Photo: Jedi Yanqui
In the district of Quinua, Ayacucho, hides a place that invites us to contemplate the “small” with new eyes. The Ayacucho Insect Museum (MIYA Waylis), led by Jedy Yanqui, is not only an educational space, but a sanctuary that seeks to change the perception we have of insects and their crucial role in the ecosystem.
This museum has become a meeting point for those who want to learn more about biodiversity, especially about arthropods, creatures that many consider insignificant, but allow the balance of ecosystems.
Jedy Yanqui, a passionate biologist, has always had a special connection with nature. From a young age, her fascination with insects grew as she observed how these tiny creatures play a crucial role in the natural balance.
“I was inspired by the bad practices committed against them: forest fires, the use of agrochemicals, urbanization. All these factors have drastically reduced the population of species that used to be seen frequently. People do not understand that each specimen has its function in life, and by damaging them, we are affecting their existence and the future of our biodiversity,” he explains.
The museum not only exhibits rescued species, but also functions as a space for environmental education, where students, tourists and the community in general can learn about the importance of insects in the balance of ecosystems. Thanks to Jedy’s leadership and interest in the community, the museum has positioned itself as a pioneering initiative in the region.
The funding won in Entrepreneurs for Nature will make it possible to implement an exhibition room equipped with materials and equipment to offer an experiential experience in environmental education. In addition, new equipment and materials for research will be acquired, as well as more entomological boxes and specimens, thus strengthening the museum’s educational work.
Photo: Ayacucho Insect Museum – MIYA Waylis
