A Rocha Peru at COP16

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) took place in October 2024 in Cali, Colombia. This event marked a pivotal moment in global efforts to protect biodiversity, as ecosystems are collapsing and species are disappearing at an alarming rate.  A Rocha actively participated in COP16, bringing a unique Christian perspective to the global conservation conversation. Representatives from A Rocha International, A Rocha Ghana, A Rocha India, and A Rocha Peru were present to influence policy, build partnerships, and advocate for the protection of creation.

One highlight of A Rocha’s involvement was the event titled “Green Muscle Memory: Addressing Global Challenges.” This session shared inspiring stories of transformative environmental education from A Rocha’s global projects and demonstrated how experiential learning fosters long-term environmental stewardship in communities around the world. The recording can be viewed here, starting at 6:47:00.

A Rocha Peru also contributed to COP16 by participating in the inauguration of the Peru Pavilion. Sarah French, ARI’s Director of Environmental Education and Conservation Policy,  along with Maria Los Angeles La Torre Cuadros,  A Rocha Peru’s Chair of the Board of Directors, highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts in environmental education and conservation.

A Rocha’s Christian perspective was essential, reminding everyone of our moral responsibility to care for God’s creation. As COP16 progressed, we remained hopeful for meaningful agreements that would protect biodiversity for future generations, and we continue to pray for effective solutions for environmental conservation.

Transforming Spaces, Growing Minds

A Rocha Peru proudly participated in the inauguration of a new garden on October 9 at Elim Christian School, in the Mi Peru neighborhood of Ventanilla. This vibrant green space enhances the school’s surroundings while improving safety in the area, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The inauguration event was a festive occasion that engaged students in various activities, including an environmental care trivia quiz. The highlight for many was the chance for younger children to plant their own seedlings in the newly created garden. This hands-on experience not only connected the children to nature but also instilled a sense of responsibility and ownership for their environment.
A Rocha Peru’s initiative represents a significant step toward fostering a culture of sustainability within the school community. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing both the earth and the hearts of the younger generation.

Reflecting on the day, Grazia Rabasa shared her heartfelt testimony: “This visit reminded me that each seed planted—both in the earth and in the hearts of these children—has the potential to grow and transform. Seeing their happy faces as they planted with their own hands was an unforgettable experience. They are the future, and every plant they nurture serves as a reminder of our responsibility to the environment.”

Grazia’s words encapsulate the essence of the event: the work done today impacts not only the soil but also the consciousness of the young ones who will carry forward a legacy of love and respect for creation. The garden stands as a symbol of hope, growth, and the vital connection between education and environmental care.

A Milestone for Creation Care

The Creation Care course wrapped up with great enthusiasm on Sunday, November 10, at the Cristo Rey Presbyterian Church in Huanta, Ayacucho.  The event marked the end of a transformative learning journey where young members of the congregation dedicated themselves to the care of creation and environmental stewardship. Throughout the course, these young volunteers led impactful initiatives, including a river cleanup along the Chaquihuaycco River, demonstrating their commitment to protecting the natural resources in their community.

The closing ceremony was a joyful occasion, with the entire congregation coming together to celebrate the achievements of the course participants. It was a moment to recognize the hard work, passion, and dedication of the 14 young volunteers who completed the program. During the ceremony, each of them was awarded a certificate, honoring their contributions to environmental conservation and their active participation in the church’s ecological initiatives.

Ramón Casana, Executive Director of A Rocha Perú, and Grazia Rabasa, Communications Assistant, attended the event and delivered inspiring words to the participants. They expressed their gratitude and admiration for the volunteers’ commitment and encouraged the congregation to continue being a model of environmental leadership in the region. A Rocha Perú, known for its work in environmental education and conservation, has supported the course from the beginning, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility within faith communities.

The ceremony concluded with heartfelt words of gratitude and a joint prayer, bringing together the congregation in a moment of unity and reflection. The Creation Care course has not only raised awareness about environmental issues but has also instilled a sense of hope for a more sustainable future. It serves as a reminder of the power of local communities to make a difference in the world, one small action at a time.

Through the Lens

A Rocha Peru has harnessed the power of photography to engage the public and raise awareness about the La Libertad Dry Forest Project, which seeks to conserve this unique ecosystem in northern Peru. Over the past two years, we have successfully organized several photo exhibitions in Pacasmayo. In 2022, A Rocha Peru held three exhibitions at local schools, reaching 1,105 participants. In 2023, the initiative expanded to four venues, engaging 111 individuals and targeting academic and cultural audiences to promote conservation awareness.

UTEC students enjoying A Rocha Peru’s photo exhibition (G. Rabasa, Nov 2024)

In 2024, A Rocha Peru is broadening its national reach with exhibitions in Lima at two key universities—Universidad Científica del Sur (UCSUR) and Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (UTEC)—with which we have established strong collaborations. The exhibition, inaugurated on November 18th at UTEC, was a resounding success, with attendees expressing a keen interest in conservation.

The exhibition features a carefully curated selection of around 20 striking photographs that capture the biodiversity, environmental challenges, and the role of local communities in the La Libertad region. Taken by South African photographer Xavier Saer and other conservationists, these images showcase A Rocha Peru’s ongoing efforts, inspire student participation, and raise awareness about the urgent need to combat deforestation. The exhibition also highlights A Rocha Peru’s smaller initiatives, such as the Amazon Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation Project and the Iglesia Verde Project.

We extend our gratitude to UTEC and UCSUR for their invaluable collaboration in bringing this exhibition to life. By using photography as a tool for education and advocacy, A Rocha Peru aims to inspire greater engagement in conservation efforts and help secure the future of the La Libertad Dry Forest for generations to come.