers 257 000 hectares, including the lower part of the Manu river as far as its mouth, acting as a shied to protect the Manu National Park which begins in the middle part of the river. The Reserved Zones comprising SINANPE are acknowledged in the Regulation governing Wildlife Conservation (S.D. No. 160-77-AG) as Transition or provisional areas which, following a study, could be classified under one of the protection or management categories established by SINANPE. The classification and extension of the Manu Reserved Area within the category of a National Reserve is currently in process. Said category involves the protection and reproduction of wildlife species, the conservation of which is of national interes,t. In the case of Manu, however, the proposed activities are basically scientific research and tourism. Another area considered as a buffer zone is the “State Reserve for the Nahua- Kugapakori indigenous groups” in the North-Western and Northern sector. The establishment of new private reserves for tourism and the award of land titles to old settlers who have lived on the Park’s borders for many years, are further alternatives for creating buffer zones in areas under great pressure. There are other areas near the Park’s boundaries for which basic studies have already taken into consideration establishing Protection Forests a new category established by SINANPE. VI- RESEARCH, MONITORING AND ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION 1) Advances in Basic Research at Cocha Cashu Bioloaical Station Cocha Cashu Biological station is located in the lowland tropical forest of the Manu National Park. The station was founded in 1969 by the Department of Forest Management of the Agrarian University of La Molina and the Frankfurt Zoological Society. The study area of Cocha Cashu covers approximately 10 lon2, where it was possible to sample only a fraction of the 1532 806 ha comprisingtie MNP. This station’s list of publications includes more than two hundred titles. The Conservation Data Center at La Molina University published a volume summarizing the results of projects carried out in Cocha Cashu in the first ten years of research (CDC, 1985). Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)29 The research in Cocha Cashu covers a wide range of topics with emphasis on: a> Community ecology of birds and mammals b) Interaction between plants and vertebrate consumers c> Studies of the flora and successional processes in the vegetation d) Endangered species Thanks to this previous research in the Cocha Cashu Biological Station since 1970, it was possible to “identify” the species that offer the best possibilities for sustained utilization. These species are the Taricaya (Podocnemis unifilis) and Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata) on which basic information exists to manage the natural regeneration. This is the last major river area in Peru where it is still possible to see stands of Spanish cedar along the terraces. Certain forestry practices and logging activities were required for these investigations; such practices are not permitted within the park, but are possible within the Manu Reserve Zone (buffer zone) adjacent to the MNP. The Manu Reserve Zone was established in 1981 to replace the former Manu National Forest, under the administration of the Park’s authorities. One of its advantages is that it is possible to develop applied research, as experimental and manipulative research work which is not permitted in the Park can be conducted in this zone. 2) Research on Bioloaical Diversitv Outside the National Park Biological diversity inventories were started in the Manu Reserved Zone in 1987. The major objective of the program is to promote and encourage research on biological diversity. This is a program of the Smithsonian Institution in the USA, known as BIOLAT (Biological Diversity in Latin America) project, which obtains contributions from UNESCO for research purposes. The program supports student projects and research in the fields of basic research, inventory work, biogeography and maintenance of species wealth. In Peru, the program is based in the Pakitza ContTol Post within the Manu Reserved Zone. Furthermore, the Amazon Biodiversity project sponsored by the Duke University Tropical Conservation Center has been carrying out research on biodiversity patterns throughout the region (Department of Madre de Dios), including the territory beyond the scope of influence of the MBR. The following are the project’s main goals: - i> Identify and describe flora associations in the Amazon lowland forest of Madre de Dios. Working Paper N* 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)30 ii) Identify and describe the communities of certain taxonomic groups of fauna associated to the flora associations. iii) Draw up a map of flora and fauna associations. iv) Carry out research studies on biodiversity patterns and their implication on established protected areas, soil, vegetation and fauna stock and their significance on the development of the region; and an ecological analysis of fauna in flora associations. 