Amazon biosphere reserves: Improving the resilience and halting

biodiversity loss of the greater Amazon Basin

Project summary

Project description

Objectives and impact

The objective of this project in partnership between UNESCO and LVMH is to create an
integrated model of landscape management addressing the pressures and needs for the long-
term sustainability of biosphere reserves (BRs) in the Amazon and their surrounding regions.
The project intends to improve the resilience and halting biodiversity loss of the greater
Amazon Basin, addressing pressures, threats and priorities for the long-term sustainability of
the region’s BRs.

This project aims to support and enhance the work carried out by UNESCO’s Man and the
Biosphere (MAB) Programme on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the
World Network of biosphere reserves and to involve LMVH in the transmission, coproduction
of knowledge and know-how that respects the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity,
but also takes into account the need to ensure well-being for millions of people.

Building on the biosphere reserves as key demonstration sites, the project aims to determine
the scientific conditions and criteria for sound and sustainable ecosystem management at
landscape level, identify, support and disseminate "good practices", build capacity and
contribute to the emergence of projects and innovative solutions in resource management for
conservation, resilience and sustainable development by supporting innovative concrete
projects with and for the benefit of local communities. The experience gained and approaches
developed through this project will provide knowledge of direct relevance for BRs in the World
Network.

While initiatives and responses to social-ecological challenges in the Amazon region already
exist, they face challenges, including disjointed planning, lack of local consultation and siloed
sectoral approaches. The project seeks to connect research to action through co-production of
knowledge and a solution-oriented approach, to integrate scientific analyses and knowledge co-
production and participatory approaches to identify challenges as perceived locally and by
different stakeholders, and to propose solutions relating to four themes:

• Climate action and disaster risk reduction (including fire management training);
• Integrated conservation and development actions;
• Indigenous and local knowledge-based forest conservation and fire management;
 • Restoration of water and forest systems.

The project especially aims to support the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in
implementing SDG 15 of the 2030 Agenda, and by integrating social, economic and cultural
contributors to the degradation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, also contributes to other
SDG targets and indicators, including target 6.6 (protecting and restoring water related
ecosystems); 8.3 (decent and inclusive job creation); 12.8 (ensure access to information for
sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature); and 16.7 (responsive, inclusive
and participatory decision-making).

Deliverables

Within 5 years, the project will produce the following deliverables:

(1) Biosphere Reserve 2020-2030 Integrated Landscape Management plans

First, a detailed situational analysis of each Biosphere Reserve (BR) and their areas of
influence will be carried out to understand connectivity of and pressures on ecological, social,
economic, and governance systems. The analysis will pay specific attention to evaluating
existing sustainability initiatives relating to the four themes of the project.

The evaluation will be done in two ways:

a. Remote sensing analyses of the impacts on forest conservation and fire management of
different initiatives located in BRs;
b. Participatory field-based evaluations of these initiatives in the field by representative
stakeholders.

The results of both evaluations will be synthesized in participatory maps of opportunities and
pressure, and results of this joint evaluation will be discussed and analyzed through a Multiple
Evidence Base (MEB) approach involving scientists, BRs stakeholders, and policy makers from
representative countries.

(2) Supporting socio-ecological, hydrographic and geospatial database

The project will focus on creating a co-produced evidence-based geospatial database to support
biosphere reserve analysis, planning, management, and monitoring of fire control and
sustainable land-use, and to support networks of transmission of indigenous and local
knowledge.

The database will contain geospatially-explicit information about the environmental, economic,
social and governance characteristics of the biosphere reserves that can allow for the
identification of pressures in the biosphere reserves (e.g., pollution, fires, deforestation) and
inform the participatory planning of corrective actions and sustainability initiatives (such as fire
management). The database will be an integral part of the joint planning workshops,
collaborative field-based assessments, and stakeholder meetings for identification of
opportunities and pressures (Deliverable 1) and developed concomitantly with them. The data
co-generated throughout the project will be integrated to the database stage by stage.
The database aims at presenting visualization tools (interactive maps, graphs) to help local
actors navigate and visualize the impacts and linkages between different land-uses and identify
opportunities for integrated landscape management initiatives.

