Help communities to conserve Peru's Dry Forests

Dear Friends,

2021 is off to a great start and, in spite of COVID, we are making significant strides on our goal to help communities restore, conserve and sustainably manage dry forest landscapes in Pacasmayo.   

Over the period, we explored the possibility of rezoning the Algarrobal forest in San Pedro de Lloc.  We performed a community survey to gauge interest.  We also visited the Algarrobal forest and held a meeting with the San Pedro de Lloc Municipality.

Apart from formalizing new conservation agreements, producing hundreds of seedlings from a local nursery, and reforesting 1.07 hectares with native Algarrobo trees (Prosopis spp.), we continued to conduct monthly monitoring visits.  Our last visit monitored over 7 hectares of reforested areas. During these visits, there was a monitoring of plant growth as well as an assessment for the application of hydrogel and garlic-based repellent to address pests. 

In addition, key flora species were monitored within our intervention zone located in the Cañoncillo Private Conservation Area.   The three top flora species identified included Algarrobo (Prosopis ssp), Cun cun (Vallesia glabra), and Pial (Scutia spicata).

The research team obtained data on firewood consumption, and the data demonstrated at least a 22% reduction in firewood consumption between the ecological and rustic cookstoves. We also commenced training of the “buddys” who will be in charge of monitoring the ecological stoves installed in the towns of Jatanca and Santa Maria going forward.

The Muchick Local Conservation Group of Santonte met to discuss how to regularize the use of forest resources in the Tronco Prieto forest with local ranchers and herders.  An agreement was reached, whereupon a contribution would be given for use of the dry forest areas. 

Some training workshops were also held.  The local members were educated on topics such as pest control using plant extracts such as lemon verbena and tobacco,  the rights and duties regarding forestry management and Forestry and Wildlife Law, and Medicinal Plants and ancestral knowledge that helps treat different flu symptoms.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude.  Thank you for being a part of our team of supporters that are making our project a reality. We are grateful for everything you have helped us create. 

Thank you for your belief and support.

A Rocha Peru