GEF Inka Terra

completed

Although ITA is a relatively new organization, it contains highly capable and dedicated staff who have been working on biodiversity conservation in Peru for many years. The staff members have undertaken various conservation projects in conjunction with the Missouri Botanical Garden. These have included, for example, an orchid conservation initiative and a reforestation project for “cock of the rock” habitat. ITA staff members have also implemented a conservation project for the spectacled bear and collaborated on a biological research endeavor with the University of Kansas. This project aims to achieve long-term conservation of the 10,000 hectare Inka Terra Ecological Reserve and its many species of flora & fauna. The specific objectives include the following: -1 To develop a Forest Conservation and Management Plan that properly zones the reserve based upon a solid understanding of its ecology; -2 To develop partnerships with the four local communities so they can improve their quality of life while helping to preserve the forests; -3 To promote increased support for forest conservation and sustainable development through training programs; and -4 To generate long-term funding for conservation through development of new ecotourism attractions.