Work will be done at the BR and national levels to build upon existing databases and to tailor
the database to the needs and technical capacities in the biosphere reserves.

(3) Supporting, strengthening and connecting on-going promising and new local
initiatives

The project will identify, provide technical support and promote existing and new initiatives
contributing to integrated landscape management of the biosphere reserves and
strengthening local environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability.

Initiatives will be identified based on the results of the scoping consultations and joint planning
and will help address the four themes identified in the project.

Implementation

This project will focus on developing a methodology of integrated landscape management

within biosphere reserves that can be replicated elsewhere. The project follows three different
principles:

• Integration of scientific and participatory approaches (Knowledge co-production

approach): Combining data integration, scientific analysis, indigenous and local
knowledge and participatory planning and governance approaches to identify problems
and challenges as perceived locally and at different levels as related to the four themes
of the project.
• Promotion, consolidation, and troubleshooting of existing sustainable solutions:
Focus on supporting existing initiatives, promoting local sustainable development,
adaptation and mitigation measures, water security, restoration efforts, sustainable
economic activities and integrated planning and governance.
• Long-term thinking: building upon existing indicator systems, develop a platform of
strategic data and socio-ecological indicators needed by biosphere reserves to help them
in evidence-based decision-making, and to monitor the challenges (fire, pollution,
deforestation, poverty, insecurity, loss of culture and languages), as well as initiatives
contributing to sustainable management of the biosphere reserves and their
surroundings.

The project will ensure the engagement of and support and strengthen networks of local
communities, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders. To ensure engagement and ownership
of the project and identify common interests, participatory methods will be used building upon
on-going work by UNESCO field offices, MAB national committees, technical experts,
Biosphere Reserve managers and their management committees, indigenous peoples, local
communities, NGOs, businesses and other relevant stakeholders.

The project implementation teams will also work from the outset with national governments
and indigenous peoples’ organizations to ensure that free, prior, informed consent protocols
are implemented as required by law or custom.
The project will be implemented in 8 biosphere reserves of the Amazon region and build on the
MAB networks of scientific experts. Researchers from biosphere reserves will be trained as
part of this project (theses and masters) and capacity-sharing and support will be provided to
biosphere reserve managers, committees and key stakeholders with a multiplier effect through
regional and global networks, communication activities and the production of training materials
and toolkits.

The 8 biosphere reserves located in the Amazon are:

1. Pilón-Lajas Biosphere Reserve, Bolivia (created in 1977)

2. Beni Biosphere Reserve, Bolivia (created in 1986)
3. Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru (created in 1977)
4. Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador (created in 1989)
5. Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador (created in 2000)
6. Podocarpus-El Condor Biosphere Reserve, Ecuador (created in 2007)
7. Central Amazon Biosphere Reserve, Brazil (created in 2001)
8. Oaxapampa-Ashaninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve, Peru (created in 2010)

