National institutions committed to public investment for forest restoration in Cajamarca, Peru
- 138 forest fires were detected up to September 2024 in the province of Jaén and 65 in San Ignacio, adding to the fact that the provinces of Jaén and San Ignacio have already lost 73% and 43% of their original mountain forest area, increasing their vulnerability to climate change.
- The Peruvian Ministry of Environment (MINAM), the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR), and local municipalities established the “Alliance for Forest and Ecosystem Restoration in the Provinces of Jaén and San Ignacio,” which will promote the development of public and private investment measures and projects for forest and ecosystem restoration in both provinces, with technical assistance from Practical Action within the framework of the UK Biodiverse Landscapes Fund Project (BLF Andes Amazon).
During the event “Balance of experiences in Forest and Ecosystem Restoration,” held as part of Forest Week promoted by the National Forestry and Wildlife Service in the city of Jaén, Cajamarca (November 21 and 22), the aforementioned “Alliance for Forest and Ecosystem Restoration in the Provinces of Jaén and San Ignacio” was established, from which the Ministry of the Environment announced the development of a public investment project in restoration.
The aforementioned public investment project will benefit the restoration of the Yungas ecosystems of Jaén and San Ignacio and will include the promotion of sustainability factors such as the establishment of a native forest seed bank to promote greater recovery of forests and moorlands, in partnership with public entities, civil society, universities, and local actors who are already making significant conservation and restoration efforts in this biodiverse landscape of the national territory. This process will have the technical support of the BLF Andes Amazon Project.
The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of the Environment (MINAM), the National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR), the provincial and district municipalities of Jaén and San Ignacio, the private sector, local experts, universities, and civil society organizations.
During this inter-institutional event, important commitments were made, such as the one announced by MINAM, as well as other actions for forest restoration and ecosystem recovery by four local municipalities. The municipalities of La Copia, San José del Alto, Las Pirias, and Pucará requested technical assistance to develop forest restoration projects that they consider key for their jurisdictions and their populations. A schedule of technical meetings was established between these local governments, SERFOR, and the BLF Andes Amazon Project implemented by Practical Action.
SERFOR and Practical Action presented the results of the assessment of the geographical impact of forest fires in Jaén and San Ignacio. As of October 2024, fires in Jaén have increased by more than 220% and in San Ignacio by more than 440% compared to 2023. Additionally, it was noted that the fires in 2024 have occurred mainly in areas without granted rights, and that the encroachment on the last remaining forests and moorlands that safeguard key ecosystem services for the population, such as water supply and climate regulation, is a cause for concern.
For its part, Nature and Culture International (NCI) presented the progress and challenges in the conservation of the Northern Andes Corridor, as well as warning about the dangerous advance of deforestation on forests and moorlands, the impact on wildlife, and the growing loss of biodiversity in both provinces. It also highlighted the urgency of protecting the ecosystems that provide water and environmental services that are key to the economy and population of both provinces.
MINAM and SERFOR presented the national public instruments they promote to support forest and ecosystem restoration and provided specialized guidance for the development of public investment projects so that they can be approved and implemented more effectively. They also received feedback from local actors on how to optimize the standards and instruments presented.
Participants agreed on the urgency of strengthening early warning networks and forest and ecosystem restoration, creating a culture of forest fire prevention and biodiversity conservation, and establishing a Forest Firefighting Unit, considering that climate change will continue to impact the incidence and duration of forest fires.
The BLF Andes Amazon Project (2024-2029) is one of six projects funded by the UK Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF), which are being developed in cross-border territories with high biodiversity and cultural richness. This project is led by Practical Action in Peru and Ecuador, in partnership with NCI, WWF, AIDESEP, COSPE, and Terra Nuova.