Ecosystem Restoration Peru Project #64447

Community-Driven Conservation of Peru's Dry Forest

by EcoSwell

Community-Driven Conservation of Peru's Dry Forest

Project Report | Mar 6, 2025
From Trails to Cookstoves: Progress in Piedritas

By Diego Almendrades | Director of Sustainable Development and Finance

Dear GlobalGiving Donors,

We are thrilled to share the latest updates and exciting developments from our conservation and ecotourism projects in the Piedritas community. Your continued support is making an invaluable impact on the health of local ecosystems and the livelihoods of community members.

Recent Highlights

GEF Visit and Collaborative Discussions: We were honoured to host a delegation from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) – Bosque Seco Project and PROFONANPE for a tour of our community ecotourism and birdwatching trails. Led by the EcoSwell Director for Sustainable Development and our dedicated volunteers from Colby College, the delegation explored the native dry forest habitat, hearing the songs of the endangered Peruvian Plantcutter and spotting the elusive Sechuran Fox, a near-threatened species endemic to the Tumbesian region. The visit also included a stop at two local beneficiary families who have benefitted from improved cookstoves, a project led by CSU students. Additionally, discussions were held with local farmers and livestock owners about the possibility of launching a regenerative agriculture pilot project to further support the community. This collaboration marks an exciting step toward scaling our conservation efforts, and we look forward to working closely with GEF and other partners in the future.

Piedritas Ecotourism Trails: The ecotourism trails in Piedritas continue to flourish. With multiple routes to explore, the trails offer a rare opportunity to engage with the unique ecosystems of Northern Peru. Our volunteer interns created beautiful new signage to guide visitors along the trails, enhancing the overall experience and ensuring a more accessible journey for all. These trails not only serve as an educational tool, but also provide income-generating opportunities for the local community, further strengthening our sustainable development efforts.

Birdwatching and Hiking with our volunteers: Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of students from Colorado State University (CSU) as well as volunteers from other universities for a day of birdwatching, hiking, and sightseeing along the Piedritas Trail. The trail, set within the increasingly threatened dry forest ecosystem, provides a unique opportunity to experience the region’s biodiversity. As part of our Community Ecotourism initiative, EcoSwell has constructed a bird hide along the route, allowing visitors to observe the wetlands and their vibrant birdlife without disturbing the wildlife. The group was delighted to witness flamingoes, egrets, ibises, and various other species in their natural habitat.

Looking Ahead

The progress we’ve made is only possible because of your unwavering support. With your help, we are enabling local communities to participate in ecotourism while preserving their natural environment. We are excited about the future and the potential for even greater collaboration with partners like GEF, CSU, and others who share our vision of conservation and sustainable development.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We are deeply grateful for your generosity, which empowers us to continue this transformative work. Together, we are fostering environmental stewardship, supporting local economies, and ensuring the protection of Northern Peru’s unique biodiversity for generations to come. Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission.

Warm regards,
Diego Almendrades

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Nov 7, 2024
Community Growth Through Conservation & Education

By Diego Almendrades | Project Leader

Dear GlobalGiving Donors,

We are excited to update you on the incredible progress and activities taking place across our various projects in the Piedritas and Negritos communities. From environmental education to water conservation, these initiatives continue to make a meaningful impact, thanks to your ongoing support.

Recent Highlights

Environmental Education Workshop:
We recently held an inspiring Environmental Education workshop at Santa Elena School in the Piedritas community. This event is part of our ongoing commitment to the Community Ecotourism and Bio-treatment project. The workshop saw growing participation and enthusiasm for conservation efforts, reflecting the increasing local interest in preserving natural resources. Stay tuned for updates on our ecotourism trail!

Resistivity and Seismic Equipment for Groundwater Monitoring:
In line with our project Hydrogeophysics for Community Groundwater Monitoring in Degraded Dry Forest Quebradas in Peru, we have made significant progress by using resistivity and seismic equipment in the community. We are now working in a second quebrada, with the help of trained women from Lobitos and Síchez, as well as dedicated student volunteers. This collaboration is crucial in finding alternative water sources for marginalized communities and will support regenerative livestock farming and restoration agriculture in these arid environments.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Development

Community Ecotourism Progress:
The tourism committees from Piedritas and Negritos, formed by EcoSwell and EbAMar, recently participated in an inspiring speaking event in Sechura, Piura. At this event, they shared the progress of our Community Ecotourism and Bio-treatment initiatives, highlighting the active involvement of local community members in promoting their ecotourism routes. These initiatives not only generate income and foster local development but also play a vital role in conserving the area’s unique biodiversity. The event sparked great enthusiasm among the audience, and the tourism committees are excited to continue working to strengthen sustainable ecotourism in the region.

Closing Ceremony of the EbAMar Program:
The Piedritas and Negritos tourism committees also participated in the closing ceremony of the EbAMar Program, held in collaboration with GIZ and MINAM-Peruvian Ministry of Environment. During this event, key reflections on our Community Ecotourism and Bio-treatment project were shared with important figures from regions such as Ica, Piura, and Northern Lima, including national authorities from the Environment, Fisheries, and Tourism sectors. This event marked a significant milestone in promoting ecotourism and sustainable solutions for these communities.

Your continued support makes these exciting developments possible. Together, we are building a future where both people and nature thrive in harmony.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We are deeply grateful for your generosity and commitment to our work. These initiatives are empowering local communities, preserving ecosystems, and creating a more sustainable future. We encourage you to stay engaged with us and continue supporting these transformative efforts.

Thank you once again for your invaluable help.

Warm regards,
Diego Almendrades

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