Coordination

Technical and scientific are both ensured by the MAB Secretariat, with support from
Montevideo office, cluster and national offices responsible for implementing actions in the 8
biosphere reserves in cooperation with MAB national committees and focal points, as well as
a scientific advisory support group.
Results Framework
Impact: Implementation by biosphere reserves of activities that contribute to SDG 15 to improve resilience and sustainable development
Quantitative and/or qualitative
performance indicator (PI)
(disaggregated by sex when and if
applicable):
PI 1. Number of biosphere reserves
from the amazon region network
implementing SDGs, in particular
SDG 15, and mobilizing financial
resources to protect biodiversity
and ecosystems, ensuring their
sustainable use
PI 2. Number of biosphere reserves
recognized as models of best
practices for implementing SDGs, in
particular SDG 15, in member states
PI 3. Number of biosphere reserves
from the world network trained by
key representatives of the amazon
region network of biosphere
and halting land degradation and deforestation
Baseline (B): Source and means of Target (T): Assumptions and risks
verification (M):
National reports on the Scientific reports 8 biosphere reserves in the amazon Political stability
implementation of the Lima region Insecurity
action plan within biosphere Project reports of the Illegal activities
reserves MAB program on the Communication
implementation of SDGs difficulties (limited
internet access, ,
infrastructure
challenges and
difficulties in travel
(landslides, floods, fire,
etc.), internal conflicts,
environmental risks (to
equipment, data and
outputs)
To be established by Application file and 8 biosphere reserves in the Amazon Political stability
scientific assessments as periodical examination of region
part of the project pilot biosphere reserves
Report about the
implementation of the
Lima action plan sent to
MAB program
National reports on the MAB program biannual 3 training meetings at regional network N/A
implementation of the Lima report level
action plan within biosphere
reserves
reserves during MAB’s regional
meetings
Outcome N° 1: Biosphere reserves are better prepared to identify and address emerging challenges and pressures from climate change,
land use change, economic that lead to deforestation, including through fire.
Quantitative and/or qualitative
performance indicator (PI)
(disaggregated by sex):
PI 1. Number of biosphere reserves
with co-produced diagnostics of
pressures
PI 2. Number of biosphere reserves
with active ILK networks of fire
prevention, management and
monitoring
Output N°1: Co-produced diagnostics based on joint problem framing and planning of challenges, threats and priority actions
Quantitative and/or qualitative
performance indicator (PI)
Baseline (B):
Absence of such assessments
Regional, national and local
indigenous peoples’
organizations and networks
with ecosystem and land
management expertise, but
not systematically
incorporated in BR
management plans or made
visible through MAB
Baseline (B):
Source and means of Target (T): Assumptions and risks
verification (M):
Source: Application file 8 biosphere reserves in the Amazon Political
and periodic review of region stability
pilot biosphere reserves
Report about the
implementation of the
Lima action plan sent to
MAB program
Means of verification:
Scientific assessments
conducted as part of the
project
Source: Situational 8 biosphere reserves in the Amazon Political
analysis and periodic stability
review of pilot biosphere
reserves. Report about the
implementation of the
Lima action plan sent to
MAB program
Means of verification:
scientific assessments
conducted as part of the
project
Source and means of Target (T): Assumptions and risks
verification (M):
 (disaggregated by sex):
PI 1. Number of people
participating to the elaboration of
the problem framing, joint planning,
disaggregated by age, gender and
group
PI 2. Number of people
participating in the process,
disaggregated by age, gender,
indigenous people and stakeholder
group
PI 2. Number visuals (maps, photos,
films) produced on the theme of
climate and fire risks prevention
and management
PI 4. Number of research reports
and publications and media press
reports using the results of the co-
produced diagnostic of pressures
Activities:
1. Field-based assessment of pressures and institutional governance arrangements conducted jointly by scientists and local actors
(situational analysis)
2. Multi-stakeholder workshops to debate and analyze pressures (situational analysis)
3. Scientific meetings
4. Elaboration of visuals by the scientific advisory committee and local actors in biosphere reserves for events and meetings
0 people participating
0 people participating
0 visuals
0 publications and reports
Source: Official list of 30 people per pilot biosphere Political stability
participants to meetings
established by MAB
national committees and
UNESCO offices
Means of verification:
MAB reports about the
meetings
Source: Official list groups A minimum of 80% of the pilot biosphere Political stability
and inhabitants of reserves’ population have been
biosphere reserves when informed via appropriate mechanisms
available and local media
Means of verification:
project progress reports
Source: Online publication N/A
