Agricultural expansion threatens Brazil nut concessions in Madre de Dios.  Poor planning of the Interoceanic Highway has resulted in increased deforestation and invasion of Brazil nut concessions.  About 30 percent of the Madre de Dios population lives directly or indierctly off of chestnuts, which is a vital part of its economy.  Now thousands of families are living with this traditiona, which is a vital part of the economy.

Photo: Patricio Leon Mayta. Has 12 children but only one of them accompanied him on his award Castañera / by Enrique Cúneo.