The Awajún indigenous people live in one of Peru’s highest risk areas, with oil and gold extraction placing pressure on their ancestral lands.
Despite these advances of extractive industries, the community in Huaracayo are working hard to preserve their surrounding forest, aware of the rich and important biodiversity they protect.
Cool Earth is working alongside the community to develop sustainable incomes and improve nutrition. From alley-growing inga to developing fish ponds, all activities aim to help local people maintain a balanced diet and have a reliable income. Healthy people, healthy forest.
Location: Amazonas Province, Northern Peru
CHALLENGES
Extreme poverty places pressure on the forest, as community members turn to illegal logging to sell wood for an income.
Extractive industries are on the rise as land is mined for gold and other heavy metals. Not only does this cause deforestation and degradation, polluted water runs off into local river courses, harming ecosystems and health.
The movement of people from the Andes & coastal region has seen a change in traditions and ways of life in the area. Religious interventions and pressure to develop is beginning to put a strain not only on forest, but communities themselves.
Activities
Fish ponds
When done sustainably, farming fish can provide a source of protein which can be difficult to access in the forest year round.
Growing inga
Intercropping inga alongside other plants aims to address food security, support sustainable farming practices and bring in an income.
Research partnerships
Links are being formed between the community and researchers, as studies are being conducted into the perception of the forest and its protection.
Planned outcomes
The use of inga is continuing to grow and regenerate soils in the area. It’s a way forward for diversifying diets and providing families with improved food security. By supporting artisanal, small-scale cacao production and helping form market links, local farmers are working to improve the quality of crops and generate a sustainable income alongside the forest.
