Students participating in the educational workshops
Photo: Eduard Valdivia
Students and local communities participated in environmental awareness and action days as part of the Conserve Birds project.
During November 28, 29 and 30, 2024, the AMA Network organized a series of environmental education workshops in the educational institutions “Ramón Castilla” in Miraflores. “Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza” in Rosapampa and at the Berlin Forest PCA itself, in order to promote biodiversity conservation in the protected areas of northern Peru. These workshops, which involved more than 118 participants, were part of the ongoing effort to strengthen local capacities in conservation issues and to sensitize communities on the importance of protecting birds and their habitats.
About the project
The Berlin Forest PCA is part of the “Conserva Aves” project, an initiative that seeks to create and strengthen private conservation areas in the Tropical Andes of Northern Peru. Through this project, environmental education, awareness of the importance of birds and biodiversity, and the active participation of local communities in the management and protection of natural ecosystems are promoted.
Workshop objectives
- Encourage community participation in conservation: The workshops aimed to involve students and local communities in the conservation process, promoting knowledge about local bird species and the importance of their preservation.
- Strengthen environmental education: Educational tools were provided to understand the benefits and threats facing conservation areas, highlighting the relevance of The Berlin Forest PCA as a refuge for biodiversity.
- Promote local action: The workshops facilitated spaces for participants to share their ideas and strategies to improve the management of conservation areas, and to commit to implement concrete actions for environmental protection.
Students from the “Ramón Castilla” and “Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza” institutions at the educational workshops.
Photo: Eduard Valdivia
Activities developed
The workshop program included interactive activities such as bird watching, tours of The Berlin Forest PCA, and a conservation-themed drawing and painting contest. These activities not only promoted hands-on learning, but also offered participants the opportunity to express themselves creatively about the biodiversity around them.
“Participating in bird watching allowed me to see with different eyes how valuable these species are to our forest. Now I understand that their conservation is fundamental to maintain the ecological balance,” commented a student from I.E. “Ramón Castilla”.
Practical biological monitoring course in Tumbes Mangroves National Sanctuary
Photo: CONMANOPE
Impacts and results
The workshops not only increased participants’ knowledge of birds and biodiversity, but also strengthened the ties between the community and conservation initiatives. Participants expressed their commitment to continue with environmental protection activities, as well as to replicate what they learned in their communities. In addition, a space was created for reflection on the actions needed to mitigate threats to biodiversity, such as deforestation and illegal hunting.
Next steps
As a result of these workshops, there are plans to continue with educational activities in other nearby communities and to continue strengthening local environmental governance. The AMA Network intends to conduct additional workshops and promote collaborative strategies to broaden the project’s impact and ensure the protection of conservation areas for future generations.
Contact
Eduard Valdivia Torres
eduard.arm@hotmail.com
