Project/activity information

This project was derived from PPD 4/95 Rev.1 (F,M,I) “Management and Utilization of Paca” which envisioned the conservation and sustainable use of 4,000,000 ha of tropical forest ecosystems densely populated by the Bambusoideae Guadua sarcocarpa “Paca” in the Southeastern region of Peru.

The Project aimed at improving the living standards of the indigenous and rural communities by achieving the conservation and preservation of the region’s tropical humid forests and biodiversity. Specifically, it focused on the management and utilization of Guadua forests, with a view to improving the local economy whilst assuring the conservation of the resource via the development of appropriate intermediate technologies. The Project was completed in October 2002. Its main achievements, among others, can be summarized as follows:

- Development of the first-ever experimental sustainable Guadua management plan in Peru over a 2,170 ha area along the banks of the Alto Tahuamanu River, and its first annual operational (harvesting and silviculture) plan;
- More than 200 locals trained in the management, harvesting, silviculture and primary and secondary processing of Guadua; and
- A pilot Guadua mechanical primary and secondary processing facility constructed, equipped, and operational, and currently managed by a local association originally created and supported by the project.

Among the many lessons learnt, it is relevant to highlight that: 1) the project was designed around the bamboo experiences in Asia and Chinese equipment was purchased for the pilot bamboo processing plant. However, due to striking differences between the physical and mechanical properties of Chinese and Peruvian bamboos, the concept and the equipment were not suited to the local conditions. At its onset, the project should have looked more closer at regional experiences, such as those in Colombia and Ecuador, and build on these rather than on the Chinese model; and 2) in spite of the many problems encountered, the project did successfully raise the awareness among the local communities and families, which traditionally neglected the uses of the Guadua, to a point where community-based associations and entire families currently dedicate themselves to the silviculture of bamboo and to handicraft manufacturing of bamboo products.

Project results were disseminated through workshops, on-site demonstrations and information brochures, which were widely distributed. Presentations were also given on the project’s achievements at several regional conferences and fairs. Moreover, the project documented its results in the form of manuals and a variety of technical documents that have been widely disseminated throughout Peru.