Unique Ecosystem Research Articles

Microbial diversity of high-elevated fumarole fields, low-biomass communities on the boundary between ice and fire

Fumarole fields on active volcanoes are habitats that host unique microbial ecosystems. However, DNA extraction from them for further analysis is rather challenging. In this study, we compared two different ways of sample homogenization for DNA extraction to further profile the microbial communities of active fumarolic fields from Elbrus and Ushkovsky volcanoes and the frozen fumarole deposits of Fujiyama. Vertical homogenizer gave significantly higher DNA concentrations for the Elbrus samples, and more archaeal amplicon sequence variants for Elbrus and Ushkovsky samples compared to the horizontal one. This suggests that vertical homogenizer might be preferable for DNA extraction from sandy and rocky soils. Independent of the homogenizer type, the dominant phyla for Elbrus were Acidobacteriota and Pseudomonadota, and Crenarchaeota for Ushkovsky. The bacterial community of Fuji was less diverse, with Actinomycetota, Pseudomonadota and Bacillota being the dominant phyla. Thus, the studied fumaroles showed distinct microbial profiles, revealing unique adaptations to their respective extreme environments. Within the fungal community, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Chytridiomycota were the most dominant phyla for all three volcanoes, but their abundance varied. This study offers the first comprehensive analysis of microbial and fungal communities of active and frozen fumarolic fields, and demonstrates that the choice of methodology can significantly influence the understanding of microbial diversity in extreme environments.

The Role of Tregs in the Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a unique ecosystem that surrounds tumor tissues. The TME is composed of extracellular matrix, immune cells, blood vessels, stromal cells, and fibroblasts. These environments enhance cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Recent success in immune checkpoint blockade also supports the importance of the TME and immune cells residing in the tumor niche. Although the TME can be identified in almost all cancer types, the role of the TME may not be similar among different cancer types. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in immune homeostasis and are frequently found in the TME. Owing to their suppressive function, Tregs are often considered unfavorable factors that allow the immune escape of cancer cells. However, the presence of Tregs is not always linked to an unfavorable phenotype, which can be explained by the heterogeneity and plasticity of Tregs. In this review, the current understanding of the role of Tregs in TME is addressed for each cancer cell type. Moreover, recently a therapeutic approach targeting Tregs infiltrating in the TME has been developed including drug antibody conjugate, immunotoxin, and FOXP3 inhibiting peptide. Thus, understanding the role of Tregs in the TME may lead to the development of novel therapies that directly target the TME.

From the mountains to the genes: genetic diversity among populations of endemic lizard, Darevskia schaekeli (Sauria: Lacertidae), in the Alburz Mountains

Abstract This study investigates the population genetic structure of the endemic lacertid lizard, Darevskia schaekeli, located on the southern slopes of the Eastern Alborz Mountains in Iran. The research highlights the role of the Alborz Mountains as a biodiversity corridor, facilitating the dispersal of reptiles, particularly lizards. Fieldwork conducted in Semnan province involved sampling from three valleys, with genetic analyses performed on two gene fragments, Cytochrome b (Cytb) and Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Results revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations, with 82% of genetic variance attributed to differences between populations. The study identified high genetic distances, particularly between the Siahkhani population and others, indicating limited gene flow and potential inbreeding. Morphological assessments suggested that while these populations exhibit uniform traits, they represent distinct genetic lineages undergoing speciation processes. The findings underscore the importance of habitat isolation in shaping genetic diversity and highlight the need for conservation efforts tailored to these endemic populations. This research contributes to understanding the evolutionary dynamics of Darevskia lizards and sets the foundation for future studies on their conservation and ecological significance within Iran’s unique mountainous ecosystems.