of visuals
Means of verification:
UNESCO-MAB/LVMH
website posts
Source: scientific journal General public, scientific experts, LVMH Political
articles; newspaper customers stability
articles, websites/blog
posts, and LVMH media
coverage
Means of verification:
number of times articles
and media reports are
viewed/downloaded
Assumptions and risks
Political stability
Political stability
N/A
N/A
Output N°2: Indigenous and local knowledge holders participating actively in BR management committees including networks on fire
prevention
Quantitative and/or qualitative Baseline (B): Source and means of Target (T): Assumptions and risks
performance indicator (PI) verification (M):
(disaggregated by sex):
PI 1. Number of ILK-holders unknown number of people Source: Official list of X people per biosphere reserves Political stability
participating in management of participating through IP participants to meetings
biosphere reserves disaggregated organizations and networks established by MAB
by age, gender and people national committees and
UNESCO offices
Means of verification:
MAB reports about the
networks
PI 2. Integration of indigenous some BRs include some Source: Official list of 30 people trained per biosphere reserves Political stability
knowledge-based management activities and indicators on participants to trainings AND 50% of the trained individuals are
practices of fire, land and water indigenous peoples established by MAB women or young
management into Biosphere national committees and
Reserve management plans UNESCO
offices
Means of verification:
MAB reports about the
trainings
PI 3. Development of activities, Intercultural and bilingual Source: Training materials Youth and women of biosphere reserves
materials and/or events to support education schools in place in produced
the transmission of ILK to all some BRs. Most BRs have Means of verification:
stakeholders within the BR some education and access to the materials
awareness raising activities
Activities: Assumptions and risks
1. Support to sustainable initiatives to integrate ILK into biosphere reserve management s (example: biosphere reserve indigenous- Political stability
led radios) in each biosphere reserve
2. 5 training workshops to ensure that indigenous fire prevention and deforestation management practices are taken into account Political stability
and used as knowledge source for joint planning and action within BRs
3. Biosphere Reserve activities to support transmission of ILK and raise awareness about its dynamics and relevance with all BR
stakeholders
Outcome N° 2: Biosphere reserves have built capacity for integrated landscape, deforestation and deforestation resilience management
 Quantitative and/or qualitative
performance indicator (PI)
(disaggregated by sex):
PI 1. Number of biosphere reserves
with an active geospatial database
on pressures and integrated
landscape management
PI 2. Number of biosphere reserves
with an integrated landscape
management plan for 2025-2035
updated biosphere reserve
management plans that incorporate
integrated landscape management
and resilience principles
Output N°1: Geospatial database and management with Socioecological, hydrological and geospatial data
Quantitative and/or qualitative
performance indicator (PI)
(disaggregated by sex):
PI 1. Participatory scoping of
available data and usable
databases/datasources
Baseline (B):
Some BRs have databases or
access to national or global
databases
Some BRs have management
plans that include ILM or are
linked to sub-national or
national ILM plans and
strategies
Baseline (B):
Data exists in multiple
databases that are more or
less user friendly and more
or less integrated
Source and means of
verification (M):
Source: reports
Means of verification:
analysis of the data available
within biosphere reserves
and its organization
Source: MAB reports
Means of verification:
MAB’s evaluation of actions
included in the plan
Source and means of
verification (M):
Source: scientific advisory
committee reports to MAB
team
Means of verification:
analysis of the data included
in the database
Target (T): Assumptions and risks
One database per pilot biosphere Political stability
reserves
Integrated landscape management plan Political stability
per pilot biosphere, resilience principles,
reviewed, updated and integrated into
updated BR management plans.
Target (T): Assumptions and risks
Targeted recommendations on needs, Political stability
challenges and opportunities for Insecurity
improving data access and knowledge- Illegal activities
based decision-making in biosphere Communication
reserves. difficulties (limited
internet access, ,
infrastructure
challenges and
difficulties in travel
(landslides, floods, fire,
etc.), internal conflicts,
environmental risks (to
equipment, data and
outputs), local
participants feel
“database”,
 “monitoring” and
“evaluation” fatigue
PI 2. Inclusion of economic, social, Data exists in multiple Source: scientific advisory Inclusion of multiple sources of evidence Political stability
cultural and environmental data databases that are more or committee reports to MAB (local, indigenous, etc.)
coming from multiple sources of less user friendly and more team
evidence and relevant for the or less integrated Means of verification:
design of integrated landscape analysis of the data
