THE PERUVIAN AMAZONIAN BIODIVERSITY PROMOTION CENTRE

BACKGROUND

Peruvian Amazon hosts an impressive variety of biodiversity. There is a wide selection of plant and animal species, many of which are already being used commercially. However, the region still holds a huge resource potential that is not being fully used or even known. These natural resources could help the country to gain a foothold in international markets and improve the livelihoods of local people, but only when the resources are used in a sustainable way. The region needs more research activities and innovations in order to become more competitive nationally and internationally.

promAMAZONIA

The Amazonian Biodiversity Promotion Centre, promAmazonia, will contribute to increasing of employment opportunities and investments in the area by providing information on biotrade and financing possibilities, and by making Iquitos and the Peruvian Amazon more attractive to investment, research and development activities. promAmazonia offers information on four thematic areas: biotrade, research, finance and environmental management. Specific information on these four topics can be found on promAmazonia's Web site. There is also an office at Main Square, Plaza de Armas, of Iquitos where service will be provided personally. The centre may also be contacted via telephone or e-mail. (see contact details)

promAmazonia was initially developed in the framework of Project BIODAMAZ Peru-Finland. The Peruvian Amazon Research Institution (IIAP) acts as the coordinating institution, and the centre also has various other partners.

SERVICES

Biotrade information system:

Directed to investors, native communities, entrepreneurs and general public interested in biotrade. It provides information on the main productive chains in the Peruvian Amazon, such as contacts, events and the principles of biotrade.

Science and research:

Directed mainly to Peruvian and international scientists and researchers. It contributes to the research development and offers logistic and other practical services for scientists coming to Peruvian Amazon, making it more attractive to international research.

Financing Mechanisms:

Helps the user to search for information on funds and capital for biotrade activities, as well as projects related to conservation and sustainable development of the biodiversity in the Peruvian Amazon. Also, it provides information to investors interested in biotrade opportunities in the Peruvian Amazon.

Environmental management:

A useful tool to contribute to efficient environmental management in the Peruvian Amazon. Gives information on policies, approaches, strategies, tools and conventions concerning the conservation and use of natural resources.