Tambopata Buffer Zone Reserve

Tambopata Buffer Zone Reserve

 Social, Economic, and Productive Characterization of the Populations in the Tambopata Buffer Zone Reserve

1. Population and Localities in the Tambopata National Reserve Tambopata Reserve Buffer Zone

According to the INEI (2007) census, Madre de Dios is the least populated region in Peru, with only 0.4% of the national population. The Buffer Zone (ZA) of the Tambopata National Reserve (RNTAMB) is home to approximately 8,147 inhabitants, distributed across the districts of Tambopata, Laberinto, and Inambari, along the Puerto Maldonado-Cusco highway, and in the Tambopata and Malinowski river basins.

Population Projection

• 2009: 117,981 inhabitants.
• 2010: 121,183 inhabitants.
• Annual growth rate (2010): 2.71% (INEI, 2011).

2. Types of Human Settlements in the Tambopata Buffer Zone Reserve

The inhabitants of the Madre de Dios rainforest are organized primarily into:

a) Native Communities
There are four native communities:

Ese’Eja: Palma Real, Sonene, Infierno.

Pukirieri: Kotsimba.

b) Population Centers
They group more than 350 families. They have a lieutenant governor, but depend on the district municipalities.

c) Sectors
Small groups of families, similar to neighborhoods, without their own authorities.

d) Producer Associations
Groups organized for economic activities, with a Board of Directors and family and neighborhood ties.

3. Populated Areas Identified in the RNTAMB -Tambopata Buffer Zone Reserve

Five key areas have been identified:

a) Puerto Maldonado-Cusco Highway Zone

23 sectors in the districts of Tambopata, Laberinto, and Inambari, with agricultural activities.

b) Tambopata River Zone
12 sectors located in the Tambopata District, from Puerto Maldonado to the Bahuaja Sonene National Park.

c) Malinowski River Zone
Includes mining associations and the Kotsimba Native Community. All sectors belong to the Inambari District.

d) Madre de Dios River Zone
From the mouth of the Tambopata River to the Sonene Community. It covers sectors such as Palma Real and Sonene (Tambopata District).

e) Internal RNTAMB Zone
Includes the Sandoval Lake and Nueva América sectors, within the Tambopata National Reserve.

4. Possessions and Acquired Rights in the RNTAMB – Tambopata Buffer Zone Reserve

Before its creation, the RNTAMB had 27 rights of use (possession certificates and property titles).

Notable cases: Nueva América: 18 registered rights (1,150 ha). Some properties overlap with SERNANP Brazil nut harvesting contracts.

Lago Sandoval: 4 property titles (287 ha).

Infierno: Native community with 960 ha overlapping the RNTAMB.

La Torre: 1 titled property of 105 ha.

Total overlapping area: 3,708 ha.

5. Control and Surveillance Infrastructure

The RNTAMB has 9 strategically distributed checkpoints:

Checkpoints: San Antonio, Briolo, Huisene, Sandoval, Jorge Chávez, La Torre, Malinowski, Azul, and Farfán.

Objective: Control access to the Bahuaja Sonene National Park and monitor the conservation of the area.

Operational Goal (2011)

200 annual patrols (8 special ones), carried out according to the threats detected in the area.

6. Social and Cultural Life in Tambopata

Communities celebrate local, regional, and national festivals such as:

Popular: San Juan, Carnival, Virgen de la Candelaria, Anniversary of Puerto Maldonado.

Native Cultural: Traditional rites, songs, and dances in devotion to deities according to their ancestral worldview.

Sports, especially soccer championships, are a common practice during anniversaries and intercommunity celebrations.

7. Local Economic Development in the Tambopata Buffer Zone Reserve

a) Agricultural Situation
Agricultural properties average 42.7 ha:

• 14.2 ha for agriculture.
• 4.4 ha for livestock.
• 24.1 ha as preserved forest.