3) The ADolied Research Proaram A project to preserve the biological diversity through the development and application of appropriate technologies for the use of natural resources, started in the Manu Biosphere Reserve in 1989. This project intend to demonstrate the value of conservation and appropriate management by disseminating and applying the research findings in similar areas of the Peruvian Amazon. The applied research in this area provided certain benefits, including the basic guidelines for the resource management of the Park, a source of employment for the inhabitants of the transition area and a facility for training Peruvian students in the management of forests, wildlife and protected areas. a- General objective of the project i> Develop an Applied Research Program (ARP) aimed at the management of Amazon fish and wildlife considered as key species, on which basic information is already available. ii) Include in the ARP the management of the natural regeneration of natural species with a current commercial value (Cedrela odorata and Cedrelinga catenaefomzis). iii) Demonstrate the value of conservation and the appropriate management of the humid tropical forest, applying the results of research work in selected areas. b- Research for sustained management of biological resources The ARP uses the basic research that has taken place at the Cocha Cashu Biological Station and applies in the management of resources ofthe Amazon lowlands. The regeneration of Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata) and the management of the Yellow-spotted Side-necked turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) is taking place in the Manu Reserved Zone. The research project with Cedrela will provide a future resource in the flood plain areas outside the MNP boundaries, diverting pressure from the park itself. The project with aquatic turtles is to Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)31 determine methods of sustainable management of this species in order to maintain healthy human populations through consumption of turtle eggs and meat. c- Other research projects related to sustainable resource management Since 1991, the ARP has carried out experimental research into farming, forestry and wildlife resources in the Alto Madre de Dios basin identifying techniques that could be incorporated into the Manu Project. The Applied Research Program will supply scientific and technical information for use in the Social Development Program’s extension, training and education activities, and is made available for feed-back consulting and research on new problems discerned by extension personnel in the field (FPCN, 1992). In the Alto Madre de Dios basin the research is conducted directly on land occupied by cooperating residents. The main research projects in the area are: agroforestry with aguano (Cedrelinga catenaeformis), agroforestry with pijuayo (Bactris gasipae), development of animal husbandry systems and fisheries resources. The general objectives of the agroforestry research projects area: i> To find and propagate agroforestry systems which maintain soil fertility. ii) To improve the diet and reduce dependence on imported food by introduction of high protein crops. iii) To increase the value of a plot during the fallow period through planting of crops for local consumption and sale. The experimental plots installed in the Alto Madre de Dios area are using food crops familiar to the farmers like maize, maniac and introduced crops like soy beans, peanuts, etc, native fodder crops (Eritrina sp.) among others and fruit trees as well. Short rotation trees like “pacae” (Inga sp.) palms like “pijuayo” (Bactris gasipae) and valuable timber such as Cedrefa odorata and Cedrelinga catenaeformis. Observation and monitoring plots were set up in traditional use areas, together with a strong conservationist extension component, with a view to recovering and appreciating indigenous practices. The objective of many of this projects is to improve the income level of the local population increasing productivity levels by area and abandoning the extensive land use. The most outstanding projects that are much more practical are: i) Fodder for Domestic Ruminants A research of alternative fodders for cattle and sheep, with the intention of producing a stall-feeding system for these animals and reduce grazing. Under such a system, animals are fed on crop residues within agroforesny systems. Working Paper N’ 8,1995, UNESCO (Sooth-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)32 systems systems ii) Animal Husbandry Systems The goals of this research are to obtain data about the productivity of currently used in the Alto Madre de Dios basin and to work on improving the productivity of these through experiments with different combinations of species and different fodders. iii) Fishery Resources The goal of this research is to determine the current use patterns of the fisheries in the Kcosfiipata area (as well as in Alto Madre de Dios), and to estimate the potential yield for human consumption. A plan for the most efficient utilization of fishery resources within the varying ecological regimes in the area will be produced at the end of this project. 