Manití project in Peru: Conservation and bio-business

^{The Manití Project is working to diversify the local economy. The goal is to boost incomes while safeguarding the rich biodiversity of the Manití forest.}

Along the winding path of the Amazon River in Peru's Loreto region lies the Manití River Basin. This invaluable ecosystem supports endangered wildlife, including the jaguar and the Amazonian manatee; it is also home to over 1,000 families whose lives are intertwined with the forest. However, the Basin is threatened by the effects of climate change and growing human pressure on its natural resources.

A fragile ecosystem

The Manití River Basin is a biodiversity hotspot. It is home to unique flora and fauna, and contributes to climate regulation with forests that capture significant amounts of carbon. Unfortunately, deforestation and forest degradation threaten to disrupt the region's essential ecosystems and its positive impact on the planet. Moreover, roughly 2,500 local residents live in the basin and depend on its resources for their survival, putting even more strain on the ecosystem.

Given this situation, it's clear that we need strategies that not only protect the environment but also foster economic and social development for local communities. Conservation can't be an isolated effort; it must be integrated with initiatives that energize the local economy and improve people's lives.

The Manití Project (link in Spanish) takes a holistic approach to uplift the lives of around 1,000 people and preserve more than 15,000 hectares of primary forest in the Manití River Basin.

A key component of the Manití Project is its promotion of bio-businesses, which are economic activities that rely on the sustainable use of natural resources. One such initiative is beekeeping with a native species of stingless bee, whose honey is prized for its medicinal and nutritional benefits.

These bees are essential for pollinating local plants and the honey they produce has strong market potential. It's estimated that participating families could see their annual income increase by up to 20%.

Local residents have successfully managed these bees for years, however, harmful practices - like destroying hives to collect honey - have led to declines in bee populations.

Camino Verde, a partner in the project, provides an inspiring example of sustainable beekeeping. They focus on local involvement in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Camino Verde's approach, shaped during a decade of work in the Peruvian Amazon, acknowledges the region's unique biodiversity and its crucial pollinator species.

^{The installation of the first 50 hives for the project was made possible by the technical team from Cooperativa BioAmaz, who provided thorough training on beekeeping in each visited settlement. Community members participated in hands-on workshops where they learned skills, ranging from building and maintaining hives to the delicate process of honey and pollen extraction.}

The use of advanced technology has allowed communities to harvest honey responsibly, which ensures colony health and continued protection of these pollinators that are vital for forest regeneration. Community-driven initiatives and the revival of traditional knowledge, supported by organizations like Camino Verde, are leading to more sustainable beekeeping practices.

So far, more than 65 bee hives have been set up in five settlements within the basin (Paparo, Recreo, Santa Cecilia, San Pedro, and Nuevo Edén), with each family expected to earn additional income within the first 8 months of installation. The project plans to recruit an additional 200 families to beekeeping in the coming years.

Another highlight of the basin is its potential as a producer of non-traditional products, such as turmeric, camphor, or rosewood among others. These products are developed using an agro-ecological approach in managing family plots and filling specific market niches. This strategy not only enhances local income, but also supports sustainable forest management.

The Manití Project places an emphasis on activities that foster a lasting environmental awareness from an early age. As part of its environmental education outreach, it engages younger generations through community theater workshops that involve students, teachers, and parents.

This educational approach ensures that future generations are better prepared to tackle environmental challenges and commit to the conservation efforts started by projects like Manití.

The Manití Project showcases the power of collaboration and innovation in conservation, but this is just the beginning of the programme's work. The project aims to protect over 15,000 hectares of primary forest, a critical area for carbon capture and the conservation of Amazonian biodiversity.

About the Manití Project

The Manití Project is part of the Amazon Business Alliance, led by USAID, the Government of Canada, and Conservation International, in collaboration with Solidaridad and Grupo Palmas. It represents a commitment to a future where local communities thrive alongside nature. The project seeks to identify bio-business opportunities with local populations, who currently practice traditional subsistence agriculture and charcoal production-activities that have a harmful impact on the environment.

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