Main Crops

Corn, rice, cassava, and plantain. These are sold mainly in Puerto Maldonado and Mazuko, without intermediaries, generating direct income for farmers.

b) Livestock Production

Cattle: Common in the Puerto Maldonado-Cusco highway area (requires 1 ha per animal).

Poultry and Small Animals: For personal consumption, present throughout the area, raised by the family unit.

The income from these activities covers basic needs such as education, healthcare, and housing. PERU BIRD 

• Tambopata National Reserve
• Tambopata Buffer Zone
• Tourism in the Peruvian Amazon
• Native Communities in Madre de Dios
• Economic Development in the Amazon
• Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock Farming in Tambopata
• Puerto Maldonado
• Manu Jungle Tours and Ecotourism in Peru

Buffer Zone of the Tambopata National Reserve

Property and Usage Rights in the Tambopata National Reserve (RNTAMB)

Even before its official creation, the Tambopata National Reserve (RNTAMB) included 27 plots with acquired rights, supported by property titles or possession certificates. These properties are located in key sectors such as Lake Sandoval, Nueva América, La Torre, and the Native Community of Infierno, where various economic activities take place within the buffer zone.

Nueva América: Georeferenced Zones

In 2009 and 2010, three main creeks were identified:

• 12 de Octubre
• Leticia
• América

A total of 18 usage rights were registered, covering 1,150 hectares within the reserve. Of these:

4 plots were titled in 1998 (Quebrada América).

5 titled plots in Loero overlap with the RNTAMB, totaling 630 ha.

9 plots are included in Brazil nut harvesting contracts granted by SERNANP (the National Service of Natural Protected Areas).

Lake Sandoval

This sector includes:

• 4 property titles (3 individual, 1 associative).
• 4 plots with possession certificates.
• Total area: 287 hectares.

Notable landowners:
Letis Mejía Sepa, Carmen Mejía Sepa, Wilding Mejía, Sandoval Lake Lodge, Benavides Miranda Vigo, Tayson Mejía, Francisco Chirinos Miranda, and Lenis Mejía Sepa.

Other Overlapping Areas

Native Community of Infierno: 960 ha overlapping with the RNTAMB.

• La Torre Sector: 1 titled plot of 105 ha.
• Total overlapping area: 3,708 hectares.

Control and Monitoring Infrastructure in the Tambopata Reserve
The RNTAMB operates 9 control and surveillance posts (PCVs), strategically distributed across the watersheds of the:

• Malinowski River
• Tambopata River
• Madre de Dios River
• Heath River

Control Posts include:
San Antonio, Briolo, Huisene, Sandoval, Jorge Chávez, La Torre, Malinowski, Azul, and Farfán.

In 2010, the infrastructure at the new La Torre PCV was improved, along with upgrades to the Jorge Chávez and San Antonio posts.

Monitoring Operations

The 2011 Operational Plan set a goal of:

200 patrols per year, including 8 special patrols, based on identified pressures within the protected area.

Social and Cultural Activities in the Buffer Zone

Popular Festivities
Local associations and communities celebrate deeply rooted cultural festivals, including:

• Carnival
• Feast of San Juan
• Virgin of Candelaria
• Holy Week
• Anniversary of Puerto Maldonado

As well as school celebrations, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, New Year, and others.

Community Sports
Sports, particularly “fulbito” (a local version of soccer), are an important social activity. Intercommunity tournaments are organized during local anniversaries.

Traditional Expressions of Native Communities

Native communities maintain ancestral rituals, songs, and dances that form part of their cosmovision. These traditions are transmitted orally and emphasize respect for the deities and guardian spirits of the Peruvian Amazon.

Local Economic Development in the Tambopata Buffer Zone
Agricultural Production
Agricultural plots average 42.7 hectares in size:

• 14.2 ha dedicated to crops
• 4.4 ha for livestock
• 24.1 ha preserved as forest

Short-cycle crops like corn, rice, cassava, and plantain provide basic income for families. Direct sales are mainly conducted in Puerto Maldonado and Mazuko, avoiding intermediaries or “rescatistas.”

