Help communities to conserve Peru's Dry Forests

Dear Family,

A Rocha Peru and local communities continue to protect and restore degraded dry forest landscapes with algarrobo trees: visiting potential properties, formalizing agreements with beneficiaries, and conducting planting campaigns. The project team planted 241 algarrobo seedlings (Neltuma spp) in October across 2.64 hectares in Jequetepeque and the Portada de la Sierra with the collaboration of two landowners and the Asociación Civil Misión Evangélica del Valle de Jequetepeque. In addition, an agreement was made with the National University of Trujillo in November to further plant 50 algarrobo seedlings on the perimeter of their agricultural land to protect the species.

The project continues to help create environmental awareness on important dry forest topics and on the implementation of organics gardens.  Around 55 environmental workshops were conducted for the Semillas Teresianas (Teresian Seeds) eco-club. The eco-club consists of 2nd and 3rd-grade secondary students from the Santa Teresa Inmaculada school in San Pedro de Lloc. Workshops topics covered themes about composting, flora and fauna of the dry forest, weeding, irrigation, and garden harvesting, amongst others. A specialist talked to the students in October about bees and the crucial role the bees play in biodiversity conservation.  Also, beehives installed in the Tronco Prieto Forest last year, were moved to the Venturosa Forest in San Pedro de Lloc.  Moreover, the project team held a talk for the entire student body of the Sata Teresa de Inmaculada school on the importance and benefits of the dry forest in the area.

In September, the Cañoncillo Forest Craftswomen Association harvested viruli, a local grass found on the edges of the rice fields in the local area. Viruli are used to make baskets by the craftswomen. The craftswomen also attended a local fair to sell their handicrafts, which helps to preserve the dry forest and sustain livelihoods.

To spread awareness of the project and its achievements, in November the project team showcased a collection of photos featuring conservation of the dry forest in Pacasmayo at the National University of Trujillo and the Tecapa High School.  The two photo exhibitions were a success with nearly 70 participants!

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