Biogarden – Amazon, Peru
Overview: Design of an organic garden and microenterprise in an area of secondary rainforest in the Amazon basin of Peru
Client: CREES Rainforest Research Center, Manu, Peru
Design Brief: Fresh food must be driven 12 hours from the closest big city to the jungle communities in Southeast Peru, and landslides often result in a state-of-emergency. The local people need a way to provide a sustainable supply of fresh produce to this area. Additionally, micronutrient deficiency is a problem in this area, and a more diverse diet is needed.
Outcome: For three months, I designed and led the construction of a large biogarden on an area of vacant land owned by CREES. The materials were locally sourced and appropriate to climate issues in the area. We transformed the space into one that was rich with test plots, a specially designed roof, and an experimental composting pit. We gave demonstrations in a nearby community, encouraging the garden to serve as an educational model as well as a microenterprise for the local community. Three years later, the garden is a huge success and local community members and schools have built numerous biogardens and developed school programs to teach the local kids.