Livestock Activity

Livestock production is mainly concentrated along the Puerto Maldonado – Cusco road, with limited presence in riverine areas. Activities include:

Cattle ranching (requiring 1 ha per head)

Raising poultry, pigs, guinea pigs, and ducks, primarily for family consumption.

Family Labor
Agricultural and livestock work is carried out almost exclusively by the family unit, helping cover essential needs such as:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Insurance

Investments aim to improve quality of life.

Economic Development in the Peruvian Amazon
The buffer zone of the RNTAMB is an example of sustainable interaction between production and conservation in the Peruvian Amazon. Current strategies allow communities to preserve their traditions, use natural resources responsibly, and promote sustainable economic activities.

Tambopata National Reserve Buffer Zone

The Tambopata National Reserve buffer zone covers approximately 231,000 hectares in Madre de Dios, southeastern Peru. Designated in 2001, this extensive area surrounds and helps protect the reserve while providing space for local communities, sustainable economic activities, and conservation initiatives.

Located in one of Peru’s most biodiverse Amazonian regions, the buffer zone is more than a protective belt around the reserve. It is a living landscape where conservation, tourism, agriculture, and community livelihoods intersect.

About the Tambopata Buffer Zone

Size: Approximately 231,000 hectares.
Location: Madre de Dios, southeastern Peru, surrounding the Tambopata National Reserve.
Designation: The buffer zone was established in 2001 under the former INRENA administration.
Communities: The area includes Indigenous communities such as Palma Real, Sonene, Infierno, and Kotsimba, associated with the Ese’ Eja and Puquirieri ethnolinguistic groups.
Local economy: Agriculture, livestock, tourism, and other natural-resource-based activities contribute to livelihoods in the area.
Conservation pressures: Illegal and informal gold mining, illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and road construction continue to challenge forest and biodiversity conservation.
Management: Conservation planning involves SERNANP, local communities, public authorities, and other stakeholders. SERNANP has developed strategic planning approaches specifically for the Tambopata buffer zone.

Why Is the Tambopata Buffer Zone Important?

The buffer zone plays an important role in reducing pressures on the Tambopata National Reserve, a 274,690-hectare protected area created in 2000. Rather than functioning as a completely separate protected area, the buffer zone provides a space where conservation objectives can be balanced with human activities and sustainable development.

Its importance has become particularly evident as illegal and informal gold mining has expanded in parts of Madre de Dios. Mining can contribute to forest loss and the contamination of water and soil, creating challenges that extend beyond the boundaries of protected areas.

Indigenous Communities and Sustainable Tourism

The Tambopata buffer zone is also home to Indigenous communities with longstanding connections to the surrounding forest. Community-based conservation and tourism initiatives can provide opportunities to protect natural resources while supporting local livelihoods.

For travelers, the buffer zone offers access to Amazonian eco-lodges, wildlife experiences, forest trails, and river-based excursions. SERNANP notes that tourist facilities in the broader Tambopata area include lodges with interpretive trails, observation towers, canopy experiences, and other activities focused on experiencing the rainforest.

Conservation Challenges in the Buffer Zone

Protecting such a large and accessible landscape is complex. Illegal and informal mining is one of the most significant pressures, while logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development can contribute to habitat loss.

SERNANP’s strategic planning work for the buffer zone emphasizes participatory governance, conservation, and sustainable development as important elements of long-term management.

The buffer zone therefore serves an important role in connecting protected-area conservation with the realities of local communities and regional economic development.

Visiting the Tambopata Buffer Zone

Many travelers reach the Tambopata area through Puerto Maldonado, the main gateway to the reserve and surrounding rainforest. From Cusco, SERNANP lists the road journey to Puerto Maldonado at approximately 465 km and 10 hours, although actual travel times can vary.

Visitors can choose from rainforest lodges and guided excursions offering opportunities for wildlife observation, birdwatching, river travel, and forest exploration.

For the most accurate information about permitted activities, access, and current conditions, travelers should consult SERNANP’s official Tambopata National Reserve information before their trip