Biodiversity conservation in Amazon based on a new concept of "Field Museum"

Conserving the Precious Nature of the Amazon Basin with a New Field Museum Concept

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  KOHSHIMA Shiro
  Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University
- Dr.
  Vera M. F. da Silva
  National Institute for Amazonian Research (INPA)

ODA Recipient Country

Federative Republic of Brazil

Research Institutions in Japan

Kyoto University

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA)

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2013

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Contributing to sustainable regional development while conserving the Amazonian ecosystem
The precious Amazonian ecosystem in the outskirts of Manaus, Brazil is in danger. It is here that a Field Museum Network, consisting of facilities for observational studies of nature and a nature reserve, has been established. In addition to conducting research that makes use of bio-logging* and other cutting-edge Japanese technology and establishing methods of conserving ecosystems, this project aims to achieve sustainable development of the local society and economy through ecotourism and other means. In addition, the project is attempting to develop programs for environmental education and ecotourism and establish an organizational structure for self-sustaining operation. * Bio-logging: A research method that enables behavioral and ecological studies by attaching miniaturized cameras and sensors to animals.

A model of coexistence between humanity and nature centered on field museums!
In addition to conserving the precious nature of the Amazon, the establishment of the Field Museum Network also makes possible the building of social systems that are economically sustainable. The deployment of this model to other tropical countries and regions dealing with the problem of the destruction of nature due to urbanization could contribute to conservation of the global ecosystem and biodiversity.