Last Saturday, November 26, more than two thousand people learned about the importance of conserving protected natural areas (ANP) and how to contribute to them at the +Amazonía Festival, which took place at the Manuel Bonilla stadium in Miraflores, Lima.
The event, which aimed to raise awareness about the conservation of our protected natural areas, brought together more than 25 entrepreneurs from different regions of the country with the brand Ally for Conservation. They offered products derived from cocoa, coffee and honey; and others such as dragon's blood and blueberry shampoo, non-medicinal soaps based on aguaje; handicrafts and textiles.
Cindy Vergel, manager of the Natural Heritage Initiative of Peru – Sernanp, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurs having the Conservation Ally brand. “This brand certifies producers who use sustainable practices and work hand in hand with the Protected Natural Area. They benefit sustainably from the use of resources and contribute to the conservation of the area,” she stated.
The space also included informative workshops for children and adults about the importance of protected natural areas, the work of indigenous communities in our country, among other topics. In addition, spaces were created for attendees to voluntarily contribute to the ANP, such as the "yapesazo for the Amazon" and the collaboration modules. The party was hosted by Vasco Madueño, Sucumbión, Elegante and La Imperial and the renowned band Los Mirlos.
The +Amazon Festival was organized by the Ministry of the Environment, Sernanp, Profonanpe, the environmental fund of Peru and the Municipality of Miraflores; with the participation of WWF, Yunkawasi, Conservamos por Naturaleza (SPDA), Conservation International, UNDP, USAID, among others, and with the financing of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The importance of raising awareness about protected natural areas
Peru has more than 250 protected natural areas, 76 of which are nationally administered and encompass more than 29 million hectares, equivalent to 18.1% of the entire national land territory and 7.1% of the national marine area. These are vital spaces that harbor a wide variety of plant and animal species, as well as natural resources.
The responsible use of protected natural areas contributes to economic development and the creation of employment opportunities, providing decent work and food security for vulnerable populations, without compromising their autonomy over their ancestral territories. This model fosters leadership, co-management, economic growth, innovation, and autonomy in rural communities across the country.
So far in 2022, the responsible use of resources in protected natural areas has generated over 7 million soles in income, benefiting more than 1,800 families nationwide. This has been made possible through 227 contracts and agreements for the use of resources such as coffee, cacao, honey, and Amazonian fruits, among others.
Citizens can continue to contribute to Protected Natural Areas by visiting Peru by Nature.
