The villages settled in the PNCAZ's Buffer Zone have been using the area's resources since before its creation, mostly for informal timber extraction. The settlers commented that they saw the creation of the protected area as a threat because of the restrictions that could be imposed on them. However, the joint work between SERNANP and CIMA-Cordillera Azul has promoted the development of alternative economic activities such as coffee and cacao in agroforestry systems, as well as the development of local management instruments such as Quality of Life Plans. After years, the local people recognize that they have stopped working for timber and have begun to conserve their forests and natural resources for the sake of future generations. The population has prioritized increasing forest cover in their territories to improve water supply and increase coffee and cacao production, for greater economic benefit and quality of life. Its replication in other areas around the protected area in the Tocache sector and in general throughout the San Martin region, one of the regions most affected by deforestation in Peru, makes it a very important initiative.
- Synergy between the park administration, the executor of the administration contract, and the inhabitants of the buffer zone for the joint management of the protected area.
- Co-management between CIMA-Cordillera Azul and SERNANP aimed at the conservation of the PNCAZ and the sustainable development of the partner communities.
- Approval of participatory management tools such as Quality of Life Plans and Blue Agreements.
- The organizations that manage the protected area should work together according to their roles and functions, but with a single objective and common strategies.
- Conservation and restoration actions should go hand in hand with the promotion of profitable productive activities that can generate income for the population.
- The articulation of the State's efforts with other conservation and restoration initiatives, under a Management Contract approach, allows for the incorporation of joint and complementary actions in the protected area's management.
- The development of local populations should go hand in hand with conservation actions.