Through the field activities of the project “Expansion of the Unchog Private Conservation Area (PCA)”, promoted by Islands of Peace Peru andThe Bird Conservation Initiative, Local authorities, community members, and young people toured the territory, observed birds, and became directly involved in their monitoring and conservation. This approach allowed them to recognize the high biological value of Cochabamba's stunted forests and strengthened the community's connection to the care of their ecosystem.
In this way, the community has strengthened its internal organization and local governance through the formation and strengthening of the Monitoring and Tourism Committee, made up of members of the community itself, who assume a key role in the protection of the area, the prevention of threats and the promotion of responsible tourism linked to the observation and conservation of the birds of Unchog.
Formation of the Tourism and Surveillance Committee © Islands of Peace Peru
In addition, management mechanisms based on trust and transparency have been promoted, such as the implementation of the Complaint Handling Manual (MAQ), a tool that guarantees dialogue, active listening and respect for the concerns of the population, strengthening community co-responsibility in the protection of the territory.
Within this same framework, the conservation process in Unchog integrated sustainable local development actions in which local artisans, together with the Carpish Regional Conservation Area, actively participated in strengthening capacities and reaffirming cultural identity as part of the territory, promoting alternatives that articulate conservation, responsible use of the environment and local pride.
Participation in community activities (giving certificates to local artisans) © Islands of Peace Peru
The project has the support of ECOAN y Profonanpe, national partners of Preserves Birds, whose teams visit the rural community of Cochabamba to learn about the actions being carried out in Unchog and participate in exchange spaces and workshops with the local population.
This collaboration between the community, the support of Islands of Peace Peru and other actors in the conservation sector demonstrate that the protection of Unchog's ecosystems and birds progresses when it is built on community participation and joint work, within the framework of the Bird Conservation Initiative.
