Peru: Reforestation
Reforestation
You’d be excused for presuming that Peru’s vast landscape is coloured by lush green trees and vibrant flora. Peru of course possesses a portion of the Amazon Rainforest and we’ve all seen that generic postcard picture of Machu Picchu, the emerald mountain sides overlooking the incredible ruins below.Whilst deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest is increasing by means of trends such as slash and burn agriculture, smaller regions of Peru are experiencing similar damaging traditions.
The Lares and Urubamba districts of Peru have suffered greatly at the hands of demand for firewood both from local communities and for tourist campfires. These districts sit in the heart of the Sacred Valley, an area of infinite mountains and valleys; however in Lares and Urubamba this landscape is tinted by browns and yellows.
ECOAN reforestation projects
ECOAN is a Peruvian charity devoted to activating various reforestation projects across Peru. The charity was started by Constantino Aucco, a naturalist guide and keen bird watcher. He noticed that in parallel to increasing deforestation in the high slopes of the Andes, various indigenous bird species were being all but wiped out.ECOAN cooperates with different communities in affected areas, informing and involving them in reforesting their land in order to provide an industrious future for their upcoming generations.
ECOAN’s projects in Lares and Urubamba have received support from a number of donators in the UK, none more devoted than the LATA Foundation, who funded the planting of 20,500 trees over one weekend.
Reforestation areas
Today I am accompanying the LATA Foundation’s representative in Peru, Paul Cripps, to the Lares reforestation location to observe the impact of the project so far.
Paul shows me a number of areas still bearing the scars of deforestation, an indication that although ECOAN are making an impact; it seems they may only be scratching the surface.
As I arrived at the site the contrast was striking. A view dominated by endless rows of green native trees such as the Polylepis. The planting here has had a 92% success rate and the community collaboration has been much more significant than expected.
Peru’s community impact
Over 600 volunteers from 215 families in three communities contributed to the weekend of planting in 2009. ECOAN recognises the importance of supporting and educating these communities in establishing knowledge of preservation and balance regarding nature.
Volunteers who attend planting days are paid ten soles for their efforts, an important method of gaining the interest of those who need ECOAN’s support. In building this initial relationship ECOAN are also hoping to begin to provide communities with ongoing aid - by providing medical supplies and health education.
Paul Cripps who represented the LATA Foundation’s contribution has his very own goal to help add to the rebirth of Peru’s now brown landscape. His tour company, Amazonas Explorer, is hoping to achieve the incredible feat of planting 1 million trees by 2020. Paul has lived in Cusco for many years and he feels it is essential to give back to the land he has formerly benefitted from.
ECOAN’s reforestation projects across Peru are ongoing and appealing for support from any willing donators. More information can be found at their website: www.ecoanperu.org.