Main initiatives in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador
The Yasuní Biosphere Reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, bordered to the north by the Coca, Aguarico, and Napo rivers and to the south by the Curaray river. It is one of the most biologically and culturally diverse regions on the planet. The dominant ecosystem is the evergreen lowland forest of the Napo-Curaray, which includes areas of upland forest, igapó (flooded by black water), and várzea (flooded by white water), swamp areas with a dominance of palms, followed by the evergreen lowland forest of the Tigre-Pastaza.
It is home to diverse Indigenous communities with varying levels of contact with other societies, including uncontacted Indigenous communities.
Sustainable community tourism - Yaku Kawsay
The Yaku Kawsay Community Tourism Centre is an initiative of the Kichwa Indigenous Peoples, located on the banks of the Napo River in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. Yaku Kawsay means "world under water"; it is an environmental interpretation centre managed by 15 Kichwa families that seek to preserve and share their cultural traditions and respect for nature.
Visitors learn about the regional aquatic fauna through life-size wooden carvings, enjoy interpretive trails, taste traditional gastronomy, buy locally produced handicrafts, and participate in activities that connect nature conservation and the local identity and traditions of the Kichwa community.
The Amazon Biosphere Reserves Project supports the capacitation of the youth of the community in crafting wooden figures of the local wildlife and information panels, in order to improve the displays in their interpretation centre and to sell to the visitors.
This project helps us preserve species and also our culture and traditions. There are many people who don't know the species of fish we have here, so our work allows us to show them our biodiversity and the importance of preservation. The next step is the support of the Amazon Biosphere Reserves Project in the construction of a bird observation tower in our community
Designing a Management Plan for the biosphere reserve
All biosphere reserves must fulfil three basic, equal and mutually complementary functions: conservation, socio-economic development, and logistical support. These functions are guided by a management plan, which serves to achieve the declared objectives of the biosphere reserve in a structured, measurable way. In designing the biosphere reserve management plan, stakeholders must consider the goals, rules, and restrictions regarding land use and management in these areas. The formulation of a management plan represents a key opportunity to engage with stakeholders and communities in depth.
The Amazon Biosphere Reserves Project is supporting the biosphere reserve in developing its Management Plan in coordination with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).