Ботанико-географический анализ флоры старинных усадеб Воронежской области

Old manors are unique ecosystems in which plants from different bioclimatic zones coexist under conditions of high recreational load and anthropogenic pressure. The relevance of the study is due to the need to study the current state of the plant cover and the conservation of manor complexes of the Voronezh region. The purpose of the study was a botanical and geographical analysis of the flora of ancient estates in the Voronezh region. Research objectives: 1) to reveal the peculiarities of the flora of old homesteads in the Voronezh region; 2) to make a botanical and geographical analysis of the flora of old homesteads in the Voronezh region. In order to assess the current state of flora and vegetation, the floristic composition and characteristic plant communities of the territories of 59 homestead complexes were studied. The work is based on the geobotanical description of plant communities at the key sites. Botanical and geographical analysis of tree and shrub flora allowed to determine the origin of species composition. Inventory of tree and shrub flora of ancient parks of the Voronezh region showed that the number of species in them is uneven, depending on landscape and environmental conditions, degree of moisture, confinement to the types of terrain and morphostructure of the territory. The European (22.7%) and American groups (22.7%) make the largest contribution to the tree and shrub flora of homestead parks, with 17 species each; the Asian 12 (16.0%) and Mediterranean 3 (4.0%) geoelements are the least common. The protection of the biodiversity of manor complexes is of key importance for the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, as well as for maintaining the ecological sustainability of landscapes that serve as important reservoirs of biological diversity. One of the ways to preserve the species diversity of the flora of the Voronezh region's manor parks is the development of environmental projects aimed at the protection of rare plants of old manor parks, as well as the evaluation of the prospects of their use in the "green" construction.

Characterization, diversity, and biogeochemical potential of soil viruses inhabiting in Yuncheng Salt Lake

Viruses play a crucial role in microbial communities and can significantly influence ecosystem processes and biogeochemical cycles by regulating the structure of these communities and the metabolic functions of their hosts. Salt lakes are recognized for harboring a diverse array of halotolerant microorganisms; however, there is limited knowledge regarding the viruses and their co-occurring hosts in these halotolerant environments. Herein, 3,362 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) were recovered from Yuncheng Salt Lake soils by combining with a binning method, with less than 2% showing homology to known viruses, highlighting a significant unexplored viral diversity. Virus communities were typically specific to their habitats, exhibiting low overlap across various geographical regions and other ecological environments. It was predicted that 27.4% of viruses were associated with microbial host populations, and the majority of the predicted vOTUs are linked to dominant bacteria and archaea. Metabolic predictions revealed that 568 putative auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were involved in various processes related to biosynthesis and transformation reactions associated with resource utilization within host cells. The virus-encoded AMGs indicated that these viruses influenced the metabolism of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus in microorganisms, as well as their adaptation to salinity. This study highlighted the unique characteristics and potential ecological roles of soil viruses in Yuncheng Salt Lake, suggesting that these viruses may significantly influence microbial communities and the biogeochemistry of salt lake soils. These findings provide valuable insights into the diversity, function, and ecology of viruses in soils surrounding salt lakes, establishing a foundation for understanding their roles in these unique ecosystems.

Cliff-dwelling plants: rare and precious species in harsh habitats

Cliffs represent unique ecosystems that harbor diverse rare cliff-dwelling plants (CDPs), which play critical roles in enhancing biodiversity and maintaining ecological stability. Despite substantial advances in CDP research enabled by modern biological technologies, particularly in diversity assessment, taxonomic classification, and conservation strategies, the field lacks comprehensive syntheses of recent progress, impeding efficient identification of emerging research directions. This review systematically examines five key research domains: (1) The ecological and potential application value of CDPs; (2) cliff habitat ecology, focusing on abiotic factors such as microclimate, edaphic properties, and water conditions, as well as biotic components; (3) adaptive strategies of CDPs, encompassing morphological specializations, physiological resilience mechanisms, early growth stage, reproductive characteristics, molecular-level evolutionary adaptations, and genetic diversity patterns; (4) technological advancements in cliff research methodologies; and (5) CDP conservation strategies by conducting a comparative analysis between in situ protection measures and ex situ preservation approaches. Our review reveals three critical research gaps demanding immediate attention: the need for long-term ecological monitoring of cliff habitats and their microenvironmental dynamics, the imperative to understand CDPs’ physiological adaptations to extreme environments, and the necessity to elucidate molecular mechanisms governing plant-environment interactions within these unique ecosystems. Future research should prioritize the development of innovative tools, advanced technologies, and interdisciplinary methodologies to fill in existing knowledge gaps in the field. Such comprehensive efforts will not only elucidate the complex adaptation mechanisms of CDPs but also provide a scientific foundation for their effective conservation and ecosystem management.

