The Suitucancha Rural Community has initiated a process of recognition and revaluation of the Churrete de vientre blanco (white-bellied churrete).Cinclodes palliatus), known locally as “Huaca Pishjo”. This species, little known and valued by many, plays a vital role in the conservation of high Andean wetlands. Its delicate situation, catalogued as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2025, and registered only in a few localities in the central Andes, among them Suitucancha, reinforces the importance of its protection.
Community dialogue and intergenerational learning
In this context, the perceptions of the local community about the value of the “Huaca Pishjo” and ways to protect its habitat are being gathered. With the technical support of Conservation and Environmental Research - CIAM, the initiative promotes community dialogue through educational materials, field trips and intergenerational spaces in schools and community meetings. These actions seek to strengthen local knowledge about the species, its relationship with wetlands and water, and to promote sustainable conservation practices.
Children from Suitucancha discover the “Huaca Pishjo” with didactic games - © CIAM
Through workshops and field trips, children, youth and adults from the community learn to identify the “Huaca Pishjo” in wetlands and streams, recognizing its link to water, high Andean landscapes and the livestock that sustains their livelihoods.
“We are rediscovering the ‘Huaca Pishjo’. Many of us are now getting to know it and understanding its true importance. This process brings us together to care for its habitats and, in doing so, protect our water.”, said the community team behind the project.
Towards the establishment of the Nevado de Tunsho Private Conservation Area
Games on the “Huaca Pishjo” help children in Suitucancha to learn - © CIAM
With the support of the Conserve Birds Initiative and with the leadership of the community of Suitucancha and CIAM, as well as the accompaniment of Profonanpe and Ecoan, key actions are being promoted to recognize the Nevado de Tunsho Private Conservation Area (ACP) and promote participatory community management. The project seeks to consolidate a community conservation model with a gender and intercultural approach, through biological monitoring of birds and strengthening local capacities. In the coming weeks, the project will continue with participatory bird watching and recording activities, habitat mapping and awareness-raising activities in schools, in parallel with the preparation of the application for recognition before SERNANP.
