The Palcazu Project

Abstract

The Palcazu Project among the Yanesha native Amazonian Indians of eastern Peru is a pilot project in natural forest management using the strip shelter-belt system. The system allows for harvesting of all trees in strips 30-40 wide. Timber is processed locally. The plan consists of identification of forest land and fields of harvestable stands location of logging roads and layout of the narrow harvest strips. The advantages of the strip shelter-belt system are described in comparison to conventional selective cutting or extensive clear cutting schemes. The focus of discussion is on ecological and historical background and current operations. The relationship between the Indians and the project and the land holding patterns are presented. The project is considered socially and ecologically unique. The assumptions are that community participation is important in appropriate land management of Amazon forests that land ownership means self interest in preservation that investment must involve small landholders that longterm investment is necessary and that communities must repeat the economic returns in managing their natural resources. The forestry cooperative has survived 5 years of national and regional political upheaval due to a strong sense of ownership and commitment by the Yanesha. Project staff at the onset determined that inviting an entrepreneur to invest in the equipment needed for cutting and processing wood would not be desirable. Local colonists were also excluded. Involving the Yanesha community had advantages. There was an existing road through their communities. There was limited deforestation. The Yanesha valued the forest as forest and had expertise in tree felling. The communities were organized and communication channels were already established within and between communities. The Yanesha were also the most disadvantaged. The solutions to problems in banking and establishing infrastructure evolved through several years of dialogue. assessment of future sustainability is in part dependent on funding training and the political situation in Peru.