66,000 Acre Reserve Declared in Northern Peru

06/10/2016

After three years of work, we are celebrating the declaration of the 66,954 acre Chicuate Chinguelas Private Conservation Area in northern Peru, which safeguards rich biodiversity and a stunning landscape. Since 2013, NCI’s local team in Piura has worked with the community of Segunda y Cajas, the Municipality of Huancabamba, and the Regional Government of Piura to make this declaration a reality.

From the endemic Andean Night Monkey to the endangered Golden-plumed parakeet and Red-faced parrot, this reserve will safeguard precious habitat for numerous species, and will protect 30% of the Piura region’s montane forests. These montane forests are home to the romerillo or podocarpus tree – an endangered species that is protected under Peruvian law, but still suffers from illegal logging.

The community of Segunda y Cajas knew that by protecting their land, they would also protect their natural resources – including the water supply they depend on. In addition to supporting the declaration, around 190 families have been involved in sustainable development activities including reforestation and the cultivation of passion fruit, sugar cane and coffee. With funding from the Regional Government of Piura, our team is also supporting a group of local producers who are producing “panela”, a type of organic sugar made from sugar cane.

We wish to think our main funders, World Land Trust and the Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust, for their support of this project. We are overjoyed that the forests and wildlife of this magnificent area will be protected for generations to come.

To learn more about our work in Peru, click here.