Landscape of cloud forests in the ACR San Cristóbal de Pucutá – Menkori proposal
© Gerson Ferrer | Yunkawasi
Peasant and native communities of the proposed Regional Conservation Area (RCA) San Cristóbal de Pucutá – Menkori strengthen their capacities for the conservation of their natural resources and the development of sustainable economic activities, through informative workshops carried out by the Regional Government of Junín.
Throughout 2024, through its Natural Resources and Environmental Management Department with the support of the Yunkawasi Civil Association, the Regional Government of Junín has established spaces for dialogue and exchange with community boards and assemblies in order to share the importance of this RCA proposal, exchange perceptions and involve local stakeholders in this process.
Through participatory spaces and on a regular basis, the communities reflected on the sustainable use of their natural resources and recognized the benefits they provide to their populations. In addition, they expressed their interest in continuing with the informative process of the proposed RCA San Cristóbal de Pucutá – Menkori, as well as with the social and biological information gathering activities in their territories, necessary to continue with the next stages of the establishment of this regional protected area.
This initiative proposes to conserve more than 60,000 hectares of mountain ranges ranging from 1,200 to 5,000 meters above sea level, which generate valuable water resources through their lagoons and cloud forests to the Mantaro and Perené river basins. The RCA proposal seeks to ensure the sustainability of the economic activities of the local populations, being an effective strategy to safeguard life territories and thus conserve nature and promote sustainable, harmonious and responsible livelihoods.
Training program for the Community Surveillance Committee of the Huánuco Rural Community, in conjunction with the Pui Pui Protected Forest.
© Gerson Ferrer | Yunkawasi
The scope of this initiative covers the provinces of Concepción and Satipo, involving around 20 localities, including peasant and native communities belonging to the Quechua and Asháninka indigenous peoples.
This landscape is home to a great biodiversity of fauna species, such as the yellow-tailed choro monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda) and the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), as well as around 350 bird species, 22 of which are endemic to Peru. This group includes bird species such as the ashy-breasted bullfinch (Anairetes alpinus) and the creamy-crested spinetail (Cranioleuca albicapilla). Birds are guardians of life. By protecting them, we ensure the conservation of many other plant and animal species.
Joint commitment to protect Junín’s natural resources
This proposed new RCA is currently in Stage II of the establishment process and is the result of a bold and visionary conservation initiative led by the Natural Resources and Environmental Management Department of the Regional Government of Junín, with the technical and financial support of the Yunkawasi Civil Association, Rainforest Trust, Andes Amazon Fund and the Conserva Aves initiative, as an inclusive strategy for conservation and the fight against climate change, for the benefit of birds, biodiversity and present and future generations.
Likewise, various state institutions have been contributing and working in alliance in the process of establishing this RCA, such as the PAÍS Program, the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR), the National Institute for Agrarian Innovation (INIA) and the Pui Pui Protected Forest – Sernanp.
The Regional Management of Natural Resources and Environmental Management of the Regional Government of Junín in the assembly of the rural community of Santa Rosa de Toldopampa.
© Gerson Ferrer | Yunkawasi
Contact
Gerson Ferrer
Yunkawasi’s Communications Director