Help communities to conserve Peru's Dry Forests

Dear nature-loving friends!

Over the period, A Rocha Peru successfully implemented various initiatives to empower local communities and promote environmental conservation in Pacasmayo. These activities included workshops focused on handicrafts, livestock breeding, and raising awareness about the Dry Forest.

A Rocha Peru organized two key workshops for women in Pacasmayo. The first focused on teaching seven participants the art of jute embroidery, using designs inspired by the Moche culture. Led by an expert in jute embroidery, the workshop provided both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. To further enhance their skills, the participants had an additional practical session in Magdalena de Cao. The second workshop, with 12 participants, centered on recycling and reusing plastic bags. Led by an expert in plastic reuse, the session taught participants how to creatively repurpose plastic waste into useful products, highlighting the importance of sustainability.  In September, a follow-up session was held in Magdalena de Cao. The women presented their completed jute embroidery projects and visited a local museum, further connecting them to their cultural heritage. This initiative provided the women with valuable skills while promoting eco-friendly practices.

In addition to the workshops, A Rocha Peru launched a photography exhibition to raise awareness about the La Libertad Dry Forest, a vital ecosystem in northern Peru. The exhibition featured 20 striking photographs that captured the biodiversity, environmental challenges, and conservation efforts in the region. The photos, taken by renowned South African photographer Xavier Saer and other conservationists, were displayed at two prominent universities in Lima—Universidad Científica del Sur (UCSUR) and Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (UTEC). The exhibition was well received, sparking interest among students and faculty members about conservation and the urgent need to protect the La Libertad Dry Forest. It also showcased A Rocha Peru’s smaller initiatives, including the Amazon Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation Project and the Iglesia Verde Project.

Another important initiative involved two workshops aimed at improving livestock breeding practices for small farmers in the region. These workshops focused on the health and reproduction of sheep and goats, offering practical advice on breeding techniques, disease prevention, and overall animal care. In October, the first workshop took place in Jatanca, with a strong turnout from local farmers eager to improve their livestock management. A second workshop was held in Tecapa, which extended its reach to nearby towns such as Santonte and Santa María, engaging an even broader group of farmers.

Through these activities, A Rocha Peru was able to empower local women, improve agricultural practices, and raise awareness about environmental issues. These efforts contributed to the conservation of the La Libertad Dry Forest and supported sustainable development in the region.

Thank you for your support! 

Wishing you all the best over the festive season.

A Rocha Peru

Links:

• A new article on training small farmers in improving livestock
• A new article on photography exhibitions to spread awareness

Dear nature-loving friends!

Over the period, the project team started preparing for its another reforestation campaign, producing sixty-five algarrobo (Neltuma spp) and forty hawthorn (Acacia macracantha) seedlings at the local nursery in Pacasmayo.  In June, we began developing our new nursery at the San Demetrio soup kitchen. We repurposed the breeding shed into a dedicated nursery for forestry seedling production, reinforcing the cane structure, assembling a production table, and gathering materials for substrate preparation to enhance soil quality.

A Rocha Peru’s beekeeping initiatives continue to thrive and expand. Originally installed in the Tronco Prieto forest, the apiaries had to be relocated due to restrictions on beekeeping activities and the absence of permission from the community of San Pedro de Lloc, the forest’s owners. The beekeeping operations have since found a new home in the privately-owned Venturosa Dry Forest.  The relocation led to a mutually beneficial agreement between A Rocha Peru and the landowner. In a generous move, the landowner has decided to donate his share of the honey harvest to the local school, starting from the second harvest. The remaining income supports A Rocha Peru and dry forest conservation efforts, demonstrating a collaborative spirit that benefits both education and environmental conservation.

During a field trip to Polvorín in June, the A Rocha Peru team identified a wild flora species called hualtaco (Loxopterygium huasango). This deciduous tree is native to equatorial coastal areas and dry forests in Cajamarca, Lambayeque, Piura, and Tumbes. Regrettably, the hualtaco faces imminent threats due to its high demand for use in parquet flooring, leading to its inclusion on Peru’s endangered species list under Supreme Decree N°043-2006-AG. 

Also, we're excited to announce that our new website was officially launched on July 5th, 2024.  Explore our latest updates on the dry forest project, news, resources and more on our new website.

Stay tuned for more developments in the coming months!

Thank you for partnering with us!  Without you, none of it is possible.

Peace,

A Rocha Peru

Links:

• A new article on the expansion of our beekeeping initiatives
• Our new website