Our work in the Peruvian Amazon
The ASA works to conserve biodiversity and other natural resources in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon. Scroll down to learn more about how we achieve this.
Biological Research
& Monitoring
Objectives
The rainforests of southeastern Peru shelter more species of plants and animals than almost anywhere else on earth. Unfortunately, this unmatched biodiversity is threatened by a variety of human activities, including uncontrolled extraction of natural resources and the unsustainable expansion of the agricultural frontier.
Our Biological Research and Monitoring programs aim to conserve biodiversity and wildlife in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon.
Strategy
We achieve biodiversity conservation through a two-step process:
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First, we gather, compile, and promote the collection of the basic biological data needed to monitor changes in plant and animal populations over time due to human activities, including hunting, habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, and climate change. We accomplish this through ASA-led data collection projects, as well as through internship and scholarship programs designed to attract students and researchers to southeastern Peru.
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We then use these data to develop management strategies for plant and animal species or groups of species of key ecological or conservation importance in the region. Management strategies are developed in collaboration with our regional partners in government, the non-profit sector, and ecotourism.
Monitoring rain forest birds in Peru's Manu National Park.
A titi monkey (Callicebus brunneus) with her baby near the Interoceanic Highway in southeastern Peru.
Monitoring rain forest butterflies using baited traps.
Our biological research & monitoring projects in Peru
Sustainable Tropical
Agriculture
Objectives
Agriculture in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon is centered on intensive production of cash crops, especially papaya at present. As infertile tropical soils are quickly exhausted, farmers must regularly clear rainforest in order to maintain production, leading to a continual expansion of the agricultural frontier.
Our Sustainable Tropical Agriculture programs aim to reduce deforestation by increasing agricultural efficiency, enhancing traditional farming practices, and promoting the cultivation of more environmentally-friendly crops.
Strategy
Research
We promote, support, and carry out research to understand the agricultural practices and crops that lead to the highest yields, the highest incomes for local farmers, and the fewest negative environmental impacts.
Outreach
Our research efforts have no impact if they do not change peoples' actions. A key part of our strategy, therefore, is to support and provide technical assistance Amazonian farmers based on our research, or otherwise on the best available evidence.
Pineapples are an important Amazonian crop.
A castañero (Brazil nut harvester) gathers nuts for export in Peru's Madre de Dios region.
The peach palm (known in Peru as 'pijuayo'; Bactris gasipaes) is an important native plant. The fruits are very nutritious and popular throughout the Amazon.
Our sustainable tropical agriculture projects in Peru
Reporting
Read the 2017-2018 ASA Biannual Report here.
