A new identity was presented through a management model that promotes the sustainable development of local populations, cultural diversity, research, and education.

December 15, 2021 – 2:02 p.m.

The Manu Biosphere Reserve, in the departments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, is one of the most extensive protected areas in the country that, thanks to the variety of altitude floors and biodiversity of flora and fauna that promotes the protection of the Manu National Park (recognized as a Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO), has become a great attraction for ecological and scientific tourism.

In this context, the reserve presented its new identity through a management model that promotes the sustainable development of local populations, cultural diversity, research, and education to promote economic growth in the communities that comprise it, making them recognized by their products and ventures.

Visitors, upon entering the Manu Biosphere Reserve, will be able to find a highly conserved natural space with several different ecosystems and cultures; in addition, the black caiman, harpy eagle and a great diversity of birds will be observed. Adventure activities such as trekking, cycling, canoeing and marathon can be performed, as well as visit native communities and practice mystical and scientific tourism.

According to figures, in 2019, Manu Biosphere Reserve received 20,000 visitors, mostly foreigners, from countries such as the USA, Germany, England, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada and Chile. During 2020 and early 2021, no visitors were received; however, as of the second half of this year, national tourists began to arrive.

“By 2022 we expect the number of visitors to the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the Manu National Park, and the buffer zone to be around 10,000, approximately. We are working with the companies that provide tourist services so that they work aligned with the sustainability criteria and also in having tourist products accessible to all people,” says Tula Barazorda Chipa, president of the Kosñipata District Committee of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.

The residents recognize that the reserve is an opportunity to improve economic growth through the food it produces, such as coffee, chili peppers, bananas, pineapple, papaya, and a variety of medicinal plants. “The first product that has already taken the step is aguaymanto, a fruit that comes from the high Andean communities of the Manu Biosphere Reserve and that is found in local and regional markets. Soon, it will be entering national markets,” added Américo Hurtado, president of the Manu National Park Management Committee.

According to an assessment by Insight Hunting SEO, carried out by the Impulso Corp. Research Unit for the Manu Biosphere Reserve, it was found that online searches for natural reserves in Peru in Spanish-speaking countries, on average, were 1 677 monthly searches during 2021, while in English-speaking countries there were 300 and 450. Argentina, Chile, Spain, USA, England, and Canada are the countries that most perform these searches online.

Among the forecasts of specialists who work in the Manu Biosphere Reserve have, the one that proposes that, in the coming years, all producers and tourism service providers in the area develop their activities aligned with nature-friendly practices, strengthening experiential tourism and sustainable and environmentally friendly productive development.

The Manu Biosphere Reserve receives the support of multiple institutions, among which the regional governments of Cusco and Madre de Dios, the National Service of Protected Natural Areas by the State (Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado-Sernanp), the district municipalities of Fitzcarrald, Manu, Challabamba, Kosñipata and Yanatile. In addition, it has the support and advice of the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), implemented by the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS Peru), within the framework of the ProAmbiente program.

“I invite all Peruvians to visit the Manu Biosphere Reserve, since there they will be able to live unique experiences and learn about the diversity of the flora and fauna of the place, in addition to practicing outdoor activities and being in contact with nature. The reserve is a very internationally recognized destination, but it is important that national tourism also grows in it,” concluded Tula Barazorda Chipa, president of the Kosñipata District Committee of the Manu Biosphere Reserve.

The Manu Biosphere Reserve is made up of more than 50 000 people, including peasant and indigenous communities, colonist populations, native peoples, and populations in initial contact and isolation. For more information about the Manu Biosphere Reserve and the Manu National Park, you can enter https://www.visitmanu.com/

Source: Sernanp Communications