The Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment Program (BMAP) is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and PERU LNG. Since 2008, the collaboration had integrated conservation biodiversity into the construction and operation of the PERU LNG pipeline and the operations in the processing plant and maritime terminal in Melchorita. BMAP is a long-term program that monitors and assesses species and habitats that are important for conservation, national interest groups, and the international project. BMAP also determines baselines and changes over time, allowing managers to respond with adaptive management appropriate to the conditions that might arise during project execution. 

 

The mission of the Smithsonian is to increase and disseminate knowledge, to study biodiversity for its conservation and sustainability. The Center for Conservation, Education and Sustainability (CCES) within the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCIB) thoroughly integrates the conservation of biodiversity into all aspects of infrastructure projects ñ exploration, economic assessment, development, operation and closing ñ to achieve complex conservation and development goals. Scientifically based biodiversity research and monitoring is used to identify and avoid areas of high biodiversity, to minimize the "footprint on biodiversity" in areas that cannot be avoided, to mitigate and restore impacted species and habitats, y develop biodiversity compensation mechanisms to counteract project impacts and contribute to conservation goals. The vision is to have a measurable impact on the protection of biodiversity, maintain ecosystem services, and promote sustainable development through the integration of biodiversity conservation into the development of mega-infrastructure projects. 

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PERU LNG is a company that transports natural gas through a pipeline and liquifies it in their processing plant. The vision of PERU LNG includes a strong commitment with the protection of the environment and the local communities. PERU LNG applies high environmental standards in all its operations to comply with environmental laws and more to set an example of environmental responsibility in the industry.

 

PERU LNG consists of a 408-kilometer natural gas pipeline, which starts in Chiquintirca, Ayachuco Department, and arrives at the plant in Melchorita, 170 kilometers south of Lima. The company developed a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) to provide a comprehensive strategy and specific actions for the protection and conservation of biodiversity during the construction and operation of the pipeline and terminal. One of the pillars of the BAP is the BMAP. BMAP provides an integrated program that evaluates and monitors aspects of biodiversity, an Ecological Management Plan and a Restoration Plan. 

 

BMAP generates information on species and special conservation habitats to meet the mutual goal of SCBI and PERU LNG, which is to integrate biodiversity conservation into the development and operation of the project. This information will help BMAP develop biological monitoring programs that provide decision-making guides used to mitigate the impact of the project on biodiversity. BMAP research protocols are practical and applicable to similar projects. It is hoped that the lessons learned could also be implemented by other companies and governments.