Between 2023 and 2026, the first phase of Preserves Birds In Peru, it promoted the creation and expansion of Private Conservation Areas (ACP) and Regional Conservation Areas (ACR), which cover nearly 146,000 hectares and are in various stages of consolidation. The implementation was led by Profonanpe, the Peruvian Environmental Fund, which channeled more than USD 805,000 in subgrants to six partner organizations.
One of the most significant advances is taking place in the Peruvian Amazon. In Ucayali, with technical assistance from ProPurús, the indigenous communities of Sawawo-Hito 40 and Nueva Bella are seeking, respectively, recognition of two Private Conservation Areas—Antamite and Kipatsi Añaamentotsi—which together cover 25,596 hectares of communal lands. Both proposals passed SERNANP’s technical and legal evaluation; their files have been submitted to the Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) and are awaiting the Ministerial Resolution that will formalize their recognition.
In addition to this result, there are proposals for the Rontoccocha Regional Conservation Areas in Apurímac and the San Cristóbal de Pucutá-Menkori Regional Conservation Areas, in Junín, which together cover more than 102,000 hectares and are among the most advanced processes promoted during this first stage. In Apurímac, the Regional Government is leading the Rontoccocha Regional Conservation Area (ACR) proposal with technical assistance from IDMA y ACCA, and support from Preserves Birds y Andes Amazon Fund. In Junín, the Regional Government is promoting the San Cristóbal de Pucutá-Menkori ACR with support from Yunkawasi and support from Rainforest Trust, Andes Amazon Fund y Bird Conservation.
“Conserva Aves demonstrates that a subgrant can yield much more than just a financial outcome: it can foster partnerships, strengthen local capacities, and turn the commitment of communities and organizations into real conservation opportunities. This first phase leaves these areas better prepared to protect their biodiversity and provides a solid foundation for continued progress,”, said Odile Sánchez De la Cruz, Subgrant Manager at Profonanpe.
The results also apply to the species that inspired the initiative. Baseline surveys and monitoring confirmed the presence of 19 priority bird species, underscoring the importance of conserving ecosystems that serve as refuges for biodiversity and sources of ecosystem services for local communities.
Preserves Birds is led by American Bird Conservancy (ABC), National Audubon Society (Audubon), BirdLife International, Birds Canada and the Latin American and Caribbean Environmental Funds Network (RedLAC). The national partners are Profonanpe y ECOAN, implementation leaders in Peru, with funding from Bezos Earth Fund.
