bird diversity, birdwatching tourism and conservation in peru a geographic analysis鸟类多样性,观鸟旅游和保护在秘鲁地理分析.pdf

Bird Diversity, Birdwatching Tourism and Conservation in Peru: A Geographic Analysis ¨ ¨ ¨ Liisa Puhakka*, Matti Salo, Ilari E. Saaksjarvi Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland Abstract In the face of the continuing global biodiversity loss, it is important not only to assess the need for conservation, through e.g. gap analyses, but also to seek practical solutions for protecting biodiversity. Environmentally and socially sustainable tourism can be one such solution. We present a method to spatially link data on conservation needs and tourism-based economic opportunities, using bird-related tourism in Peru as an example. Our analysis highlighted areas in Peru where potential for such projects could be particularly high. Several areas within the central and northern Andean regions, as well as within the lowland Amazonian regions of Madre de Dios and Loreto emerge as promising for this type of activity. Mechanisms to implement conservation in these areas include e.g. conservation and ecotourism concessions, private conservation areas, and conservation easements. Some of these mechanisms also offer opportunities for local communities seeking to secure their traditional land ownership and use rights. (Spanish language abstract, Abstract S1). ¨ ¨ ¨ Citation: Puhakka L, Salo M, Saaksjarvi IE (2011) Bird Diversity, Birdwatching Tourism and Conservation in Peru: A Geographic Analysis. PLoS ONE 6(11): e26786. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0026786 Editor: Matt Hayward, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Australia Received July 15, 2011; Accepted October 3, 2011; Published November 23, 2