4) Research for Plannina and Monitorinq The strategy to integrate conservation and development for maintaining biodiversity needs the inputs of specific research. Manu Project has a strong emphasis on research directed to identify and develop technologies for sustained management of biological resources. New research activities are needed to monitor the project and to provide information to change management strategies in the future. The Manu Project and the conservation Data Centre (CDC-UNALM, 1990) are monitoring not only the effects of the development activities but the changes in the protected area using a methodology for monitoring the impact of human activities to the protected areas in the Peruvian Amazon. Biodiversity monitoring and impact monitoring (human effects on targeted species) will serve as a feedback mechanism to promote better integration of conservation and development. The biodiversity and impact monitoring are needed to assess the impact of the Manu Project in the long term and will be critical for evaluation of the project as well. VII- RESOURCE USE PATTERNS 1) Patterns of Settlement and Land Tenure in the Manu Biowhere Reserve The State recognizes the indigenous population’s ownership of the land in this area. These property rights are an acknowledgement of their existence in the area long before the National Park was established and declared a Biosphere Reserve. The indigenous populations within the Park,- with the exception of those with no contact, have been legally acknowledged. The groups living outside the core area have been awarded land titles in the name of native communities. Both in the Amazon area and the Andean area, the award of land titles to indigenous populations is an on-going process which Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)33 pkxes priority on those living nearest to the borders of the core area, considered as Traditional Use Areas. Photo 7 : At the present time, boat manufacturing is the only timber-based industry in Boca Manu. The intention of the “Cedar” project (Cedrelinga catenaefurmis) is to provide training on timber preservation and carpentry techniques and to .improve the design of barges. Photograph by L. Yallico, 1992. Although rubber was extracted briefly at the turn of the century and mahoqny trees (Swk@nia macrophilla) were removed from the lower Manu river, little exploiratioi occurred within the Manu basin. Working Paper Ng 8,1995, UNESCO (Sooth-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)34 In the nearby Alto Madre de Dios river basin, the city of Cuzco is a historic and natural centre of economic activity. Across the high altitudes of Paucartambo (Acjanaco) to the Kcosiiipata areas and the lowlands of Boca Manu, this route has been used for the management of Amazonian resources since Inca times. Historically, Cuzco has always been the influence “pole” for the Manu Biosphere Reserve area. However, the growing gold-mining industry around the Blanco, Azul, Colorado and Madre de dios rivers is creating another significant “pole” downstream from Boca Manu to Puerto Maldonado, capital of the department of Madre de Dios. Colonization in the Alto Madre de Dios basin started before the road between Cuzco and the Kcos5ipata area was opened. Families from Cuzco who were awarded large areas of land settled in Kcosfiipata together with the laborers working in the “haciendas”. Modem colonization in the area began during the forties and fifties, when the road to Kcosfiipata was opened. During the sixties, the road was extended to Salvation and then Shintuya. As a result of the downfall of the “haciendas” caused by the land reform of the seventies, the laborers brought from Cuzco to work in the “haciendas” settled there, together with a population of landless peasants from the highlands. Farming did not prosper in the area, whilst logging was the main economic activity. The logging centers were the origin of the current towns in the area, Chontachaca, Patria, Pilcopata and Salvacibn. Colonists and Andean settlers have legal ownership of the land in which they settled. A large number of settlers are itinerant lumberjacks, living part of the year in the highlands and part in the jungle. 2) Access to Resources From the beginning, the establishment of the Manu National Park included both biological and cultural components. The conservation of these valuable resources was considered essential as a testimony of the long, deep-rooted cultural process and to preserve the traditional and cultural customs of indigenous people, whose cultures are part of the national heritage. The residents in the Manu National Park and their cultures are considered an overall part of the values of the protected area. The indigenous groups living outside the core area of the reserve also maintain their natural systems, created as a result of their prolonged co-existence with nature. Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reseive (Peru}However, studies carried out within and outside the area of the National Park, suggest that the population growth could endanger the current use of resources, particularly fauna (Mitchell, Raez, 1987). Photo 8 : In keeping with its monitoringand scientific cooperation role, the Manu Biosphere Reserve has served as a natural laboratory for a variety of national and foreign scientific organizations. Photograph by L. Emmons, 1980. In order to fulfil the objectives of the Manu National Park to preserve natural and cultural resources at the same time, it was necessary to restrict the tapping of resources, to which end limits were established to restrict and control the use of technology (no chain saws or shotguns allowed in the Park). In many cases, such limits and controls were badly applied due to the constant turnover of the Park’s authorities and the fact that the application of the Park’s anthropological policies were not followed, causing misunderstandings and conflicts with the population in the area. In other cases, the management plans and anthropological programs of Manu have attempted to strengthen the balance between the local population and the biodiversity as far as access to resources and the management of controlled economies are concerned, giving