A new series of short films demonstrates how farmers in the Manu region of Peru are turning to new ways of farming that help preserve the Amazon rainforest and provide better livelihoods.

In an interview with co-director, Nick Werber, Mongabay.com reports on the subject of the first film - farmer Reynaldo - who has adopted agroforestry and is now growing a range of crops and trees with improved soil health and protection from erosion.

Manu is a place of extremely high biodiversity but it is threatened from infrastructure development, mining, gas and oil exploration, and slash and burn agriculture.

Werber discusses, in the interview, how farmer Reynaldo has been able to move away from slash and burn agriculture through the adoption of agroforestry.

Another positive step has been the introduction of a ‘biogarden’ which has taught families how to grow their own vegetable gardens year round, giving them a chance at a better diet and a sustainable income through the sale of the excess produce. Traditionally the diet of local people has been low in fruit and vegetables which has led to malnutrition and illness, especially in the young.

Read the full story: From slash-and-burn to Amazon heroes: new video series highlights agricultural transformation