YACUTAYTA
Protection and Vigilance
The partners of the Yacu Tayta group take ten-day vigilance turns, watching major access routes for illegal fisherman. During the months of January and February, water levels rise in the area due to abundant precipitation. At this time, many species of animals tend to disperse as the flooded forest transforms into a vast network of canals and rivulets. For communities, resources become more difficult to access.
Between June and December, when less rain allows the water levels to drop off, there is less area in which aquatic animals may forage for food and water; boat access is more difficult. This is the best season to capture various species, and it is the season when the UPC Yacu Tayta carry out their campaigns for sustainably managed fishing of the Arahuana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) and Paiche (Arapaima gigas) and the collection and incubation of the eggs of the Taricaya turtle (Podocnemis unifilis).
Vigilance and security work for the area is performed from El Cocha El Dorado throughout the year, from a Communal Vigilance point known as PVC Cantagallo, as well as in other smaller strategic locations. The patrols attempt to ensure that unauthorized people do not enter the area and use available resources without permission. Those who are caught are presented to the Board of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and the Fishing Sector.
The members of the UPC do not receive any kind of financial compensation, although they engage in this work throughout the year. However, they do obtain the right to a certain quantity of fish in order to sustain their families. Their activities encourage sustainable fishery, and increase the economic opportunities for the families of the Manco Capac Community.
The current system for protection and vigilance was designed in 1996. The protection initiative identified the major entryways that were being used by illegal fishermen, and created a zoning map of the area based on local fishermen’s knowledge of the region.
Gallery
Sponsoring Institutions
