Two years later, he was promoted to official park ranger. Soon after, he won the admiration and affection of his peers, who identified him as a born leader, one of those who act with sensitivity and resilience, always embracing his community and nature.

 

Not only is his commitment to the sustainable development of the country highlighted, but also the noble work he does with the children who grow up in the lands of this vast country. Using his communication skills and mastery of the Quechua language, Solano combines his love for environmental conservation and the moral duty he has acquired with children in the “Friends of the Park Ranger” Club, where he shares experiences and wisdom with students from different educational institutions and the local population.

 

With great ingenuity, Solano translated the intimate connection he had with nature into a transforming message with which he sensitizes the population about the protection and conservation of Peru’s Natural Heritage. Through radio programs such as “Naturaleza Viva” (Living Nature), he promotes and raises awareness among the local population to become involved in the management and conservation of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. His training as a forest firefighter is another aspect to highlight, as it has contributed to his ability to act promptly and tenaciously in the face of adversity. Currently, he shares these experiences in the training of new foresters of SINANPE, INDECI, SERFOR, Peruvian National Police, Army, General Corps of Volunteer Firefighters of Peru, among other entities.

 

Solano Pérez is considered one of the best park rangers of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary and of Sernanp. During all these years, he has been an agent of change and his actions continue to leave a mark in the care of the environment. For this, he has received the following recognition: in 2010, he received a commendation from the then Minister of the Environment, Antonio Brack Egg, for his participation in fighting forest fires to protect the biological diversity of the Oxapampa-Ashaninka-Yanesha biosphere reserve and the buffer zone of the Yanachaga Chemillen National Park; and three years ago, he was recognized by the Government of Chile for his support in fighting forest fires in the seventh region of Maule.

 

Of Solano, we highlight his nobility and his vocation of service, which have remained intact for years despite the countless crises we have suffered, and thus, we can only say that in Solano Perez we find a remarkable park ranger, teacher and firefighter, and also a friend and mentor, of those who mark our childhood and youth with their kindness and loyalty. That is why his recognition as Outstanding Park Ranger of the Carlos Ponce del Prado Conservation Award 2020 is well deserved.