International Conference
on Biodiversity & Society
Columbia University and
the UNESCO Division
of Ecological Sciences
May 22-25, 2001
How Humans Shape the Environment
is Focus of International Biodiversity Conference
at Columbia, May 22-25
Case Studies: 7. Peru: Sector Muyuy
Thematic Focus
Throughout the tropics, small-holder farmers have developed
diverse and complex management and production systems that preserve or even
build significant diversity while coping with physical limitations and environmental
transformations, as well as economic changes. These include forest management
systems that manipulate the natural regeneration of multiple species to increase
the proportion of economically valuable timber, fruits, and medicinals while
in some instances increasing rather than reducing tree species diversity. 
The
multiple layers that characterize agro-forestry systems created and managed
by small holders generate habitat diversity for the continued reproduction
of numerous plant and animal species. The practice of intercropping helps small-holder
farmers produce crops while maintaining high levels of agro-biodiversity and
other forms of biological diversity in their plots.
The Sector Muyuy Case Study (SMCS), focusing on a rural area neighboring Iquitos,
the largest city of Peruvian Amazonia, will highlight extraordinary examples
of managed biodiversity. 
The
inhabitants of this area have developed complex and diverse resource management
and production technologies that allow them to produce for a dynamic urban
market without converting the forested landscape into cattle ranches or mono-specific
industrial plantations. The small framers and forest managers of Muyuy also
respond effectively to a highly dynamic and unpredictable floodplain environment
. Muyuy communities have also developed some of the most innovative examples
of community-based conservation of lake and forest resources in Pervuvian Amazonia.
These technologies and the experiences of people who are using them offer notable
opportunities for promoting conservation and resolving conflicts between conservation
and development goals.
Multi-Stakeholder Workshops
A
two-day workshop is planned, in which farmers, researchers, and politicians
will be brought together of discussions aimed at drafting of the ICBS working
document as well as a summary of participants' views and opinions. Policy recommendations
will be produced for the incorporation of local initiatives for conservation
and development, as well as the regulation of resource access and tenure of
land and water resources.
Collaborators and Institutional Affiliates
The SMCS is being prepared under the leadership of Dr. Miguel Pinedo-Vasquez of CERC, along with team of Peruvian researchers and local stakeholders.
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