management planning within included in the database
biosphere reserves (QUALITATIVE)
PI 3. Number of field-based surveys Multiple data collection Source: scientific advisory >85% of geographical area of the pilot Political stability
ensuring appropriate geographic activities by multiple committee reports to MAB biosphere reserves surveyed in terms of local participants feel
coverage of biosphere reserves agencies with unclear team land-use and activities “database”,
benefits accruing to local Means of verification: “monitoring” and
stakeholders analysis of the missions >2 field-based data-collection missions “evaluation” fatigue
accomplished as part of the per targeted biosphere reserves
project
PI 3. Number of researchers trained 0 young researchers trained Source: scientific advisory 100% of trained researchers are young Political
as part of the project, disaggregated committee reports to MAB and at least 50% are women stability
by age and gender Means of verification:
analysis of the composition
of the scientific advisory
committee
Activities: Assumptions and risks
1. Identification of existing data sources for a database through scoping process N/A
2. Recruitment and training of 5 researchers (including local, master and PhD students) with research themes linked to the analysis of N/A
pressures and database design
3. Locally-based data-collection to populate database Political
stability
4. Data harmonization and quality control by the scientific advisory committee N/A
5. Hydrological mapping and water security planning N/A
Output N°2: Increased capacity of local actors to access and use database, as well as monitor BRs through socio-ecological indicators
Quantitative and/or qualitative Baseline (B): Source and means of Target (T): Assumptions and risks
performance indicator (PI) verification (M):
(disaggregated by sex):
PI 1. Number of people using Managers using different Source: Official list of 30 people t per biosphere reserves Political stability
database in biosphere reserves databases for different participants to trainings AND
disaggregated by age, gender and purposes. Poor use of established by offices 30% of individuals are women,
group databases for decision- Means of verification: indigenous people or youth
making and planning reports about the trainings
Activities: Assumptions and risks
1. 5 training meetings for jointly trouble-shooting access to database N/A
2. Knowledge co-production meetings between scientists and BR committees and stakeholders, including indigenous peoples, N/A
women and youth to co-build database and knowledge products and scientific meetings and local meetings with local
engagement committees
3. Participatory data-collection in the biosphere reserves with support from scientific advisory committee N/A
Output N°3: Integrated landscape management plans
Quantitative and/or qualitative Baseline (B): Source and means of
performance indicator (PI) verification (M):
(disaggregated by sex):
PI 1. Review of existing Some management plans Source: project reports, 3 Reviews of existing BR Management
management plans, including BR exist as well as previous ILM including scoping and plans, based on knowledge co-
management plans and previous initiatives with greater or workshop reports production methodology with
ILM initiatives lesser degrees of recommendations for integration of ILM
effectiveness. and resilience
PI 1. Updating of BR Management N/A Source: plans integrating >60% of database indicators are included N/A
plans that take into account the database indicators in integrated landscape management
integrated landscape management Means of verification: plans
principles based on participatory scientific advisory
processes committee reports
confirming the inclusion of
indicators into plans
PI 2. Integrated landscape N/A Source: plans integrating A minimum of 25% of indicators directly N/A
management and updated plans the database indicators address the specific challenges of
which include indicators related to, Means of verification: women and the youth within biosphere
indigenous peoples, ILK women and scientific advisory reserves
youth committee reports
confirming the inclusion of
indicators into plans
PI 3. Number of visuals knowledge N/A Source: plans including the X number of visuals included in the plans N/A
products (maps, graphs, arts, crafts, visuals
etc.) developed with the database Means of verification:
and included in the plans scientific advisory
committee reports
confirming the inclusion of
visuals
Activities: Assumptions and risks
1. workshops to design update BR management and the integrated landscape management plans and define the database indicators N/A
to be monitored, including data source
2. Production of visuals and knowledge products illustrating integrated landscape management and resilience challenges and N/A
initiatives based on data extracted from the ggeospatial database and data collection activities
Outcome N°3: Biosphere reserves have improved governance based on participatory, multiple evidence base approach and are used as
models
Quantitative and/or qualitative Baseline (B): Source and means of Target (T): Assumptions and risks
performance indicator (PI) verification (M):
(disaggregated by sex):
PI 1. Satisfaction of local actors in N/A Source: Reported >75% of consulted stakeholders indicate N/A
