The Financial Mechanism of the Joint Declaration of Intent (JIU), through its component of Effective Management of Regional Conservation Areas (RCAs) and Natural Protected Areas (NPAs), promotes sustainable economic initiatives that strengthen conservation and generate opportunities for families living in areas of influence of protected areas. [...]
In Loreto, this effort is being developed in four RCAs: Alto Nanay-Pintuyacu-Chambira, Comunal Tamshiyacu Tahuayo, Ampiyacu Apayacu and Maijuna Kichwa, in coordination with the Regional Government of Loreto. In these areas, local associations and cooperatives strengthen their management, access new markets and promote products based on the sustainable use of resources such as chambira fiber, hardwood and bush meat.
Participation in Expo Amazônica: sales, contacts and new opportunities
During the first days of October, seven associations and cooperatives from these RCAs participated in Expo Amazónica 2025, one of the main commercial promotion spaces in the Peruvian Amazon. There they exhibited products such as hardwood handicrafts, chambira fiber handicrafts, cassava derivatives and sustainably processed bush meat.
Photo: Profonanpe
As a result, the businesses produced more than 15,000 soles in sales in just four days and were able to open doors to new markets. The Bosque de la Amazonía Cooperative and the Curuhuinsi Hunters' Association established commercial ties with companies in Pucallpa and Tarapoto, extending their reach beyond the Loreto region.
Sustainable hunting and bushmeat value chain: the experience of the Curuhuinsi Hunters' Association
One of the participating organizations was the Asociación de Cazadores Curuhuinsi del río Ampiyacu, from the ACR Ampiyacu Apayacu. Its secretary, Mayra Collantes, explains that the work is based on wildlife population studies and responsible management of species allowed for jerky production: majaz, red deer, gray deer, huangana and peccary.
Mayra Collantes with the majaz jerky product at the Expo Amazónica 2025 Fair (Photo: Profonanpe).
“We are a total of 54 associates from nine communities, including a group of women who are active supporters and who have decided to work in an associated and sustainable way,” says Mayra. The association, which renewed its board of directors this year, seeks to promote its work to strengthen commercialization.
Currently, orders come mainly from restaurants in Tarapoto and Iquitos, but the association plans to expand its contacts and consolidate its presence in new markets.
Chambira fiber handicrafts: sustainable management and women's leadership
Another initiative that stands out is the Esperanza del Bosque Cooperative, dedicated to the production of chambira fiber handicrafts. It is made up of 25 artisans who work under a sustainable management plan for this palm.
Its president, Enith del Águila Mariche, points out that the fair was a key space for identifying public preferences and opportunities for innovation. “What has sold the most are the bird figures, the winnowers and the bread baskets. We have also received requests for chambira balls for Christmas,” she says.
Enith del Aguila with bird figures made with chambira fiber (Photo: Profonanpe).
Enith explains that each piece requires time and patience, especially the pajaritos, which are the ones she most enjoys making and take two to three days of work. The quality of the product also depends on the sustainable management of the raw material.
Each member has plots of land where the chambira heart is harvested responsibly. “We cut the bud and let the palm recover. Only after three months do we harvest again. If we do it too often, the palm dies,” says Enith. This process guarantees a continuous and sustainable supply.
Handicrafts made with chambira fiber (Photo: Profonanpe)
Enterprises that conserve: the impact on families and forest stewardship
The initiatives promoted in these RCAs not only generate income, but also strengthen sustainable resource management and community organization. The DCI and the Regional Government of Loreto have been supporting these processes through training, technical assistance, management plans, commercial coordination and promotional opportunities.
The actions developed have led to greater visibility for the organizations, a higher volume of sales, strategic commercial contacts and a sustainable value chain that protects the forests while improving the living conditions of Amazonian families.
Regarding the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) – Phase 2
The Joint Declaration of Intent is a voluntary cooperation agreement signed by the governments of Peru, Norway, and Germany in 2014 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. The United Kingdom joined in the addendum signed for the period 2021–2025.
The DCI is led by the Ministry of the Environment and implemented by Profonanpe as the financial mechanism, with the participation of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, through SERFOR; the Ministry of Culture; the regional governments of San Martín, Huánuco, Ucayali, Loreto, Amazonas, and Madre de Dios; and the indigenous organizations AIDESEP, CONAP, and ANECAP. It also receives funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). Learn more here.
