Iquitos, June 27 - In the context of the International Day for the Preservation of Forests, June 26, LATAM Airlines Peru and six allied organizations of its Solidarity Plane program: United for Animals – UPA, PROFONANPE, SERNANP, Consequences of Project Prevention, Peruvian Society for Environmental Law and Apeco launched the “SOSelva” initiative, a coalition of organizations that develop, strengthen and promote strategic actions within the framework of the rescue and conservation of the Peruvian Amazon.
With diverse work fronts ranging from the rescue of wildlife and its reintroduction into their respective natural habitats, the implementation of programs to raise awareness about the problem of deforestation, and the development of sustainable tourism in the Amazon that allows for an economic reactivation of Amazonian communities, SOSelva articulates the talent and experience of these six allies with LATAM's commitment to the sustainability of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. «"This is yet another opportunity that we at LATAM Peru are taking very seriously to channel what we do best, which is connecting, in favor of one of the most beautiful regions we have in Peru, its Amazon rainforest."», Manuel van Oordt, CEO of LATAM Airlines Peru, highlighted this during the SOSelva launch event held in the city of Iquitos, accompanied by a panel of leaders from the six allied organizations.
«"We know there is still much to be done in our rainforest, and we are very pleased that LATAM, as well as these organizations, have joined this effort, which will give greater visibility to our Amazon and, above all, will allow us to focus more attention on finding a solution to the problems that afflict it."», "This was noted by the mayor of Maynas, Vladimir Chong Ríos, who was invited to the event along with representatives from the regional governments of Loreto and San Martín.".
The official ceremony was preceded by a visit to the Alpahuayo Mishana Protected Natural Area, located 23 km south of the city of Iquitos, and to the Amazonian Rescue Center – CREA, where the delegation of authorities, partners, and media were able not only to visit the national reserve but also to experience firsthand the full potential that the protection of these natural environments promotes for development.
sustainable tourism. “We hope this visit will encourage more people to discover this and other nature reserves. The Peruvian rainforest has so much to offer, and it is in our hands to preserve it.”, explained Deyvis Huamán Mendoza, Director of Management in Protected Natural Areas of Sernanp, invited as a representative of Minister Albina Ruiz of the Ministry of the Environment.
With the launch of this initiative, LATAM Airlines Peru's SOSelva coalition of allies is committed to promoting initiatives from both the public and private sectors to conserve and protect the Peruvian Amazon; and to strengthening the program through joint coordination and the creation of synergies that will generate a real and measurable impact for the Peruvian Amazon. By launching this program, LATAM reinforces its commitment to the environment, the protection of natural habitats, and the conservation of natural areas in the Peruvian rainforest.
ABOUT SOSELVA'S ALLIES:
UPA:
The Unidos por los Animales Association has been working since 2004 to rescue, rehabilitate, and relocate animals in danger or victims of illegal trafficking. Together with LATAM Airlines, they have been able to transfer more than 500 animals to rescue centers in various parts of Peru, thus contributing to the conservation of our wildlife.
PROFONANPE:
Profonanpe is Peru's environmental fund. With 30 years of experience, it has channeled resources to support biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. It is the only Peruvian entity accredited by the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund, two of the world's most important climate change organizations, and is part of RedLAC, the network that brings together 27 environmental funds from Latin America and the Caribbean.
APECO:
Since 1982, the Peruvian Association for Nature Conservation has promoted biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Peru through processes that strengthen local and regional capacities, empowering participatory management of protected natural areas and consolidating the governance of peasant and indigenous communities.
SERNANP:
The National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp), a public body attached to the Ministry of the Environment, is responsible for the conservation of Natural Protected Areas, their biological diversity and the maintenance of their environmental services.
SPDA:
The Peruvian Society for Environmental Law is a non-profit civil association that has been working since 1986 to promote environmental policies and legislation. Furthermore, through its "We Conserve for Nature" initiative, it engages thousands of people in strategic actions for the conservation of our natural spaces.
CONSEQUENCES:
In 2021, the Consequences initiative, promoted by USAID's Prevention project, called for action, urging young people and opinion leaders to take seriously the importance of preserving the Peruvian Amazon. This year, Consequences focuses on raising awareness of environmental crimes, a message especially directed at young people in the rainforest.
ABOUT LATAM'S SOLIDARITY PLANE:
Through its Solidarity Plane program, LATAM Airlines Peru provides free air transport for passengers and cargo when Peru needs assistance in areas such as health, the environment, and natural disasters. During the pandemic, we transported more than 43 million COVID-19 vaccines free of charge. In addition, the program has facilitated the free transport of over 1,000 patients and healthcare professionals, as well as the relocation and reintroduction of more than 500 wild animals to their natural habitats.
