The Peruvian Amazon Research Institute (IIAP) has officially opened its new headquarters in the Leoncio Prado province of Huánuco, a development poised to significantly boost sustainable development initiatives across the region.
The modern facility, located along the Fernando Belaunde Terry Highway, is equipped with advanced laboratories and dedicated research spaces. It features four specialized laboratories, including one dedicated to aquaculture research focusing on the "four-banded lisa" to diversify local fish farming. Research is also underway on edible fungi in forest areas, the development of technological packages for native fruits like cocona and papaya, and studies on pituca. A notable innovation is a module utilizing the black soldier fly to convert agro-industrial waste from coffee, pineapple, and orange production into high-quality protein for animal feed, addressing waste management and promoting a circular agricultural economy.
The ecology and evolution laboratory will investigate the interactions between fauna, flora, and human presence, with an emphasis on conservation and risk prevention, such as snakebite incidents. The IIAP Huánuco has already made a substantial impact, assisting over 7,000 Amazonian families in July 2025 through the distribution of native fish fingerlings and technical support. Additionally, seedlings of bolaina, capirona, and samán have been distributed to aid in the recovery of degraded areas, fostering long-term economic and ecological benefits.
This new hub is expected to revitalize research throughout the Andean-Amazonian region of Huánuco, potentially uncovering new resources similar to the impact of past discoveries like camu camu. The initiative aims to champion biodiversity conservation while simultaneously cultivating sustainable economic alternatives for local communities. The establishment of the San Pedro de Chonta Regional Conservation Area in August 2025, which safeguards vital ecosystems and endangered species, underscores the region's commitment to conservation. Furthermore, advancements in aquaculture, such as the cultivation of "paco" fish, are gaining momentum as sustainable livelihood options, with ongoing efforts to reduce feed costs and enhance cultivation techniques.