Manu Cultural Zone Expedition 2009
People, Plants, and Health

Background:

In 2008 and 2009 students Paula Skye Tallman and Matias Perez Ojeda de Arco conducted an ethnobotanical research project in the Manu cultural zone of the Peruvian Amazon.

The 2008 work was possible through funding supplied by the CREES Foundation and Johns Hopkins PLAS Latin American Travel Grant. By working with indigenous informants from the communities of Santa Rosa de Huacaria, Shintuya, Shipitaeri, Diamante, and Boca Manu they were able to gather information regarding local medicinal plants that aided in the establishment of an Ethnobotanical Garden at the Manu Learning Center. Furthermore, by hosting a forum for their informants they were able to collect data regarding two important research questions

1. What are the most common illnesses in the surrounding communities?
2. What are the most accessible local medicinal plants that can be used to treat these illnesses?.

Mining and oil interests are active in the area, especially the Rio Colorado area where 50-100 tons of gold are extracted by open pit mining each year. Mercury contamination (used in gold mining), loss of wild forest habitat, loss of local cultural identity are just some of the problems facing native peoples and the unique biologically diverse area. On March 30, 2009 Environment Minister of Peru Antonio Brack Egg announced emergency measures to reduce heavy-metal contamination.
see article (Peruvian Times)

Research Work in 2008:

In 2008 Paula Tallman engaged in an enthnobiological study with the natives of the Mastiguenka, Yine, and Harakmbut tribes to learn about the use of medicinal plants and their health, which is affected by the factors listed above. As global forces change theregion's culture it was important to document the use of local medicines before this information and the natural habitat is lost. Modern western medicine always searches for new cures. There is hope that the plants of the Manu region will contribute to our knowledge.

2009 Video of the Medicinal Garden:

Flooding:

In the future, planned man-made dams on the Madre De Dio's river will supply electricity to further mining and nearby oil operations such as Hunt Oil. These dams will flood native-owned low river valley lands. The problem is that In a biologically diverse area like this, each square mile contains plants and fauna that is often genetically unique even to another are just miles away. This is what makes the jungle more valuable per square mile than northern climate forest. The way North American and European habitats are handled during hydro project development is entirely different than tropical rainforest regions. The potential for damage is greater. This proof of this has been demonstrated by dam projects in Brazil since the 1980s.l

For example: A single hectare of forest in Manu Region can have up to 220 species of trees, while a hectare of temperate forest in Europe or North America may only have 20 tree species. more about Manu biology

Click Image to Enlarge

2009 work:

Intro Video to the 2009 Project:

 

Click on HD button to see videos in Higher Resolution

Program Approach:

In 2009, Paula and Matias returned to the area with videographer Mike Whelan to complete their project and to film a documentary. This film aims to highlight both the positive and the negative repercussions various forms of development such as tourism, market expansion, oil prospecting, mining, and migration of non-native residents may have.

Part 1 - Fresh Water and Health:
Part 1.A. - Building water filter systems for small villages and the results:

 

Part 1.B. - Perspective of a regional doctor
Current Common illnesses and years of experience interacting with locals at the health posts
Video in Processing

The rain-fed water supply for local health post - the only place for emergency medical operations in Boca Manu.
They have no steady electricity, no running water, no internet or phone.

Part 2- Medicinal Plants of the Amazon:
Part 2.A. - The Medicinal Garden at the Manu Learning Center
Paula and Matias show many of the plants in the garden which was constructed in 2008.
Video and SD and HD

 

Part 2.B. - Medicinal Plants and interview with a Chamen at village of 15 Mil
Video still in processing

Part 3- Effects of Oil, Gold Mining, and Timber Export:
Part 3.A. - Oil prospecting activities
Hunt Oil asserts pressure legally and illegally on national and tribal governement to get it's way. Discussion of the impact of exploration and future drilling.
Video still in processing

Part 3.B. - Gold mining activities, health and social effects
Video still in processing

Part 3.C. - Opinions on the direction of future development and damage
Video still in processing

Broad Hypothesis: Changes associated with globalization in the Manu cultural zone are having a negative impact on the health and well-being of the residents.

While our hypothesis may cast development in the area in a negative light, we are equally interested in the positive effects development may have. We hope to gain an objective view of what local people want from their land and what their expectations are of the local government, the national government, NGO's and international researchers. Our aim in creating this film is to inspire people to think creatively about possible solutions for the direction of development in the area that addresses both the needs of the people and the abilities and available resources of outside entities.

More about the Video Documentary on the Project >

Click Map to Enlarge

 

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