Connecting youth to nature

By Grazia Rabasa

In our ongoing commitment to environmental conservation, A Rocha Peru is excited to share some of the progress of our latest initiative, the Amazon Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation project.  Central to our project is the importance of preserving the Amazon rainforest and the rich cultural heritage of the Machigengan people.

Eco-club Workshop creating bird masks, August 2023

One of our project objectives is to enhance environmental awareness among the younger generation about the conservation of the forest, flora, and fauna. In 2023, the pilot created an eco-club called Katsari Forest in the primary school in Monte Carmelo.  The eco-club has provided 66 enthusiastic students a platform to actively engage in environmental conservation efforts.  Through a series of workshops, including discovering the world of birds, getting to know the tropical forests and discussions on deforestation, we are empowering these young minds to become advocates for their environment.

Bridge access to the Katsari children’s forest, August 2023

Moreover, our project extends beyond education to practical solutions like building a bridge to access the Bosques de los Niños (Children’s Forest).  This bridge not only facilitates the children’s exploration of the forest but also symbolizes our dedication to fostering a deep connection between communities and their natural surroundings.  By empowering communities, preserving cultural heritage, and safeguarding biodiversity, we are laying the groundwork for a sustainable future for both people and the planet.

 

Equipping locals to grow green

Community monitoring visit with the Micaela Bastidas community kitchen beneficiaries, April 2023

Cañoncillo Private Conservation Area is one of the only natural reserves remaining in La Libertad, a province in northwestern Peru.  La Libertad Dry Forest Project mobilizes locals who live around Cañoncillo to plant trees for reforestation and monitor the trees as they grow.   During their monitoring visits, residents are transferred to the reforested areas to check the health and growth of the trees and that they are being looked after properly.  Last year, the project made four community monitoring visits with thirty-six locals to various areas. We carried out one community monitoring visit to the Laguna el Muerto Forest in Pacasmayo with the locals from the Micaela Bastidas de San Demetrio community kitchen. During this activity, the people were able to identify the species planted.                          

We also visited the Cañoncillo Private Conservation Area with the students from the National University of Trujillo-Guadalupe Branch. The purpose of this trip was to introduce students to intervention areas and explain the methodology used in the Algarrobo tree regeneration monitoring.  Two more monitoring visits were carried out in reforested areas on private property, including a visit to Espino, Corales, and La Yuca forests and one visit with some students of Tecapa High School to our planting areas in Pueblo Nuevo, Portada de la Sierra, and Santonte.  Equipping locals with the tools and knowledge they need to monitor reforested areas and preserve the dry forests, they become part of the solution and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Community Monitoring visit to reforested areas, July 2023

Caring for Creation Across Peru

By Grazia Rabasa

A Rocha Peru continues to spread awareness of the importance of conservation and preservation of God’s Creation in collaboration with the Ministry Training Center of the Evangelical Presbyterian and Reformed Church in Peru (IEPRP).  Pastor Camilo Díaz delivered a Creation Care Course virtually over three months from August last year. The Stewardship of Creation Course represents a significant step in our mission to promote the integrity of creation and the well-being of all life forms in Peru.

During the Creation Care Course, twelve church leaders and pastors from across the country delved into a profound reflection on their role as responsible stewards of God’s creation.   Participants had the opportunity to explore topics such as the intersection between faith and science, the importance of environmental care from a biblical perspective, and the active role that religious communities can play in protecting God’s creation.  The participants are committed to carry out environmental initiatives in their communities.

One of the highlights of the course was its national reach. Leaders and pastors from different regions of the country joined this initiative, thus consolidating a national network of change agents committed to environmental care.   Also, visits were made to churches in towns such as Huanta and Huamanga in Ayacucho. These visits revealed a high potential for extending the activities of the Green Church Project in these areas, demonstrating the impact and relevance of the work done so far.

A Rocha Peru remains committed to promoting environmental care through educational and practical initiatives. With the support of leaders and pastors from churches nationwide, as well as the general community, we will continue to move towards a more sustainable future, mindful of the importance of stewardship of creation.  We continue to work together to preserve and protect the most precious gift we have received: our planet Earth.

Beyond Plastic Free February

A Rocha Peru, was inspired to participate in the #PlasticFreeFebruary campaign – an initiative to eliminate single-use plastics for the month of February.  Around the world, A Rocha groups joined this month-long challenge to reduce or eliminate the use of plastic, while cleaning up the plastic pollution that already exists.  A Rocha India led a successful clean-up drive where volunteers collected bags of dry plastic waste. Members from A Rocha France and A Rocha Canada joined the campaign by trying to cut out single-use plastics that were connected to their food consumption.  A Rocha Switzerland and Netherlands sent out weekly challenges and top tips. In Nigeria, Eden Creation Care Initiative held a month with a recycling project with school kids.

Throughout February, A Rocha Peru contributed to the campaign by sharing informative content, and offering practical tips to encourage individuals to reduce their plastic consumption. Now, as March fades into April, we stand at the dawn of a new season, ready to extend our commitment beyond the confines of a single month.

Fragments of microplastic (Image: A Rocha International 2018)

Plastic pollution stands as an ongoing environmental challenge, with microplastics posing threats to ecosystems and human well-being on a global scale. Microplastics are the material left behind when plastics decompose. As scientific studies continue to reveal the widespread presence of microplastics in our bodies, the urgency to address this issue becomes increasingly evident.

While #FreePlasticFebruary has formally concluded, our dedication to reducing plastic pollution remains unwavering. By fostering ongoing awareness and collective action, we aim to make a lasting impact in mitigating plastic pollution. As stewards of our planet, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to preserving the health of our environment and communities, ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for generations to come.

Be sure to check out our Plastics Toolbox for more information and resources.