Renata Leite Pitman: Project Update: November 2007

Andean Bear, an IUCN’s vulnerable species that will be highly affected by the highway. ©Rob Williams

We received the following news from Renata:

"I have made several arrangements for the project take place. I traveled to Lima two weeks ago to apply for our research permit, I have several meetings with the Frankfurt Zoological Society, who is going to be our partner on this project do discuss basic bureaucracy (how to transfer the money to Peru and deal with payments, etc.). I have also met with professionals in charge of the Ministry of Education in the area, presented formally our proposal and discussed a collaboration plan. I have found also two excellent local biologists (on from Cusco, and other from Puerto Maldonado) that are interested in working with us.

I have an ongoing conversation with the professionals in charge to build the road, from Odebrecht company and we are discussing also a collaboration plan.

Also, a local reporter (Roberto Ochoa) is making a 4 page report on my project to be publish in one of the most important Peruvian popular travel magazines, called "Rumbos" (http:// www.rumbosdelperu.com/)"