SCIENCE AND COMMUNITY
On April 28th, a group conformed by REDD+ Brazil nut concession project partners and children of project partners entered the Brazil nut forests of Marita Vargas, concessionaire member of the REDD+ project. The purpose was to join a team of scientists from the Natural History Museum of the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (MHN-UNMSM) for a new biodiversity monitoring expedition carried out within the scope of the project and as part of BAM’S Science Program.
During the event, scientists with expertise in diverse areas such as herpetology, botany, mastozoology and ornithology from the MHN-UNMSM shared their study, evaluation and monitoring methods with Brazil nut concession partners, with the purpose of jointly analyzing the role that species play in maintaining the balance and good condition of the forests. Similarly, Brazil nut partners shared their knowledge on forest composition and richness to contribute to the biodiversity monitoring efforts carried out by the REDD+ Brazil nut concessions project.
The activity consisted of an initial theoretical meeting, where researchers from each specialty gave a scientific presentation in a laboratory area, before going out into the field to carry out practical exercises. A full day spent working and sharing provided the opportunity to exchange knowledge around the value of biodiversity and its importance for conservation and environmental balance.
Among the researchers who participated in the event, ecologist Varun Swany, a renowned researcher of the Amazon region of Madre de Dios, emphasized the importance of conservation and biodiversity in Brazil nut concessions.
At the end of the expedition, participants shared reflections and lessons learned, highlighting the essential role of each species within the Brazil nut ecosystem. The members of the REDD+ Brazil Nut concessions project, showing their appreciation for the experience, highlighted how this type of activity helps them to learn more about their own forests and to feel more identified and committed to their protection.
Symbolically, Brazil nut concessionaires received a certificate of participation in the expedition.
REDD+ Brazil Nut Concessions promotes the participation of its partners in the sustainable and conservation activities it develops. This joint expedition initiates the participatory monitoring program that involves both current project partners and future generations.
To date, REDD+ Brazil Nut concessions project protects more than 500,000 hectares of Brazil nut forests together with more than 600 partner families grouped in the Federation of Brazil nut growers of Madre de Dios (FEPROCAMD) in Peru.
Text: Valeria Drinot
Photographs: Walter H. Wust y Mark Wust