rise to anthropological plans to protect or preserve “primitive cultures”, treating them as scientific oddities. Working Paper N’ 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)36 Actually, the Park’s regulations permit the traditional use of resources by the indigenous population livin, (J in the core area, but the commercial use of renewable natural resources is strictly forbidden in accordance with Law. The Forestry and Wildlife Law (No. 21147, 1975) governing the use of natural resources and the designation of protected areas, stipulates the intangible nature of the use and management of renewable natural resources in National Parks. Local dwellers who acquired the right to use the natural resources before the protected natural areas were established -which is the case of the Manu National Park- are entitled to continue using these resources, providing such use is compatible with the objectives and goals established for such areas and specified in the Environment Code (Decree Law No. 613 of September 7,199O). Outsiders are only allowed to carry out activities that are compatible with the area, such as tourism and research. In the areas around the Manu National Park the principal economic activities are logging, subsistence farming and cattle raising, none of which are sustainable in ecological or economical terms. Continuous logging without reforestation is rapidly depleting timber resources in the Alto Madre de Dios basin. Moreover, current agricultural and grazing practices in the area give rise to extensive land use patterns associated with the loss of soil fertility, soil erosion and low productivity levels. Mining is another activity practiced in the Madre de Dios, Azul, Blanco and Colorado river basins a few miles away from the park itself. This activity accounts for more than 50% of the economic production in the region. (Clark & Elejalde, 1990). Current legislation permits the exploration and management of non-renewable natural resources, based on criteria whereby an impact on the area is prevented. Article 71 of the Environment Code strictly prohibits the implementation of activities to develop energy within the scope of protected natural areas. However, this article was subsequently repealed, therefore the development of non-renewable resources in all protected natural areas is currently permitted. A new norm establishes that in order to develop ener,T or manage non-renewable resources, a preliminary Environmental Impact Study is required. (Legislative Decree No. 655 -Law promoting investments in the Hydrocarbons sector). Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)VIII- ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 1) Local Particbation A series of local participatory workshops involving representatives of all stakeholder with an interest in the area has been organized since 1987, as a forum for discussing perceived problems and possible practical solutions. As a result of this series of participatory workshops, a Local Committee for the Manu Biosphere Reserve was established with 46 representatives of the local population from within and around the Manu National Park (Yallico, 1989). At these workshops, residents expressed their desire for technical help in order to fmd alternatives for expanding the use of the Park’s land. To this effect, a list of urgent projects was drawn up. A major project known as the “Manu Project” was drawn up and implemented in the region in 1989 as a result of this workshop, led by the Peruvian Foundation for the Conservation of Nature, a local based NGO. In 1991 a total of 120 representatives from the buffer zone participated in four meetings to draw up the Manu Operational Plan for the official park administration; this operational plan established the activities that should be carried out by the Park administration in the areas of protection, resource management, training, public use of the park and local land use planning (Region Inka, 1992). As a result of the experience involving the participatory design and implementation of the Manu Project with the population in the area, the FPCN was awarded the Paul Getty prize in 1992 for its joint work with the National Park authority and the local population of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. 2) The “Manu Proiect”: an lntearated Conservation and DeveloDment Proiect Since the park was established in 1973 the work was largely focused on controlling and patrolling its areas with armed park guards. This helped to maintain the park free of poaching, hunting and illegal mining, but also led to a difficult situation with neighboring settlements. This conflict between the park administration and the local people increased, particularly within the park’s boundaries, because the park was increasingly perceived as being opposed to the development of the communities in the area. Personnel of the Peruvian Foundation for the Conservation of Nature (FPCN) have been working with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) program for the MNP since 1983. The WWF began supporting the Manu in 1969, before it was declared a National Park. The FPCN was established in 1984 and immediately became formally involved in the project. However, the ever-increasing human pressure on the national park and within the buffer zone Working Paper N* 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)38 Alto Madre de Dios basin, has prompted the FPCN to incorporate the immediate development of more appropriate and sustainable social-economic alternatives for local resources. Logging is the main source of income in the area. The motivation behind logging is the continual search for cash for staple food products and other basic needs. Forestry resources are rapidly depleting in the area and there is an increasing pressure on the resources from the park itself. It was necessary to adopt new approaches in order to change this situation. Photo 9 : Colpa Guacamayos, one of the attractions of the Manu. Without careful planning, the everincreasing tourism activity could become a serious problem. Photograph by J. Pacheco, 1991. Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)39 Rural development around protected areas is considered essential for the viability of conservation management efforts. By intensifying the management and utilization of agricultural, forest and wildlife resources in the buffer zone of the MBR, the subsistence base of the people is strengthened whilst human pressure on the natural resources of the National Park should be alleviated (FPCN, 1992). a- Objectives of the project The primary objective of the Manu Project is to contribute to the long term conservation of the biological diversity of the MNP through the protection of its natural resources and the sustainable use of the area adjoining it. The specific objectives are: i> To increase the management capacity of the official Manu Park administration within and around the Park. ii) To minimize the human impact on the park through the promotion of sustainable development in the buffer zone of the Biosphere Reserve. iii) To influence regional and national policies regarding land use planning in the area. b- Conservation of the resource base In 1992 funds of the Manu Project were directed towards urgently needed new infrastructure and equipment. “Aquatic transportation was purchased and another 4 wheel- drive vehicle was bought and the old one repaired. Also, the communication system was replaced with new radios and solar panels. Without this equipment, the operational capacity of the park administration was constrained and protection handicapped” (Challco, 1994). A progress report on the project mentions that “the PPCN has done some good work in support of the Park Administration. The Park Administration includes a director, an anthropologist, two superintendents (public use and protection) and 26 wardens, but their effectiveness is still limited. During the previous project period they prepared the operational plan for the park and this is awaiting approval by INRENA. In the meantime, many of the activities carried out by the Park Support Program are based on the implementation of such plan. So far, training courses have been run for guards, equipment has been provided and one of two planned control posts has already been designed”. (Wicks and Mad Lauchlan, 1993). Working Paper Ne 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France) . .-,-.f.~re_40 c- Social and economic development The Social and Development Project was included in 1990, when the FPCN’s Operational Plan for the South-Eastern Program was drawn up. This component is basically intended to develop alternative sources of income in the buffer zone. Since 1992, the emphasis has been on the development of sustainable agricultural systems and health and education services for the community and the agricultural schools in the area. The target groups are settlers (mainly Quechuas from the highlands) and indigenous people (Amazonian) living in the buffer zone. The indigenous people inside the park were not considered in the fust and second phase. The project does not support people inside the park, to whom only sporadic contributions are made, providing the health authorities with logistic support for vaccination services and preventative medicine. The WWF/FPCN project provides financial support for teams from the Ministry of Health through a formal signed agreement. The first step in the program includes talks on health, hygiene, and nutrition. A single donation of basic first aid equipment is made to the community. Community leaders are in charge of selling medicines from the kit at cost price, and the money is used to purchase more medicines. The next step in each community is to prepare resident health workers. Training of these residents encourages communication between the Ministry of Health and the communities, so that future requests for medical aid and training can be made directly to the Ministry of Health. For the educational activities an agreement was signed with the Government Educational Service Unit (USE). The WWF/FPCN project has contacted a private consulting group of professional teachers (CAIP) to work in the area with USE. The plan is to add technical agrarian courses incorporating the idea of sustainable use to the curricula in the agrarian high schools of the area (three in total). Currently the schools act more as centers of general education in art and sciences whilst courses in agrarian subjects have been discontinued because of a lack of materials. CAIP provides advice on reprogramming the curricula and materials needed for the school, USE provides teachers specialized in horticulture, agriculture and animal husbandry. The project provides seeds, seedlings, and animals for use in technical courses and to initiate self-production in the agrarian school. The development of ecologically sustainable agricultural systems was proposed in order to use the available resources more intensively in a small area, and to promote the replacement of extensive systems like cattle ranching and extensive agricultural production elsewhere. These aims were recognized by the local farmers and were discussed in the workshops and the conservation extension activities. Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)41 An example of this approach was the adaptation of the “Maya gardens” technique, developed in the Reserved Zone of Tambopata and tested in the Palotoa -Llactapampa settlement in the area, with funds from the Smithsonian Institution. Due to the lack of funds for the continuation of this project, the FPCN decided to continue with this work in other areas. The experience of the “Maya gardens” was used to develop an improved home garden system adding organic soils to the farmers’ plots. “In Palotoa-Llactapampa these improved home gardens were implemented to provide the Andean families who have settled there with a variety of vegetables which are generally lacking in their diet mainly due to a series of adverse climatological and ecological conditions in the Amazon region in general. The soil of the gardens has been mixed with river sand, crushed termite nests and compost to improve the physical conditions and help maintain its fertility. No chemical fertilizers are used. The only cash input needed for these home gardens is for the purchase of seeds. Labor is provided by the family and materials are obtained from the home surroundings”. (FPCN-PSE, 1992). The progress report prepared by Wicks and Mat Lauchlan (1993) mentioned that “General home gardens were good although the standard varied from farm to farm and area to area depending upon soil conditions, the farmers’ acceptability of the idea and/or the level of technical advice that the project could provide. These home gardens contained a number of green vegetables, tomatoes, squash etc. and they will play an important part in improving the diet of the whole family”. d- Conservation extension In the MP the conservation extension component is implemented to: 0 Promote sustainable land and resource use. ii) Build conservation awareness at grass roots and government levels, with special emphasis on the link between conservation and development. iii) Empower local residents with the tools required for independent interaction with health and education activities. This is achieved through the organization of local workshops which last for two to three days and allow members of neighboring settlements to get together and share ideas and experiences. For these workshops, two kinds of people in each settlement are identified: Potential rural health extension workers and one or more local farmers who are well-respected, have leadership qualities, and are eager to participate in the project’s activities. In the first phase of the project the FPCN suppotied the integrated courses on basic health and nutrition directed by personnel from the Centre for Medicinal and Food Crops (CEPLAN) of the University of San Antonio Abad, Cuzco. The course included plays or theatrical presentations on the use of vegetables and practical training using the products of Working Paper N* 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)42 home gardens. These courses also included talks by FPCN staff about the conservation of the national Park, showing practical solutions for pest control and a sustainable use of resources. Farmers were encouraged to talk and to teach their neighbors about their experiences. Community meetings provided an opportunity to ahalyze and discuss the main problems in the area, and to share ideas and experiences. The next part of this empowerment procedure is to bring local, regional and national government authorities to the area for an integrated workshop about health, nutrition, conservation, a sustainable use of natural resources and the importance of the Manu National Park as a source of potential benefit. The local people who participate are expected to act as multipliers, passing on the information acquired to other residents (FPCN-PSE, 1992). These workshops are intended to allow influential people to visit the Reserve in order to view the situation of the local people and observe the local participation in the FPCN’s activities. During these workshops, talks are organized around such issues as health and sustainable farming systems, and emphasis is placed on the direct interaction between authorities and local people who have animal modules, home gardens and or experimental plots on their land (FPCN-PSE, 1992). At the same time, the Peruvian Association for the Conservation of Nature (APECO) has been implementing an Environmental Education programme since 1994, in order to give the surrounding population the knowledge, understanding and skill to participate in decisions regarding environmental education in Manu. This Environmental Education programme makes it easier to relate and intensify the existing extension activities and promote the inclusion of environmental education in the schools of the area. The project includes inter-cultural communication, cultural diversification, indigenous rights and gender issues. The above-mentioned activities are promoted by means of a conservationist extension component, for the purpose of carrying out biodiversity research work outside the National Park. IX- OPERATION OF THE RESERVE The management of the Manu National Park is coordinated at a central level by the Lima-based DGAPFS and at a regional level by the Inca Regional Government based in Cuzco as far as regulatory technical aspects are concerned, and the budget and administration are managed at a regional level. This situation has not been the most suitable for the Park and has caused misunderstandings and consequent problems for the protected area. Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)43 The system Plan for Peru’s Protected Natural Areas currently being drawn up is aimed at solving this problem, joining the areas management under a single institution at a national level. As regards the areas outside the Park which form part of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the management responsibility is shared at a sectoral level and a single management is lacking. The Reserve requires a legal political system and clear standards to avoid the lack of coordination and prevent State sectors from overlapping with private interests. The Management Committee of the Manu Biosphere Reserve proposed appointing a Manager to coordinate and manage the Reserve, however this suggestion never prospered due to budget restrictions. The administration of the Manu National Park and the Manu Reserved Zone is the only one with a permanent staff available, including a Technical Director, three technical coordinators and 26 warders responsible for control actions. Photo 10 : Salvaci6n Manu - Headquarters for the Administration of the Manu National Park and the Management Committee of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Photograph by L. Yallicd, 1985. At the present time, the activities of the “Manu Project” are increasing the support to the Park, building three new surveihance posts in both the higher part (Jesus Maria) and in the Working Paper N* 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)44 lower part (Limonal), making a total of 5 posts. Similarly, priority is being placed on equipment for these posts, aansport for gaining access to the area and the expansion of the communication system. X- FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION At the present time, the Manu Biosphere Reserve receives technical and financial aid from the WWF through projects conducted by the FPCN and APECO, amounting to approximately US$450 000 a year. Likewise, assistance from the German Cooperation began last year through the GTZ and local organizations, making it possible to design a development plan for the Manu Biosphere Reserve; the sum of US$90 000 has been allocated to this area in 1995. Other local organizations provide cooperation on specific aspects, such as CEDIA for indigenous publications, CAB? and ERA for education. A recent project of the Amazonian Cooperation Treaty (ACT) supported by FA0 and the EU considers the Manu National Park as a demonstration area for research and tourism and has envisaged supporting these issues. The EU, which has been supporting the Park for the last three years by jointly financing the WWF/FPCN project with ODA, is interested in expanding its cooperation. Although this could involve a significant contribution to both the Park and the Biosphere Reserve, several stake holders -including NGOs and regional authorities- have expressed their concern about the possible negative consequences of a heavily financed project with a different structure and management to that already existing in the Reserve, which may well cause more problems than solutions. It is therefore proposed that the Management Committee of the Manu Biosphere Reserve should be urged to coordinate with and improve the efficiency of the different cooperating institutions. Xl- MAJOR CONSERVATION PROBLEMS AND THREATS Different types of pressure that could have a negative impact continue to threaten the Core Area, the Buffer Zone and the Transition Zone of the Reserve. The following are among the main threats: Logging, the main economic activity in the south and south eastern part of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, has practically depleted the resources in transition areas. At the present time, much more remote and inaccessible areas are being developed, as well as other areas that compromise the national Park. Gold mining in the Colorado and Madre de Dios river basins is a constant threat, considering the growth of this activity and the intention of many mining companies to expand their activity to new areas. Although few have ventured into the Manu National Park deluding Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)45 the control of park guards, the main problem is the pollution of the rivers with mercury, which affects fish breeding, causing fish to search for other parts of the river in which to reproduce. Tourism : Although the number of visitors to the Manu Reserved Zone has not exceeded 10 000 visitors a year so far, there is evidence of the impact caused to the wildlife on the river shores as a result of the noise made by motorboats along the Manu, which is a relatively narrow river. During peak tourism periods, boats carrying tourists tend to race each other, knowing that those behind them may not catch a glimpse of riverside wildlife. Furthermore, overcrowding in the campsites near the most attractive lakes causes annoyance among groups of visitors and disturbs the birds and turtles on the beaches. There is a pressing need for tourism impact studies and planning to ensure that the zone does not lose its attraction. The exploitation of gas fields in Camisea near the Park’s northwestern boundary is also a cause of much concern with respect to the impact this activity could have on