WWF deploys its presence in the region
In the early days, WWF's technical support for projects in Latin America and the Caribbean was mainly located in Washington, D.C. In 1994, a decentralization process deployed and expanded WWF's presence in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and the Guianas. The majority of WWF's technical staff is now located in these offices, with a cadre of multi-disciplinary experts and administrative support continuing to serve in Washington.Long-term studies and partnerships
In 1978, a long-term WWF project began in the Brazilian Amazon, called the Minimum Critical Size – a project aimed at determining the effect of deforestation and fragmentation in a large tropical forest. Today, that project continues under the auspices of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Other early projects included 10 years of support to a long-term research on fishes, floodplains and forests.WWF is working with a range of partners on conservation in the Amazon – from governments, communities, local NGO´s to other international organizations, e.g. WWF and USAID have been partners in Brazil for more than 16 years, looking into alternative land-use systems for the Brazilian Amazon.
WWF achievements over the years…
Some of the many positive impacts achieved include the institutional strengthening of some of the most professional, capable, and credible NGOs working in the region; the formulation, advocacy, and implementation of successful public policies; and the development and dissemination of knowledge on conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.…in Brazil
In Rondônia, where rubber-tappers are strong advocates for conservation, WWF has helped establish extractive reserves where rubber-tappers are preventing conversion of the forest to less sustainable uses.WWF is working with the environmentally progressive state of Acre to implement state-wide ecological zoning. An important component of the process has been WWF's work to identify potential new protected areas, extractive reserves, and indigenous reserves.
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…in Peru
In Peru, WWF's first major initiative was the creation of Manu National Park. Expeditions led by scientists in search of new animal and plant species drew the attention of the Peruvian government to the need to set up the area as a reserve. WWF support to the Park continues today.In 2005, WWF contributed to the establishment of the biggest natural protected area of Peru, the Alto Purus National Park. Other protected areas that have received WWF support and involvement include Purús, Amarakaeri, Bahuaja Sonene, Abanico de Pastaza, and Pacaya Samiria.
WWF also supported the Forest and Wildlife Law in 2002 and made significant contributions for responsible forest management (CEDEFOR project).
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