GEF Inka Terra

completed

Global Environmental Fund (GEF) financing of $725,000 will be used to catalyze the self-financing of the 10,000 hectare Inka Terra Ecological Reserve (IER) for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development for the local communities. The IER is located in the state of Madre de Dios, Peru, 15 kilometers northeast of Puerto Maldonado. The project is expected to provide a replicable model for engaging the private sector in achieving financial sustainability for protected areas. Funding with go the Inka Terra Association (ITA or the sponsor), a non-profit set up to manage the IER. The specific activities to be financed with GEF funds are:Forest Management and Conservation Plan. The IER will be divided into usage zones based upon the ecological characteristics of each area. After carrying out considerable on-the-ground assessments, a written Forest Conservation and Management Plan will be drafted. It will detail how the reserve should be utilized (or not utilized) in each area. This program component will be developed in collaboration with the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT).Community Partnerships for Conservation & Development. The project will establish formal agreements with the four local communities concerning conservation and use of the forest. These agreements will include specific provisions for controlling and monitoring hunting, fishing, and tree cutting. They will also include support for the community in developing conservation-based enterprises: technical assistance programs with the four local communities on crop rotation, pest control and soil management (including drainage techniques to avoid damage from flooding); establishment of two tree nurseries in each of the four local communities; establishment of two small-scale fish aquaculture operations in each of the four local communities;and implementation of community-based programs to breed animals, such as chicken, ducks capybaras, and peccaries, for local consumption.Long-Term Conservation Finance through Ecotourism Development. To ensure long-term financial sustainability of ITA’s conservation and community development activities, this project will develop four new ecotourism attractions in the 200 hectares of forest owned by Inka Terra as well as within the 10,000 hectare reserve: (i) Palm Forest Tour; (ii) Canopy Walk; (iii) Primate Rescue Center; and (iv) Giant Otter Observation Tour Education and Training. An environmental awareness-raising program will be carried out with local stakeholders. At least four workshops on forest conservation and sustainable use will be held each year for men, women and youths who come from groups that constitute both threats and opportunities for forest conservation (e.g., colonists, loggers, teachers, unions, public officials).