Participants during the «Heart of the AMA NETWORK” outdoors, sharing moments of conviviality in nature.
Photography: Eduard Valdivia Torres.
On August 16 and 17, 2024, key local stakeholders, including community boards and conservation area owners, gathered at the «Heart of the AMA Network» event to share their experiences, learn new conservation strategies, and strengthen collaboration between communities and organizations that make up the Network.
The event, held in the auditorium of the Regional Environmental Authority and Fundo Pucacruz, was a space for dialogue and learning for local leaders responsible for conservation areas. These representatives are fundamental in the protection of the ecosystems of the Tropical Andes of Northern Peru, and their work allows the implementation of concrete solutions for the protection of the ecosystems. preserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable development opportunities.
Context and justification
The Amazonas region faces significant threats due to the deforestation and agricultural expansion. These activities have led to the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of local ecosystems. In this context, the local stakeholders play a key role in mitigating these effects through the use of direct management of conservation areas that protect natural resources and promote sustainable development in their territories.
The AMA NETWORK, established in 2006, has been working tirelessly to integrate biodiversity conservation with the economic development of local communities. The «Heart of the AMA NETWORK» event represents a step forward in strengthening this approach by ensuring that local actors have the tools and the necessary support to continue with the protection of the Amazonian ecosystems.
The «Heart of the AMA NETWORK» project was financed with a fund from $150,000 granted by PROFONANPE, for the creation and enlargement of private conservation areas in the Tropical Andes of Northern Peru. This financing has been key to strengthen local capacities and ensure the sustainability of conservation projects in the region.
Concrete results and commitments
One of the most significant achievements of the event was the consolidation of the commitment of local stakeholders to expand and strengthen conservation areas. The PCA owners and leaders agreed to work together to improve the surveillance of these areas, ensuring the protection of vulnerable species as the Yellow-tailed Choro monkey, while boosting the ecotourism in their territories. This management model is key to the success of the AMA NETWORK and its long-term conservation projects.
The local representatives also participated in workshops and hands-on activities, learning about the use of Merlin ID technology for bird monitoring, which enables acquire specific skills for the efficient management of their conservation areas. These new tools will improve their capacity to manage natural resources and strengthen local governance.
Speakers imparting the importance of protecting natural areas in Amazonas
Photography: Eduard Valdivia Torres
Strengthening alliances and benefits for communities
The event was also an opportunity to strengthening alliances between local and national organizations, The project has also been able to strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders, such as ECOAN, CORBIDI and APECO, which have provided technical and financial support for protected area management. These alliances not only strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders, but also ensure the sustainability of conservation initiatives in the future.
Participation of different organizations
Photography: Eduard Valdivia Torres
The direct impact of these actions benefits communities that depend on natural resources and ecotourism. The AMA NETWORK's focus on the active participation of local leaders ensures that protected area management decisions are responsive to the real needs of communities, promoting economic development based on sustainability.
For more details on future conservation initiatives and the impact of local stakeholders in the AMA NETWORK, please contact:
Join us
Angers William Espejo Pingus
RED AMA Environmental Specialist
aespejop24@gmail.com
Eduard Valdivia Torres
eduard.arm@hotmail.com