biosphere reserves with the satisfaction by actors their ‘overall satisfaction’ with the
participatory processes have Means of verification: project processes
included their views and ideas, Survey of local actors >75% of youth and women stakeholders
disaggregated by age, gender and organized by local indicate their ‘overall satisfaction’ with
group engagement committee the project processes
PI 2. Number of people and N/A Source: Availability of 100% of organizations identified in the N/A
organizations using database and databases and toolkits on biosphere reserves have access to
policy toolkits and knowledge websites toolkits and are using knowledge
products Means of verification: products
Analysis of number of
toolkit downloads
PI 3. Number of people consulting N/A Source: Availability films General public, LVMH customers, and N/A
and viewing the communication and photos, and scientific partners
material produced as part of the accessibility of exhibitions
project Means of verification:
Number of video views,
number of visitors to
exhibitions
Output N°1:.Inclusive decision-making with strengthened local national and regional processes and institutions, including MAB
committees, universities and government programmes and dissemination of sustainable practices to other biosphere reserves
Quantitative and/or qualitative Baseline (B): Source and means of Target (T): Assumptions and risks
performance indicator (PI) verification (M):
(disaggregated by sex):
PI 1. Number of people included in N/A Source: official lists of >50% of women and youth included in Political stability
the national and regional meetings participants to the the meetings
segregated by age, gender and meetings
group Means of verification:
MAB regional and national
offices’ reports
PI 2. Number of policy toolkits and A variable range of materials Source: toolkit documents One policy toolkit and knowledge N/A
knowledge products developed and available on biosphere Means of verification: products developed per targeted
available in different languages reserve, land management MAB regional and national biosphere reserve and translated in all
and linkages between culture offices’ reports relevant languages
and biodiversity in BRs.
PI 3. BR authorities and National Variable resource and Source: MAB committee --At least two MAB committees applying Political
MAB committees strengthened to capacity levels reports project-related skills and capacities in stability
implement integrated land Means of verification: other BRs. Sufficient
management, resilience and UNESCO staff participation --At least 2 MAB committees using and government
knowledge-coproduction in MAB events engaging with database and relevant support to
approaches indicators for planning MAB
committees
PI 3. Number of communication and N/A Source: MAB report General public, biosphere reserves, N/A
scientific events organized, Means of verification: LVMH customers, scientific partners
segregated by region and audience synthesis and photo
coverage of events
Activities: Assumptions
and risks
1. 5 Regional and 5 national meetings for project launch, progress monitoring, and closing Political
stability
2. Development of knowledge products synthesizing the knowledge generated throughout the project and facilitating the use of N/A
geospatial the database and translation in local languages for the WNBR
3. Communication events community meetings in local languages within pilot biosphere reserves to raise awareness, N/A
 4. Diffusion of good practices and results through scientific meetings locally and at UNESCO HQ and special events (example: N/A
exhibitions, press conferences) engaging the scientific advisory committee, UNESCO chairs, LVMH Maisons and the network of
biosphere reserves.
5. 3 Policy briefs for decision makers on key recommendations N/A
6. 2 flagships events with main project partners (LVMH, participating organizations in biosphere reserves) at international events N/A
and MAB regional networks meetings
Output N°2: Support to locally led sustainable development initiatives, including by IPLCs
Quantitative and/or qualitative Baseline (B): Source and means of Target (T): Assumptions and risks
performance indicator (PI) verification (M):
(disaggregated by sex):
PI 1. Number of initiatives 0 initiatives supported Source: Official list of 3 flagship initiatives supported per pilot N/A
supported projects established by reserve biosphere
offices
Means of verification:
national offices’ reports
about project progress
PI 2. Number of films and photo 0 films and photos Source: Online publication N/A
reports produced of visuals
Means of verification:
UNESCO-MAB/LVMH
website posts
Activities: Assumptions and risks
1. Identification and support to 20 initiatives promoting local sustainable development, adaptation and mitigation measures, N/A
restoration efforts, economic activities
2. Support to biosphere reserves for capacity building on entrepreneurial and marketing skills
3. Production of videos films and photo exhibition on the 20 sustainability initiatives
4. Capacity sharing and training workshops with LVMH staff to biosphere reserves for sustainability initiatives (design, N/A
communication, branding)
5. Sharing of sustainability initiatives with the regional networks