PROTECTING A BIODIVERSITY HOT SPOT
Tambopata in Madre de Dios, Peru is world-renowned as a biodiversity hotspot. Incredibly, it supports nearly 60% of the world’s plant, bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species.
Sadly, the Tambopata region is continually facing destruction from illegal gold mining, logging, and slash and burn agriculture.
In 2014, we at ARC took a stand. We acquired a 616-hectare Brazil nut concession in Tambopata – a sanctuary for over 100 giant Brazil nut trees which are also vital carbon vaults.
But the challenges since then have been daunting. By March 2020, the pandemic forced us out of the very lands we sought to protect. And in our absence, lawlessness prevailed.
When we returned in 2022, we uncovered the heartbreaking reality of 11 illegal gold mining camps desecrating our land. But we fought back. And our resilience was rewarded when we reclaimed every inch of our territory by May 2023. But not without scars.
The miners left us with huge mercury polluted pits. But there’s hope. We are now investigating the best scientific methods to clean up these pits. And in 2023, we expanded our preserve by acquiring an additional 79 hectares.
Now, more than ever, your support is crucial. Join us as we work to mend the scars on our Brazil nut concession. And, in doing so, build a proper ranger/ research centre, pave a path towards alternative and sustainable livelihoods for the illegal gold miners in this area.
DONATE TO PROTECT A BIODIVERSITY HOT SPOT
©2023, Amazon Rainforest Conservancy. Charitable #833497084RR0001