REGION

The area is situated between the Rio Branco and the Rio Jauaperi and has never been altered by large scale projects or an increase in the human population preserving its ecosystems intact. This fact, as well as its placement between hydrographical basins of different geological ages, makes it of great biological relevance. Important species abundant in the area include: Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), manatees (Trichecus inunguis), dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluvius), black caymen (Melanosuchus niger), pirarucu (Arapaima gigas), harpy eagle (Harpya harpija), jaguar (Panthera onca), spider monkey (Ateles paniscus), giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

The reserve has been the site of a number of research projects with institutions like the National Amazon Research Institute (INPA), the University of Amazonas and the FNS (National Health Foundation) of Brazil, the Universita' la Sapienza of Rome (Italy), the University of Birmingham (UK), the Institute for the Quality of Life (Denmark) and the Colorado Springs High School (USA), Embrapa Roraima, the University of Siena (Italy) and the University of Salerno (Italy). The reserve has also been the site of many wildlife documentaries ( BBC, Survival Anglia, RAI , PBS, Italian state TV, Danish state TV)

In June 1996 the Associação Amazônia instigated the formation of the first permanent working group between Italy and Amazônia, hosted by The Istituto Italo-Latino Americano in Rome. The aim of this group is to elaborate projects of sustainable development and scientific research at a multidisciplinary level, in the area. The Associação Amazônia is also member of the IUCN European Working Group on Amazônia, in Brussels.

Access to the reserve is exclusively by boat. From the city of Manaus where the Association has its headquarters, the journey is of approx, 500 km along the Rio Negro and then the Rio Jauaperí. This journey takes between 30 and 40hours depending on the season and water level. During the high water season, from March to September, the reserve presents huge tracts of Igapó' and during the low water season the aquatic life becomes highly concentrated and rock formations and sandy beaches emerge from the river. This creates a natural barrier to the area which is one of the factors that has ensured the richness of biodiversity.

The permanent presence of the Amazonia Association in the area along the first 130 kms of the river Jauaperí which marks the border between the Brazilian States of Amazonas and Roraima. , from where it enters the Rio Negro to the last inhabited area before the Indian Reserve of the Waimiri-Atroari tribe led to the creation of the Jauaperí Project with the following aims:

• The preservation, conservation and sustainable use of the extraordinary biological diversity present.
• To increase the level of self-sufficiency of the communities of the Rio Jauaperí.
• To study health and education problems and implement the necessary services.
• To investigate and implement techniques of sustainable exploitation of the forest resources.
• To work towards the realisation of scientific research projects, through agreements with universities, institutes and suitable organisations, to create new models based on local reality.
• To create an inventory of the natural resources of the area, like soil, vegetation, climate, social and biological diversity, the genetic bank.

The region is divided between the states of Amazonas and Roraima, belonging to the municipalities of Novo Ayrao (AM) and Rorainopolis (RR). The total population is of 570 people in 5 communities and some isolated settlements. Around 70% of the inhabitants are less than 15 years old.

The region is in excellent conditions from an anthropogenic point of view. . The total lack of services and assistance contrasts with an excellent natural production and the family groups tend to remain in the area. Therefore most of the inhabitants are long term residents and know the area very well.