the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Although adequate exploitation technologies could be used for developing this non-renewable resource, this activity would generate disorganized occupation in the Urubamba river basin and the invasion of indigenous territories by settlers from the Cuzco area. The Alto Madre de Dios river basin in the Manu Biosphere Reserve is also considered as one of the alternative zone for the transoceanic highway that would join Brazil and Peru. A road through this area would also increase the population flow which would not only endanger the natural resources of the transition area, but of the Manu National Park itself. Working Paper NQ 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cooperation Programme), Paris (France)46 REFERENCES APECO : Environmental Education Programme in the Manu Biosphere Reserve.. Lima. Peru, 1994. CDC-PERU : Reporte Manu. The Nature ConservancyKJNA-La Molina. Lima, 1985. CDC - PERU, UNALM : Diseiio de UM Metodologia para el Monitoreo de1 Impact0 de las Actividades Humanas en Areas Protegidas de la Amazonia Peruana, Lima, 1990. Plan Director de1 Sistema National de Unidades de Conservacidn (SINUC), Una Aproximacidn desde la Dive&dad Biologica.. Lima, Peni, 199 1. CERA “BartolomC de las Casas” : Exodo o redistribucidn? Tendencias demogrticas en la Regi6n Inka. 1961-1993. Cuzco-Per& 1993. CHALLCO M. : Infonne Anual de1 Proyecto. Octubre I993- Junio 1994. FPCN, cuzco, 1994. CLARK K. y ELEJALDE A. : Diagnostic0 socio-econdmico de la Zona Cultural y de Influencia de la Reserva de Biosfera de1 Manu. Informe Final -FPCN. 1990. CORDEMAD : Actas de clausura de1 taller sobre Conservacidn y Desarrollo de la Reserva de la Biosfera de1 Manu. Erika, Manu, 1987. FOSTER R, : Plantas de1 Parque Manu, Cheklist. Unpubl. report, 1987. The floristic composition of the Rio Manujlood plain forest. in: Gentry, A. Four Neotropical Rainforests. Yale University Press, 1990. FPCN : Conservation and Ecologically Sustainable Development in the Manu Biosphere Reserve-South Eastern Peru. (Project proposal). Lima, Peru, 1992. FPCN-PSE Ynforme Final Proyecto Manu. cuzco, 1992. JANSON CH. AND EMMONS L. : Ecological Structure of the Nonflying Mammals community at the Cocha Cashu Biological Station, Manu National Park, Peru. in: Gentry, A. (1990) Four Neotropical Rainforests. Yale University Press. New Haven, 1990. KARR J. ROBINSON S., BLAKE, J. AND BIERREGAARD R. : Birds of four neotropical forests. In: Gentry, A. (1990) Four Neotropical rain forests. Yale University press. New Haven, 1990. LAMAS G., ROBBINS R. AND HARREY D. : A preliminary surrey of the butterfly fauna of Pakitza, Parque National de1 Manu, Peru’, with an estimate of its species richnes. Pobl. Museo de Historia Natural UNMSM (A) 40:1-19. Lima, Peni, 1991. ONERN sapa Ecoldgico de1 Peru. Guia eqlicativa. Lima, Per& 1976. Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ de FREITAS : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru)47 REGION INKA : Plan Operativo Parque National de1 Manu 1992-1993. EN-LIMA, 1992. ROBINSON AND TERBORGH : Bird Communities of the Cocha Cashu Biological Station in Amazonian Peni. In: Gem-y, A. (1990) Four Neotropical Rainforests. Yale University Press. New Haven, 1990. RODRIGUEZ L. AND CADLE J. ~4 preliminary overview of the Herpeto Fauna of Cczshu Cash. Manu National Park, Peru. In: Gentry, A. (1990) Four Netropical rain forests. Yale University press. New Haven, 1990. TERBORGH J. : Five new World Primates. A study in comparative Ecology. Princenton University Press. New York, 1983. An Oventiew of Research at Cocha Cashu Biological Station In: Gentry, A. (1990) Four Neotropical Rainforests, Yale University Press, New Haven, 1990. UDVARDY M. : A clasi~cation of the Biogeographical Provinces of the World. IUCN. , Gland, Switzerland, 1975. UNA - CEPID : Plan Maestro, Parque National de1 Manu. Lima, Peru, 1986. WICKS C. AND MAC LAUCHLAN D. : Progress Report. Manx Project. WWF Godalming, 1994. YALLICO L. : Programa Manx Componentes y Plan Estratigico de Trabajo. FPCN. Erika, 1989. Working Paper NC 8,1995, UNESCO (South-South Cc~operation Programme), Paris (France)Working Papers No 1 (1995) : The Mata Atlantica Biosphere Reserve (Brazil) : An overview Antonlo Carlos DIEGUES No 2 (1995) : The Xishuangbanna Biosphere Reserve (China) : A Tropical Land of Natural and Cultural Diversity WU Zhaolu, OU Xiaokun No 3 (1995) : The Mae Sa-Kog Ma Biosphere Reserve (Thailand) Benjavan RERKASSEM, Kanok RERKASEM No 4 (1995) : La R&serve de la Biosphere de Dimonika (Congo) Jean DIAMOUANGANA No 5 (1995) : Le part national de Tai’ (C&e d’lvoire) : un mail/on essentiel du programme de conservation de la nature Yaya SANGARE No 6 (1995) : La R&en/e de la Biosphere de Mananara-Nord (Madagascar) 1988- 1994 : bilan et perspectives Noeline RAONDRY, Victor SOLO, Martha KLEIN No 7 (1995) : A Study of the Homegarden Ecosystem in the Mekong River Delta and the HoChiMinh City (Viet Nam) Nguyen Thi Ngoc AN No 8 (1995) : The Manu Biosphere Reserve (Peru) Luis YALLICO, Gustav0 SUAREZ DE FREITAS No 9 (1995) : The Beni Biosphere Reserve (Bolivia) Carmen MIRANDA L. No 10 (1995) : La Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra de/ Rosario (Cuba) Maria HERRERA Alvarez, Maritza GARCIA Garcia No 11 (1995) : The Omo Biosphere Reserve (Nigeria) Augustine 0. ISICHEI . No 12 (1995) : Environnement nature/ et socio-&onomique de/a for& classde de la Lama (B&in) Marcel A. BAGLO, Bonaventure GUEDEGBE No 13 (1995) : The Calakmuk Biosphere Resen/e (Mexico) Eckarl BOEGE