Environmental distributions of phthalates in sediments affected by municipal wastewater in the South-eastern Black Sea.

Environmental distributions of phthalates in sediments affected by municipal wastewater in the South-eastern Black Sea.

The diurnal cycle and event-scale precipitation characteristics in Galápagos at different altitudes during ENSO 2022-2024

An understanding of sub-hourly precipitation variability in the Galapagos Islands is crucial for water resource management and effective biodiversity conservation. This study compares the diurnal cycle and event-scale precipitation characteristics (ESPC), such as mean and maximum intensity, duration and rainfall accumulation at different altitudes during El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) 2022-2024 on Santa Cruz Island. The La Niña phase was analyzed from April 2022 to January 2023 and the El Niño phase from June 2023 to April 2024. Precipitation data, recorded every 10 minutes, was collected from a recently established network of automatic weather stations, which were strategically positioned at three windward and two leeward sites. The results suggest that the diurnal cycle was influenced by altitude, with a maximum variability between morning and afternoon, regardless of ENSO phase. During La Niña, ESPC exhibited similarities at intermediate altitudes at both windward and leeward sides. However, rainfall events at the island’s summit were less intense and of longer duration. During El Niño, the highest intensities were observed along the coast and at intermediate altitudes of both windward and leeward locations. In contrast, at the top of the island, rainfall events were less intense and more prolonged. At all altitudes, more than half of the rainfall events corresponded to garúa events, and at the top of the island, almost all events were of this type. At this altitude, the contribution of garúa events to the total rainfall accumulation was 80% and 85% for La Niña and El Niño, respectively. This study provides a detailed analysis of how sub-hourly precipitation varies significantly at different altitudes on the windward and leeward sides as a function of ENSO phases, providing valuable baseline information for future studies in this unique and fragile ecosystem.

Rapid Colonisation of Plastic Surfaces by Marine Alcanivorax Bacteria Is Flagellum-Dependent and Influenced by Polymer Type and Photo-Weathering State.

Marine plastic debris provides stable surfaces for microbial colonisation, forming a unique ecosystem known as the plastisphere. Among the early colonisers are Alcanivorax bacteria, hydrocarbon degraders commonly found in oil-polluted seawater and on marine plastic surfaces. This study examined factors influencing the adhesion and colonisation dynamics of six Alcanivorax species. Flagellated species-A. balearicus, A. dieselolei and A. xenomutans-rapidly colonised plastics, particularly polyethylene and polypropylene, while non-flagellated species did not. Notably, plastic photo-weathering treatments led to the elongation of A. dieselolei cells, secretion of extracellular polymeric substance in some cases, and increased colonisation on UVB-treated polyethylene terephthalate. These changes may be linked to the reduced plastic surface hydrophobicity recorded following photo-weathering. To confirm the role of flagella in Alcanivorax adhesion, we disrupted flagellar activity using sub-concentrations of polymyxin B sulfate, resulting in inhibition of swarming motility and complete disruption of colonisation. These results contribute to our understanding of the interactions between hydrocarbon-degrading Alcanivorax bacteria and their plastic substrate, which in turn contributes to the understanding of the ecological impact of plastic pollution in marine environments.

Enhancing ecosystem services in agriculture: the special role of legume intercropping

Sustainable agriculture confronts significant challenges such as soil degradation, intensification of agricultural production, and the impact of climate change. Legume intercropping is an “underestimated” cultural practice that harnesses the unique ecosystem services of legumes to enhance resilience and productivity of cropping systems. Legumes contribute to biodiversity by supporting beneficial insects, including pollinators, which can enhance crop productivity. Additionally, through nitrogen fixation, legumes reduce synthetic fertilizer inputs, promote efficient nutrient cycling, and improve soil health. The introduction of legumes in intercropping schemes has beneficial effects on soil texture, microbial diversity, water retention, crop growth, and yield. This cultural practice also contributes to reduced emissions of greenhouse gases, carbon sequestration, and lower pesticide inputs. In addition, legume intercropping promotes biodiversity while facilitating natural pest control and weed suppression. Overall, the inclusion of legumes in intercropping schemes and diversified cropping systems can support food security and mitigate environmental risks related to climate change.

