The Machiguenga Communal Reserve occupies the central part of the eastern side of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Photo: Heinz Plenge.
The task of conserving our protected natural areas (PNAs) requires the implementation of appropriate strategies and conditions for managing our natural heritage. The technical and administrative team of Sernanp will now have a space that facilitates their work, develops their capacities, and allows them to provide assistance to the local population, thus enabling them to achieve an optimal level of management.
That is why, in compliance with the commitments of the Natural Heritage Initiative of Peru (PdP) which seeks to give sustainability to the enabling conditions for an effective management of the Amazonian ANP and with the technical and financial support of the project “Securing the future of the ANP of Peru” or GEF6-PdP, the purchase of the administrative headquarters for the Machiguenga Communal Reserve and the Megantoni National Sanctuary, both located in the Cusco region, was completed.
This important acquisition will bring numerous benefits to staff and users of the protected natural areas, such as productive spaces for activities, a secure space for coordination with workers, protection for equipment and vehicles, improved communication of management practices, support for local partners, and collaborative development of conservation strategies. Previously, renting space posed risks such as loss or damage to documents and equipment due to frequent moves, says Erick Zamalloa, head of the Megantoni National Sanctuary.
Megantoni National Sanctuary, located in the province of La Convención in the department of Cusco. Photo: Oscar Mujica.
One of the biggest benefits is the reduction in operating expenses related to rent, which will allow for better planning of the annual budget. This will enable the scheduling of activities such as the maintenance of other infrastructure, environmental education programs with educational institutions in the Buffer Zone and/or adjacent areas, among others.
On the other hand, it will strengthen ties and foster greater participation and collaboration between protected natural areas (ANP) and communities, institutions, and businesses. It will provide a safe space for dialogue and collaboration between protected areas and local communities, particularly with the Contract Manager of the Machiguenga Communal Reserve (ECA Maeni), which represents 14 Indigenous communities, a rural settlement, and 3 Indigenous organizations, and co-manages the reserve with SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas). In this sense, the new facility will be a key strategic point for organizing various activities crucial to the management of protected areas, such as monitoring, surveillance, control, and participatory management.
In the pursuit of financial sustainability
In 2019, the Ministry of the Environment and Sernanp, with the support of Profonanpe, Peru's environmental fund, designed "Natural Heritage of Peru" (PdP), an innovative initiative that seeks to contribute to the permanent protection of the best of Peruvian nature, through the articulation of donations from international cooperation, government financing, tourism income and economic mechanisms with private companies and citizens.
To learn more about the initiative and how we can contribute to the conservation of protected natural areas, click here. here.
