Photo by Luis Garcia
High-altitude Rainforest Regeneration
Restoring High-Altitude Amazonia: Regenerating Forests, Protecting Wildlife
A Community-Led Initiative to Revitalize the Avireri-Vraem Biosphere
In response to the escalating crisis of deforestation and climate change threatening the Amazon Rainforest, Amazon Research Int (ARI), in partnership with the Reserva Comunal Ashaninka, EcoAshaninka, and local park rangers, launched an ambitious restoration project in July 2024. This initiative, supported by On The Edge, seeks to regenerate native forests, enhance biodiversity with technological monitoring, and empower indigenous communities to lead conservation efforts.
Among the most vulnerable areas are Peru’s high-altitude rainforests, unique and fragile ecosystems home to endangered species, indigenous communities, and critical water sources. The UNESCO-recognized Avireri-Vraem Biosphere, one of the last remaining cloud forests in the Amazon, is under threat.
These forests play a crucial role in:
✔ Water retention – regulating rainfall cycles and maintaining water quality for the Amazon basin.
✔ Climate balance – capturing atmospheric moisture and feeding it into rivers that sustain biodiversity and human communities.
✔ Species conservation – providing habitat for rare and EDGE-listed species such as the South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris) and the giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus).
However, the devastating fires of 2024 have left the soil drier than ever, intensifying the urgency for intervention. Without immediate restoration, these ecosystems risk collapse—leading to uncontrolled floods, landslides, and biodiversity loss.
“We are committed to restoring the Amazon’s high-altitude forests, not just for biodiversity conservation, but to strengthen the connection between people and their natural environment”
Reforesting with Indigenous Wisdom
At the heart of this initiative is the regeneration of degraded areas within the biosphere. Working closely with indigenous leaders, ARI is planting 6,000 native trees across 6 hectares of degraded rainforest, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific methodologies.
These native tree species are essential to supporting 36 species of fauna, including the Amazon parrot (Amazona farinosa), blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), and EDGE species South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris) and giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus).
This restoration effort is being powered by native stingless bees (Melipona eburnea and Tetragonisca angustula), which act as natural pollinators, accelerating ecosystem recovery and fostering biodiversity resilience.
“Reforestation efforts must be guided by those who have safeguarded these ecosystems for generations. Our knowledge ensures the right species are planted in the right places, creating sustainable, self-sufficient forests”
Scientific Monitoring for Ecological Impact
To ensure long-term impact, ARI is developing an integrated ecological monitoring system, merging indigenous knowledge with modern scientific research.
Key methodologies include:
Camera traps – The first permanent monitoring system in the region, tracking the return of key mammal species such as the South American tapir and giant armadillo.
Biodiversity assessment – Measuring plant regeneration and species diversity in reforested areas to evaluate ecosystem health over time.
Bee population tracking – Using stingless bee hives as bioindicators of ecosystem restoration and pollination success.
Water source mapping – Identifying and securing natural hydration points to support wildlife and enhance ecosystem resilience against droughts and extreme weather.
Soil regeneration studies – Analysing carbon capture, soil quality, and microbial diversity to assess forest recovery at a micro-scale.
By combining indigenous-led knowledge with data-driven ecological research, ARI is creating a replicable, science-backed model for high-altitude rainforest restoration.
Empowering Communities Through Education and Policy
Recognising that lasting conservation requires community involvement, ARI is integrating this project into local education and policy advocacy:
✔ Education & Awareness – In collaboration with local schools and indigenous park rangers, students will have access to real-time camera trap footage to study wildlife behaviour and ecosystem health.
✔ Policy & Replication – A Native Reforestation Guide will be developed in Ashaninka and Spanish, ensuring cultural sensitivity and alignment with national and international conservation priorities. This open-access guide will enable the replication of similar efforts across other vulnerable Amazonian ecosystems.
“Indigenous wisdom is fundamental to the success of any conservation initiative. We are working together to ensure that our traditions and knowledge are integrated into modern science.”
“These cameras will allow us to better understand the fauna of the reserve and develop effective strategies for their conservation”
A Sustainable Path Forward
By combining indigenous wisdom, scientific research, and community-driven action, this initiative sets a precedent for forest restoration in the Amazon. Beyond ecological impact, it:
✔ Strengthens local governance by empowering indigenous leaders to safeguard their territories.
✔ Amplifies indigenous leadership in global conservation efforts.
Restoring forests is more than planting trees—it is about restoring balance, protecting cultural heritage, and securing the Amazon’s future for generations to come. This initiative not only regenerates degraded landscapes but also strengthens the resilience of local communities and ecosystems.
This project is supported by On The Edge, ARI, EcoAshaninka, and Reserva Comunal Ashaninka.
