The forest at the headwaters of the Arabela, between the Curaray and Tigre rivers, is one of the most remote regions in the Amazon rainforest and is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. It is also an oil concession, known as Block 39. The Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability has worked with Repsol Exploración Peru, the Madrid-based petroleum company managing this oil concession, to develop a new conservation initiative for the area. The Center is incorporating biodiversity principles and new scientific research in an attempt to minimize the negative effects of oil exploration and development in this area.
With this initiative, CCES has the unique opportunity to work with an oil company in the early stages of exploration, before any large-scale development takes place. Having CCES and its scientists involved at such an early stage helps ensure that sound conservation and sustainable development, ultimately, preserve the ecological integrity of this important region.
CCES is working with Repsol Exploración Peru to develop and implement a Biodiversity Action Plan for Block 39. Their goals are to:
- Conduct baseline biodiversity assessments in the region
- Use a multi-taxa approach to create a spatial map of critical habitats within the block
- Investigate the effect of seismic exploration activities on key wildlife species
- Provide professional training and capacity building to Peruvian counterparts
- Develop a local education plan to keep regional villages in Block 39 informed of the progress and results of CCES research in the area
- Review and advise on the biodiversity components of Environmental, Social and Impact Assessments (ESIAs)
Biodiversity Assessment
CCES has two teams, composed of Peruvian and United States biologists, working in Block 39. The first team assesses what species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and ferns live in different forest habitats throughout the 8,850 square kilometer concession. They will use this information to record the diversity of species found in this unstudied region, and to identify areas that constitute conservation priorities.
The second team investigates the direct effects of seismic exploration activities on mammals and stream-dwelling invertebrates such as aquatic insects and snails. The scientists use primate census techniques and camera trapping to study the density, abundance, and activity patterns of certain mammal species that may be sensitive to disturbance, including ocelots and white-bellied spider monkeys. This information will broaden our understanding of the effects seismic operations might have. Once we understand those effects, we can make specific recommendations about how to minimize them in future operations.
