Turberas en Valle del Alto Mayo, Perú: importancia, amenazas y perspectivas de conservación.

The Mauritia flexuosa palm swamp forest (aguajales) are considered the main Amazonian tropical peatlands that contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity and the hydrological cycle, in addition to their considerable contribution in carbon sequestration and storage. Through an exhaustive literature review and field observations we identify the importance, threat factors and opportunity for these ecosystems. The peatlands store more than twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests together and form a target group for the study of climate change. Access to non-destructive extraction systems for the harvest of fruits must be articulated with socio-economic development plans. The application of participatory environmental education policies and economic incentives to the communities that protect these valuable territories is a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]