ESTIMATION OF LEAF-LITTER DECOMPOSITION RATE Avicennia sp. ON THE NUTRIENTS CONTENT IN WONOREJO MANGROVE AREA, SURABAYA

The ecosystems of mangrove are one of the unique coastal ecosystems which have ecological and socio-economic functions. Mangroves have a significant role in supporting fisheries resources. Leaf-litter is a nutrient contributor released to the sea water and is functioned by aquatic biota both in the marine and estuary. The method used in this study is purposive random sampling method which refer to the category based on mangrove density. The average production of mangrove litter Avicennia sp, for 30 days at station I was 1.04 g/m²/ day, station II was 1.20 g/m²/day, station III was 0.75 g/m²/day. The leaf-litter decomposition rate at station I, experienced a decomposition process of 65%, at station II at 62.33%, and station III at 69.42%. The content of nitrogen (N) and fosfor (P) nutrients at station I is an average of N 0.74% and P 0.07%, station II is N 0.76% and P 0.05%, station III is N 0.74% and P 0 , 07%. The total amount of nutrients released in the Mangrove Information Center forest area, Wonorejo - Surabaya is nitrogen (N) 443.81 kg/m²/year and phosphor (P) 34.103 kg/m²/year.

A Palynological Atlas of the Amazon canga Vegetation.

cangas are iron-rich outcrops where rupestrian fields develop in the Carajás Mountain Range (CMR). canga formations are ancient ecosystems characterized by high levels of endemic and threatened plant species that thrive on iron-rich substrates in the southeastern Amazon uplands. The recent taxonomic validation of these species enables more accurate distribution modeling across past, present, and future time scales. This work presents a comprehensive palynological database for the Amazon canga vegetation, resulting from extensive field and herbarium surveys, as well as the compilation and taxonomic validation of species in the Carajás Mountain Range (CMR). This atlas includes 204 plant species: 10 ferns and lycophytes, 62 monocots, and 132 eudicots and magnoliids (mainly herbs, lianas, and trees). Most flowering plants are pollinated by bees, with secondary pollination by other insects and wind. The taxa co-occur in two geoenvironments: (1) forested slopes and caves over plinthosols and ferralsols and (2) slopes with canga vegetation over plinthosols. Seventeen species are potential domesticates used by Indigenous peoples. This highlights canga vegetation as a unique and diverse ecosystem with various survival strategies, emphasizing the need for precise habitat definitions in paleoenvironmental and paleoclimate reconstructions. This atlas provides a valuable reference for palynological studies, enhancing the vegetation reconstruction, climate history analysis, pre-Columbian influences on vegetation patterns, and ecological monitoring.

Resilience and Adaptation: Plant Ecology in Indonesia’s Geothermal Environments

Geothermal ecosystems are defined by extreme environmental conditions, such as elevated temperatures, high concentrations of toxic chemicals, and fluctuations in abiotic stressors, which shape plant survival and adaptation. These unique ecosystems, found across various geothermal regions globally, support specialized plant communities that have developed distinctive morphological, physiological, and ecological adaptations. Indonesia, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the world’s richest geothermal nations, offering an important yet underexplored context for studying vegetation in geothermal zones. This review examines the environmental conditions of geothermal ecosystems, the adaptive strategies of vegetation, and patterns of plant diversity within Indonesian geothermal fields. It also explores ecological succession, community dynamics, and the potential use of geothermal vegetation as environmental indicators for biomonitoring. Despite growing interest, significant research gaps remain, particularly in long-term monitoring and the integration of molecular-level studies. Addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing scientific understanding and informing conservation and sustainable geothermal energy development in tropical regions. This review highlights the ecological significance of geothermal vegetation and underscores the need for interdisciplinary research to support both biodiversity preservation and responsible energy exploitation.

Unlocking marine treasures: isolation and mining strategies of natural products from sponge-associated bacteria.

