Project description
The savannah-like forest area in the north of Peru is rapidly decaying due to depletion. The forests are turning into deserts and losing their unique biodiversity. A Rocha Peru wants to reverse this process and is committed to restoring, conserving and protecting the rainforest and ecosystem. Local people depend on the forests for food, water and income. A Rocha supports them in how to use the forests in a sustainable way so they can continue to generate income.
Why this project?
Deforestation is a major problem in Peru. Forest conservation and reforestation are urgently needed. In 2019, for example, 147,000 hectares of forest were lost due to logging for charcoal and firewood, agricultural and urban expansion, poor environmental legislation and land tenure disputes. Of the tropical dry forest on the Peruvian coast, only 2% remains. There is much loss of biodiversity and the livelihoods of local Peruvian communities are coming under pressure.
Impact
New afforestation provides protection from disasters such as landslides and floods. A Rocha Peru is entering into agreements with landowners, researching the tropical dry forest and looking for alternative fuel sources. The organisation offers training to invest in knowledge among communities. This is to preserve and enhance tropical dry forests for local Peruvian communities.
What can we learn?
God gave us the responsibility to care for creation. In Peru, we see how A Rocha's work is having a big impact. We can take this responsibility seriously in the Netherlands too. See what else you can do with your church on A Rocha's website.
