In order to supervise the progress of the works that strengthen the management of the Illescas National Reserve, the Ministry of the Environment – MINAM, the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State – SERNANP, the German Cooperation and Profonanpe learned about the infrastructure improvements being implemented by the PAN III Project, through the installation of surveillance and control posts, shelters, viewpoints and sign posts in different strategic points of this protected natural area.
Illescas National Reserve is a natural area located in Sechura, Piura, characterized by a coastal desert climate. This PNA preserves an important sample of the country’s desert landscape, as well as different plant formations that form special habitats for various endemic and wild species of the area.
As a result of its relevance, the PAN III project has been implementing infrastructure improvements consisting of the construction of two surveillance and control posts, a refuge, three viewpoints and internal sign posts for the Illescas National Reserve (INR), which is managed by Sernanp in the Piura region.
Illescas was recognized as a Reserved Zone in 2010 and categorized in 2021 with the support of the PAN III project; since then, with this alliance, it has been strengthening its infrastructure for better management of its biodiversity, as well as tourism and fisheries management.
“The role of protected natural areas is to preserve our natural resources and generate the well-being of the surrounding community through ecotourism, which allows for a decent income for the population. This surveillance and control post will provide a better quality of life for the park rangers, who leave their families for many days to take care of the wonderful natural protected areas that we have inherited and that it is our responsibility to take care of,” highlighted the Minister of the Environment, Albina Ruiz.
On the other hand, Simon Erhard, resident director of KfW Development Bank in Peru, emphasized that the protected areas have been equipped with control and surveillance structures and buildings. Special contribution that, through the PAN III Program, after 10 years of a continuous process of work among all stakeholders, a major milestone in the conservation of Peru’s marine-coastal biodiversity has been achieved.
Illescas National Reserve team with Albina Ruiz, Minister of the Environment; José Carlos Nieto, head of Sernanp; Sabine Bloch, Ambassador of the Republic of Germany; Simon Erhard, Resident Director of KfW Development Bank in Peru; Carmen Morales, Mayor of Sechura; Jeff Pradel, PAN III project coordinator; and Anton Willems, CEO of Profonanpe.
The infrastructure improvements being developed in the Illescas National Reserve will guarantee the conservation of natural coastal attractions for sustainable tourism and recreation, as well as contribute to sustainable development, environmental education and the well-being of local populations such as artisanal fishermen.
About PAN III
The Natural Areas Program III – Conservation of Marine-Coastal Biodiversity, known as PAN III, seeks to contribute to the promotion of effective management of marine-coastal natural protected areas in the Illescas National Reserve, the San Fernando National Reserve and the Guano Islands, Islets and Capes National Reserve System.
This initiative is executed by the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State – SERNANP, with funding from the German Cooperation, through the German Cooperation KfW and with the administration of Profonanpe, Peruvian environmental fund.
