World Animal Protection UK
Belén is one of the biggest wildlife markets in the Peruvian Amazon, serving a population of 400,000 people.
Here, hundreds of Amazon species are illegally traded including primates, jaguars, ocelots, sloths, boas, paca, caiman, and parrots. Alarmingly, around 1 in 10 of the species sold at the market is threatened by extinction.
These illegal wildlife trades threaten species' survival and the wellbeing of the region’s poorest citizens.
Working with local partners in Peru, we have designed and are implementing a behavioural change project, supported by the UK Government through its Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund.
The detailed evidence from this project will provide the bedrock for future efforts, including human behaviour change campaigns that will enable both people and wildlife to thrive.
We have conducted research and monitoring to gain a deeper understanding of illegal wildlife trade activity at Belén Market, including the species and volumes of products being traded. We have used this information to establish a baseline from which we can measure the impact of our project.
We designed and conducted an experimental attitude survey to test messaging on the negative impacts of illegal wildlife trade. Our goal was to reduce consumer demand for illegal wildlife products.
We are working with low-income communities in Belén to understand the challenges associated with ending illegal wildlife trade dependence. We are also providing guidance to support transitions to legal, humane, sustainable, and equitable, alternative livelihoods.
We are engaging with local businesses and media in Iquitos to achieve a “zero tolerance” approach to illegal wildlife trade.
In the longer term, the project will contribute to reducing illegal wildlife trade demand, changing consumer behaviour, and reducing the availability of illegal wildlife products in urban markets in Peru. As a result, this project can contribute to the recovery of local wild populations.
By reducing illegal wildlife trade at Belén Market, this project will positively impact the well-being of the urban residents in the Belén district through poverty reduction and a reduced risk of wildlife-borne diseases.
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