Covering: 2019 to early 2025Marine sponges form unique ecosystems through symbiosis with diverse microbial communities, producing natural products including bioactive compounds. This review comprehensively addresses the key steps in the discovery of natural products from sponge-associated microorganisms, encompassing microbial isolation and cultivation, compound identification, and characterisation. Various cultivation methods, such as floating filter cultivation, microcapsule-based cultivation, and in situ systems, are examined to highlight their applications and strategies for overcoming limitations of conventional approaches. Additionally, the integration of genome-based methodologies and compound screening is explored to enhance the discovery of novel bioactive substances and establish a sustainable platform for natural product research. This review provides insights into the latest trends in sponge-associated microbial research and offers practical perspectives for expanding the utilization of marine biological resources.

Harnessing the power of ecosystem builder accelerators: strategic insights for startups

ABSTRACT This study investigates how startups can strategically leverage Ecosystem Builder (EB) accelerators to enhance their subsequent performance. The analysis relies on a dataset comprising 805 ventures accelerated within different regional hubs of a unique European innovation ecosystem spanning France, Italy, and Luxembourg. Our findings indicate that startups entering an acceleration hub with more affiliated corporate partners are associated with a higher likelihood of survival. Furthermore, startups combining participation in an EB accelerator with other accelerator programs demonstrate increased chances of receiving external equity investments from Venture Capitalists. This research sheds light on the underexplored area of startup support initiatives and provides valuable insights for startup success.

Metagenomic Insights into the Rumen Microbiome in Solid and Liquid Fractions of Yaks and their Differences Compared to Other Ruminants.

The rumen microbiome plays a critical role in nutrient metabolism and adaptation of the yak (Bos grunniens), an import livestock animal of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau renowned for their superior plant fiber degradation capacity. However, the microbiome among the different ecological niches within yak's rumen remains unelucidated. Through shotgun sequencing of rumen solid and liquid fractions from five yaks, we identified significant differences in the microbial communities and their genetic functions between the solid and liquid fractions. Solid fractions exhibited dominance by Ruminococcus, Succiniclasticum, and Aspergillus, while Prevotella, Paludibacter, Parabacteroides, and Bacteroides prevailed in liquid fractions. Comparative CAZyme profiling revealed solid fractions were significantly enriched in cellulose/hemicellulose-targeting enzymes (GH5, GH11, and CBM63), implicating their specialization in breaking down the fibrous grasses. In contrast, liquid fractions showed higher abundances of starch-degrading enzymes (GH13, CBM48) and host-glycan utilizers (GH92), suggesting roles in soluble nutrient extraction and host-microbe interactions. Comparative analysis of 574 metagenome-assembled genomes suggested that Methanomethylophilaceae_UBA71 and nitrate-respiring Ruminococcaceae_Firm-04 preferentially colonized in the solids, whereas propionate-producing Quinella and animal glycan-degrading Bacteroides were more prevalent in the liquids. Moreover, compared to Hu sheep, yak's rumen microbiome showed significantly enhanced utilization of plant polysaccharide capacity. Comparative analysis across 10 ruminant species further highlighted host phylogeny as a key driver of rumen microbiome variation. These findings advance our understanding of niche differentiation and functional specialization within the unique yak rumen ecosystem.

Environmental Factors Influence Lichen Colonization and the Biodeterioration of Brick Carvings on Roof Ridges of Historic Buildings in Luoyang, China

Lichens that inhabit the roofs of historic buildings create a unique ecosystem. Comprehending the mechanisms underlying lichen colonization and the associated biodegradation within these structures is essential for formulating effective conservation strategies for historic buildings. Here, the microbial communities of lichens on the roofs of 10 historic buildings in Luoyang and nine surrounding counties were investigated via visual assessments and molecular biological analyses. The diversity of lichen species and their biological degradation effects on brick carvings on roof ridges were examined. The findings indicate that both the matrix characteristics of brick carvings and the climatic conditions in Luoyang facilitate the aggregation of lichen communities within these architectural features. Molecular biological tests revealed that Cyanobacteria, Bacillus, Chlorococcus, and Micromonosporaceae were among the most frequently detected bacterial taxa associated with lichens. The fungal associates included Cladosporium and Aspergillus. The infiltration patterns exhibited by certain lichen mycelia correlated with the structural properties at the interface between lichens and brick carvings, allowing mycelial penetration into the interior of these bricks. Additionally, guano not only serves as an organic nutrient source for microbial proliferation but also is a transmission medium for lichen-associated microorganisms residing on roof brick carvings. Whilst there are slight variations in microbial composition among lichens found in mountains and hilly areas around Luoyang, their colonization behaviors and degradation patterns are similar to those observed in analogous communities across different microclimate zones. The results offer a robust theoretical foundation for mitigating lichen-induced bioerosion in the historical buildings of Luoyang and serve as a valuable reference for the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage.

