SustainableTrip.org's Making a Difference award winner this month is Manu Learning Centre, a conservation research center and ecolodge in Peru's Manú Biosphere Reserve. We spoke with Francesca Lewis, Head of Marketing and Sales, to find out a little bit more about this valuable cultural, scientific, and economic resource in the Amazonian rainforest.

Q. What kind of wildlife can visitors expect to see at/near MLC?

Lewis: They will see a huge abundance of wildlife at MLC and in its surroundings. The list is too long to write here, but over 650 species were recorded in the vicinity of MLC last year alone!

Examples of wildlife visitors can see include the jaguar, puma, and ocelot as well as various species of primates such as the howler monkey and the endangered blue head macaw, to name just a few.

Q. Is MLC primarily a research center or lodge?

Lewis: MLC started as a research center but now serves as both. We've seen that being both a research center and a tourist lodge really complement one another. Travelers staying at MLC are keen to learn more about our projects and sustainability initiatives, and how we are helping to conserve Manu. The researchers benefit from tourism, as this provides much-needed funding for the foundation to continue its work.

Q. What is the history of Manu Learning Centre?

Lewis: The Manu Learning Centre (MLC) was built in 2004 on an abandoned hacienda, the first to be developed in the region. The initial concept was to demonstrate that it was possible to use novel land use techniques to rehabilitate large areas of degraded land and to empower and educate local communities throughout this process.

MLC in 2012 continues to be a great place from which the CREES Foundation bases all of its research, projects, and initiatives.

More recently, MLC has opened its doors to tourism and it now serves as a fantastic lodge where tourists can stay as part of their trip to Manu.

The lodge itself was built using local Matsiguenka building design and is comprised of large airy buildings which complement their surroundings and minimizes impact on the local environment.

Q. What kind of research is carried out at MLC?

Lewis: Conservation research based on the value of regenerating tropical forests and their potential importance for future biodiversity. We look at species richness, abundance, and diversity in birds, mammals, butterflies, amphibians and reptiles from forests with different disturbance histories.

We also look at how current hunting and logging pressures can affect the distribution and movement patterns of mammals and game birds.

Predator-prey interactions are also being researched within the regenerating forest and are considered in terms of temporal and spatial patterns, with a further focus on how different predators share the habitat.

Q. What can visitors do to learn about local and/or indigenous culture?

Lewis: Visitors can learn huge amounts about the local culture within Manu. Staying at the lodge itself provides a good insight into local way of life. The buildings are based on local Matsiguenga design, and much of the food cooked at the lodge is sourced locally and is grown in the gardens at the MLC.

Visitors will also be able to visit the Shintuya and Queros tribes of Manu and see firsthand their indigenous culture and way of life.

A key part of staying at MLC is learning how the projects we run help to conserve these local communities and their traditions.

Q. Why is sustainability so important for your hotel and what noteworthy sustainable initiatives are you carrying out?

Lewis: Manu Learning Centre is based on the single-minded goal of sustainability.

The lodge has been specifically designed to facilitate and support conservation and sustainability research. The Centre boasts a solar powered internet connection, an environmentally sound septic system, and gravity-fed water pumps in order to minimize our impact on the environment and reduce our carbon footprint.

Previous research conducted at the station has incorporated aspects of biology, geography, zoology, anthropology, politics, and art & design through projects focusing on reforestation, mammal behavior patterns, human impact studies, environmental management, monitoring of the endangered blue headed macaw, soil sustainability & agriculture, forest dynamics, carbon trading with local communities, and the legitimacy of local power structures, to name a few.

In addition to these, the MLC has hosted conferences organized by WWF-Peru, the Organization of Tropical Studies (OTS), and the Anniversary Conference of the Manu National Park.

Q. Of all of the hotels in the Manú Biosphere Reserve area, what makes MLC special?

Lewis: As the MLC has evolved over the years, it has remained true to its roots as a center for learning. It is a place where different groups of people can come together, whether they are tourists, volunteers, researchers, or local community members, and interact and take part in educational exchanges relating to the sustainable initiatives operated from the lodge.

The MLC is also special for the warmth and hospitality of the staff. Visitors always comment on this after their stay as being something really unique.

MLC is also the only lodge in Manu to actively offset its carbon footprint through reforestation projects with local communities, making us the only carbon neutral lodge in Manu.

This entry was posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:13 AM and has received 653 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.