Help communities to conserve Peru's Dry Forests

Dear Dry Forest supporters,

We are happy to announce the arrival of Francisco Barrios as our new Conservation Officer. Francisco holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the Continental University and has experience in environmental monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and work in protected natural areas. As of March 2026, Francisco is in charge of guiding and implementing the day-to-day activities of the project.

In the first months of 2026, the project team has been busy with maintenance of the project nursery, monitoring visits to the planted areas, assisted natural regeneration campaigns, forest patrols, follow-up visits to the users of improved stoves and workshops with the ecoclub and capacity building of the Santonte Voluntary Forest Guards.

We measured tree growth and survival of the terrain of one of the farmers that participate in the project. Out of the 136 Algarrobo (Neltuma pallida) trees that were planted on his land in 2024 and 2025, we found that 124 were still alive, meaning a survival rate of more than 90%, in this very harsh climate! All over 2025 we planted more than 500 native trees and aim to surpass this number in 2026.

As part of the training of voluntary forest guards, five new recruits took part in a first session and patrolling visits to the Tronco Prieto and Cañoncillo forests. After completion of their training, these recruits will assist their fellow guards Vergilio and Victor in their efforts to protect the forests of the community of Santonte. During the patrolling, community members were taught to only harvest dry branches for firewood, to not harm tree growth.

The Peruvian Dry Forest is very grateful for your support!