Mechanism of Salt's Surface Crystallization at Djègbadji Salt Marshes, Benin (West Africa)

Salt production, a key component of the local economy, relies on complex natural processes, particularly capillary rise and surface crystallization. In Djègbadji, Republic of Benin, salt is produced by boiling brine, which is obtained through the leaching of salt-laden soils. Although this traditional method has been practiced for generations, it is highly dependent on the hydrodynamic properties of the environment and the specific characteristics of hydromorphic soils, which influence the movement of water and salts. In these salt marshes, the interactions between water, soil, and air play a crucial role in salt formation and concentration. However, a detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains a scientific challenge. This study employs theoretical and experimental approaches to analyze these phenomena. The one-dimensional Terzaghi equation is used to model the interactions between soil parameters and capillary forces, while the Navier-Stokes equation is applied to examine salt crystallization. These tools provide a deeper insight into the physical dynamics governing this unique ecosystem, enabling a better understanding of water and salt migration. By integrating numerical modeling, this research aims for a sustainable optimization of salt production techniques. The expected results will contribute to better resource management, while offering perspectives for improving local salt production and its adaptation to current environmental challenges.

Review: Phytochemical composition, biological activity, and health-promoting effects of Avicennia spp. (Avicenniaceae)

Abstract. Rahmania A, Revalitha AA, Mustika AB, Torimbanu AR, Nugroho GD, Md. Naim D, Setyawan AD. 2025. Review: Phytochemical composition, biological activity, and health-promoting effects of Avicennia spp. (Avicenniaceae) Asian J Trop Biotechnol 22: 96-108. Mangroves unique and valuable ecosystems, are groups of trees and shrubs that grow in coastal ecosystems exposed to tides. They play an important role in maintaining biodiversity and reducing the impact of coastal erosion. Mangroves are unique and valuable ecosystems because they provide coastal protection and carbon sequestration services. The genus Avicennia (Avicenniaceae) is a plant of mangrove consisting of eight species, namely A. bicolor, A. germinans, A. marina, A. officinalis, A. schaueriana, A. balanophora, A. integra, and A. alba, which are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical coastal areas. What sets Avicennia spp. apart is their remarkable adaptability to extreme environmental conditions, making them a key player in coastal ecosystems. Mangroves, especially Avicennia spp., have been known to contain many potentials and benefits. These plants are important for coastal ecosystems and have significant pharmacological potential. This study aims to identify and compile the phytochemical composition, biological activity, and health-promoting effect of Avicennia spp.. There are 9 main phytochemical components: Alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and glycosides. In addition, there are also several biological activity properties of Avicennia species, namely as antioxidants, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic. Avicennia spp. also offers traditional and modern treatments using various ingredients. By providing a comprehensive review of Avicennia spp., this study will provide a solid foundation for further research development, clinical application, and sustainable utilization and open up new opportunities in the field of natural material-based health.

Proposed highway in the Peruvian Amazon threatens vulnerable indigenous communities and natural protected areas.

The conservation of biocultural diversity in the Amazon rainforest has become an international priority in the face of global change. Megadevelopment projects threaten conservation efforts and the rights of Indigenous communities to manage their ancestral lands. We examine the potential impacts of one proposed highway development project in the Peruvian Amazon, the Bellavista-El Estrecho Highway, on local and Indigenous communities and natural protected areas in the region. We found that zones of influence of the proposed highway eclipse 99 Indigenous communities of at least 13 000 Indigenous people of eight distinct cultures, 43 503km2 of community land, and 26 210km2 of natural protected areas including the entirety of the Maijuna-Kichwa Regional Conservation Area and the unique high terrace ecosystems it holds. Under international and national law in Peru, Indigenous communities who will be affected by megadevelopment projects like this highway must be engaged in prior consultation.