Interoceanica Sur Road in Peru

Tropical forests of southeastern Peru hold the highest biodiversity levels in the world. This unique region is threatened by the construction of a paved road linking Brazil to Peruvian ports on the Pacific Ocean. CSF is carrying out a study to identify priority areas for conservation investments to mitigate the so-called "Interoceánica Sur" road's impacts. To do this we are analyzing the road’s effects on land-use profits, information we will combine with data on the distribution of wild plant and animal species. The economic and biological data will be overlaid to find where the greatest conservation gains can be achieved at least cost. Finally, we will consider socio-political factors that might favor or restrict conservation.

We have partnered with the Grupo de Análisis para el Desarrollo GRADE (Group for Development Analysis), a prestigious Peruvian economic analysis think tank, to implement the project. NatureServe is also collaborating on this project, which is funded by the Blue Moon Fund, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and USAID. Project completion is expected in mid 2009.