Kawsay Center Peru

About us

Kawsay Center Peru (“Kawsay” a word that means "Life" in the Quechua language) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization based in the city of Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios - Peru.
In April 2016, we created the NGO Kawsay Center with the idea of training and enforcing the latin students’ capacities in the fields of biodiversity, monitoring and conservation. In March 2017, we became the managers of a conservation concession and on the 19th of March 2018 we finally settled on the land. The biological station was born.

Mission
• We aim to preserve the Amazon wildlife through education and research programs and by promoting sustainable activities with the support of local parties.
• In addition, we want to be an alternative for strengthening student skills, giving them the opportunity to learn and apply their knowledge to develop professionally.

We are working in a conservation concession area of approximately 200ha, designated for conservation by the Peruvian government. The conssecion is located in the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve, bordering the Madre de Dios River and can be reached from the city of Puerto Maldonado by a one hour boat ride. Within the concession area there is an abundance wildlife where you can learn or develop your own research.

Programs:
• Volunteer-Program: Volunteers help with the main projects and activities. Activities include patrolling the conservation area, wildlife monitoring, habitat evaluation, assisting researchers and other activities to maintain the station.
• Spider Monkey Conservation: Our goal is to re-establish the Black Spider Monkeys on the right bank of the lower Madre de Dios River. For this we offer a unique experience where you can participate in all stages of the process, from rehabilitation of the young animals to the monitoring of the released monkeys, and you can learn about two organisations and their professional staff who work directly together to ensure the survival of this incredible species. Taricaya Wildlife Rescue Centre: This is the place where new animals arrive, are rehabilitated and are prepared for their release. Here you will accompany the rescue centre team, helping in the daily activities (feeding, cleaning, enrichment), and you will learn about the efforts necessary for the rehabilitation of an individual, how the troops are formed, behavioural evaluations, and other related activities. Kawsay Biological Station: With the Kawsay team you will be immersed in the forest to monitor and study the re-established troops of monkeys. You will put your field skills to the test during long walks, crossing over swamps and creeks, learn to use GPS techniques, orientation skills within the forest, and help in the collection of data regarding behaviour patterns, diet, habitat use and populational dynamics.

Raúl Bello Santa Cruz is the Director of the Kawsay Center Peru.

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.