During a field trip to Polvorín in June, the A Rocha Peru team identified a wild flora species called Hualtaco (Loxopterygium huasango). This deciduous tree is native to equatorial coastal areas and dry forests in Cajamarca, Lambayeque, Piura, and Tumbes. Standing tall at up to 20 meters with its cylindrical stem and quirky, globe-like crown, the Hualtaco dazzles in the botanical world. Regrettably, the Hualtaco faces imminent threats due to its high demand for use in parquet flooring, leading to its inclusion on Peru’s endangered species list under Supreme Decree N°043-2006-AG. Despite these challenges, the Hualtaco remains indispensable to the delicate balance of the dry forest ecosystem, providing a vital haven for biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods in rural communities. Urgent conservation measures are crucial to safeguard the Hualtaco and other species of the dry forest. By studying species in their natural habitat, field trips provide insights into the ecological roles and interactions of these plants within the ecosystem. This understanding is vital for developing effective conservation strategies that consider the broader ecological context.
The Dry Forest Buzz
A Rocha Peru’s beekeeping initiatives continue to thrive and expand. Originally installed in the Tronco Prieto forest, the apiaries had to be relocated due to restrictions on beekeeping activities and the absence of permission from the community of San Pedro de Lloc, the forest’s owners. The beekeeping operations have since found a new home in the privately-owned Venturosa Dry Forest. The relocation led to a mutually beneficial agreement between A Rocha Peru and the landowner. In a generous move, the landowner has decided to donate his share of the honey harvest to the local school, starting from the second harvest. The remaining income supports A Rocha Peru and dry forest conservation efforts, demonstrating a collaborative spirit that benefits both education and environmental conservation. The presence of apiaries in the Venturosa Dry Forest brings significant advantages to the landowner’s farm and forest, particularly through essential pollination. Additionally, A Rocha Peru ensures meticulous care and maintenance of the forest. The landowner also uses these activities as educational opportunities for his students, who are active members of A Rocha Peru’s environmental club. With the installation of apiaries in the dry forests, A Rocha Peru’s efforts are yielding high-quality honey now marketed under the official label, BoscoVivo, meaning “Living Forest.” This year, A Rocha Peru is set to advance its beekeeping initiatives with a renewed focus on community involvement and sustainability. One of the upcoming workshops will concentrate on installing new beehives, a key element already included in the workshop budget. This builds on previous workshops where several hives were successfully installed and are now being managed by A Rocha Peru. In addition to new hive installations, we expect that this year’s workshops will cover a variety of beekeeping-related activities, such as propolis production, pollen collection, and other essential practices. These activities aim to enhance participants’ skills and knowledge, contributing to the project’s long-term self-sustainability and the broader institutional sustainability of A Rocha Peru. A Rocha Peru is also launching pilot beekeeping activities to create greater involvement of local families committed to dry forest conservation. This project will provide one or two families with beehives, enabling them to benefit directly from honey production. The initiative includes ongoing monitoring and support from A Rocha Peru to ensure the hives’ success and the project’s sustainability. By integrating beekeeping into the local community, A Rocha Peru aims to empower families, foster environmental stewardship, and promote sustainable livelihoods. This holistic approach supports conservation efforts and enhances the economic resilience of the involved communities.
Nuturing Life in Ayacucho
By Grazia Rabasa
A Rocha Peru, in collaboration with the Cristo Rey Church in Huanta, launched the Kawsay (life) mini-project in April of this year. Its goal is to transform the community of Huanta into a model of sustainability and environmental care. The miniproject focuses on the beautification of green areas, the cleaning of the Castro Pampa river and, this year, the implementation of a nursery was designed as a possible ecological enterprise for the production of seedlings for local green areas. The Kawsay project begins with the exterior of the Huanta Cristo Rey church, and is being implemented in phases to ensure effective progress and necessary adaptations. It also aims to inspire other churches and communities to follow suit, promoting sustainability and care for creation.
Pastor Abel Sánchez, a key figure in this project, stresses that caring for the environment is an integral part of spiritual growth and reflects God’s love for all creation. Pastor Abel’s trajectory, from his studies in communications at the Universidad Nacional San Cristobal de Huamanga to his theological training at the Evangelical Seminary of Lima, demonstrates the power of faith-driven initiatives. His leadership in youth ministry and his collaboration with A Rocha Peru have been instrumental in shaping the Green Church project, which integrates environmental awareness into the Christian faith.
The solid management team, formed by Pastor Abel, Alex Ramos, Rosario Curo, William Montañez and Ramón Casana, and 13 other volunteers who selflessly support the miniproject, guarantees its perfect execution. Their dedication and practical commitment transform abstract theological concepts into tangible actions, promoting environmental stewardship as a divine responsibility.
In conclusion, the Kawsay miniproject in Huanta, Ayacucho, exemplifies the harmonious blend of faith and environmental stewardship. By cultivating gardens, restoring rivers and promoting sustainable agriculture, they create a legacy of ecological awareness rooted in Christian values, demonstrating that faith can drive meaningful change.