Eyes and ears of the forest: The fundamental role of forest custodians in Madre de Dios
Forest conservation in Madre de Dios goes beyond the environmental topic: it is also an economic and social pillar for local communities. The forest not only ensures access to vital resources such as water but is also a source of non-timber forest products, which are fundamental to the livelihoods of local stakeholders. Between 2001 and 2023, Madre de Dios lost approximately 8.5% of its total tree cover, equivalent to more than 320.5 million hectares. This happened due to illegal logging and agricultural expansion (MINAM, 2024). Safeguarding forests not only ensures the economic continuity of the region but also contributes to preserving cultural values and the well-being of local communities, fostering inclusive and resilient development.
In this context, being a forest steward has become particularly relevant due to increased illegal extractive activities that threaten primary forests. Forest custodians play a fundamental role in their protection and that of biodiversity, as they care for their territories. Many of them are members of indigenous and local communities, who dedicate their time and effort to monitor and manage the forest in their concessions, ensuring that natural resources are used sustainably and environmentally friendly.
Through their work, which includes regular patrolling, monitoring protected areas, and reporting illegal activities, the custodians can prevent the expansion of activities that degrade the Amazon and affect the quality of life of local inhabitants. They are the voice of the forest for regional authorities and their work can protect large tracts of land, and benefit their communities that require a healthy and well-cared-for forest.
In collaboration with the Regional Forestry and Wildlife Management (GERFOR), WWF promotes the accreditation of 15 forest custodians in Madre de Dios. A total of 48 forest concessions will now effectively implement the control, surveillance, and monitoring plan developed by specialists. With this joint work, more than 41,000 hectares of forest will be effectively monitored in the region.
Over the past month, the candidates have received training for drone pilots, identifying illegal activities, reporting, and implementing good forest management practices to ensure they can fulfill their roles efficiently.
“Being an accredited forest custodian is more than protecting forests: it is having the skills and knowing the proper forest management techniques to be the eyes of the life that depends on them. More and more threats face our concessions and strengthening our skills helps us a lot. I would like my children to also learn and understand the importance of taking on this role so that they will continue to conserve when we are gone,” says Daniel Grifa, holder of the Pariamanu chestnut concession, which is a member of the Association of Organic Collectors of the Amazonian Nut of Peru (RONAP).
As accredited forest custodians intensify their efforts to protect the forest, all stakeholders involved in this process must work together to promote sustainable forest management practices. Collaboration and commitment to protect the natural resources that come from the Amazon ensures balanced development, where nature and communities thrive in harmony.
Connecting the landscape for the well-being of people and nature
In Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, these actions are executed to conserve essential natural resources for all and build a future in which both people and nature thrive, within the framework of the 'Connecting the Landscape for the Well-being of People and Nature' project.
In this context, being a forest steward has become particularly relevant due to increased illegal extractive activities that threaten primary forests. Forest custodians play a fundamental role in their protection and that of biodiversity, as they care for their territories. Many of them are members of indigenous and local communities, who dedicate their time and effort to monitor and manage the forest in their concessions, ensuring that natural resources are used sustainably and environmentally friendly.
Through their work, which includes regular patrolling, monitoring protected areas, and reporting illegal activities, the custodians can prevent the expansion of activities that degrade the Amazon and affect the quality of life of local inhabitants. They are the voice of the forest for regional authorities and their work can protect large tracts of land, and benefit their communities that require a healthy and well-cared-for forest.
In collaboration with the Regional Forestry and Wildlife Management (GERFOR), WWF promotes the accreditation of 15 forest custodians in Madre de Dios. A total of 48 forest concessions will now effectively implement the control, surveillance, and monitoring plan developed by specialists. With this joint work, more than 41,000 hectares of forest will be effectively monitored in the region.
Over the past month, the candidates have received training for drone pilots, identifying illegal activities, reporting, and implementing good forest management practices to ensure they can fulfill their roles efficiently.
“Being an accredited forest custodian is more than protecting forests: it is having the skills and knowing the proper forest management techniques to be the eyes of the life that depends on them. More and more threats face our concessions and strengthening our skills helps us a lot. I would like my children to also learn and understand the importance of taking on this role so that they will continue to conserve when we are gone,” says Daniel Grifa, holder of the Pariamanu chestnut concession, which is a member of the Association of Organic Collectors of the Amazonian Nut of Peru (RONAP).
As accredited forest custodians intensify their efforts to protect the forest, all stakeholders involved in this process must work together to promote sustainable forest management practices. Collaboration and commitment to protect the natural resources that come from the Amazon ensures balanced development, where nature and communities thrive in harmony.
Connecting the landscape for the well-being of people and nature
In Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, these actions are executed to conserve essential natural resources for all and build a future in which both people and nature thrive, within the framework of the 'Connecting the Landscape for the Well-being of People and Nature' project.
© Asociación de Recolectores Orgánicos de la Nuez Amazónica de Perú (RONAP)