With approximately 29 million inhabitants, Peru is the fourth most populous country in South America, and among the most biologically diverse countries on Earth. Located on the north-central western coast of the continent, Peru has over 84 distinct ecosystems, from staggering mountain peaks to beyond the shores of the Pacific.

To protect these ecosystems, CI-Peru works strategically with partners of every kind – from local communities to the highest levels of government. We encourage people to recognize and protect the species, landscapes and natural systems on which they rely.

Smart Business

Involving the private sector in sustainable environmental efforts is a top priority in Peru.

A recent partnership with Citibank Peru allows customers to choose “paperless” bank statements; the bank then donates all saved expenses to efforts to protect three iconic species that further rally public support. Partnerships also promote business opportunities with small, local enterprises in buffer zones that surround areas of high biological importance.

READ MORE: Forests for Water in the Scared Mountain

CI also works with Peruvian civil society to design and implement activities that connect and contribute to the natural distribution of species across Peru. For example, CI and its partners work to mitigate the environmental impacts of national (and international) infrastructure projects like the Southern Interoceanic Highway that cuts through sensitive ecosystems. Efforts like this are vital to creating new models for development decisions in Peru and worldwide.

Communities Take the Lead

CI-Peru focuses its efforts on creating opportunities with indigenous communities near protected areas. With the indigenous community of Ese’eja de Infierno, for example, CI-Peru developed sustainable hunting plans to help certain species including insects, frogs and macaws. CI-Peru also headed a participatory process that, in an agreement with the Awajún and Wampis indigenous communities, helped lead to the creation of Ichigkat Muja National Park.

Additionally, in alliance with the Embassy of Finland, CI is working to improve the quality of life of six Asháninka communities in the Pichis valley, supporting the management of 35,000 hectares (more than 86,000 acres) of communal forests with non-timber forest products and payment for ecosystem services.

DISCOVER: CI is committed to protecting forests and species by supporting local communities. Learn more about CI's work with the Quechua in Peru.

In the central jungle, an alliance between CI and Canprodem (Cámara Nacional de la Producción y el Emprendimiento), supported with funds from AVEDA, completed a project that benefits more than 50 mothers in indigenous Asháninka communities in Satipo province. Here, Canprodem has supported the making of handicrafts that improve the economy and quality of life, and aided local efforts to revive long-standing cultural practices.

Vilcabamba-Amboró Conservation Corridor

The Vilcabamba-Amboró Conservation Corridor (VACC) was created as a strategy to conserve the tropical Andes region in Peru and Bolivia. With 30 million hectares (over 74 million acres), it stretches from the Vilcabamba mountain range in northern Peru to the Amboró National Park in Bolivia. The nucleus of the corridor forms a chain of 19 protected areas that contribute to the survival of thousands of species.

In the VACC, our projects include conducting scientific research, establishing management plans for Protected Areas, wildlife and non-timber forest products, conserving the Amazon nut (also known as Brazil nut) and Ungurahui (a member of the palm family), establishing agro-forestry systems and strengthening institutions and local associations.

CI is working to promote sustainable development by improving the ability of local groups to monitor conservation efforts and biological diversity and support sustainable economic initiatives surrounding crafts and medicinal plants.

IN-DEPTH: Find out how CI works to create and support economic opportunities that benefit both local communities and biodiversity.

READ MORE: Creating Conservation Through Cookstoves

Abiseo-Cóndor-Kutukú Conservation Corridor

In August 2007, Peru declared the creation of Ichigkat Muja National Park, resulting in the protection of a valuable mountain forest ecosystem in the eastern Andes. The declaration also meant the partial protection of a region that is both an important Amazonian river watershed and a sacred ancestral territory of the Awajún and Wampis indigenous peoples.

In northern Peru and into southern Ecuador, the Abiseo-Cóndor-Kutukú Conservation Corridor (ACKCC) integrates the management of natural areas with their socioeconomic, political, and cultural surroundings. Given the history of conflict between the two countries, the area serves as a “peace park” to foster collaboration between the people of Peru and Ecuador.

IN PHOTOS: Apu Pachatusan, Peru's Glacier

This work is essential to the lasting survival of the ACKCC. CI-Peru supports local partners in the design and execution of the project, and the Conservation Stewards Program will provide technical support toward capacity building of local partners and financial support.

Peru and Climate Change

CI has been working with a variety of both government and non-governmental partners in Peru to create and advance a common agenda with respect to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the country.

By supporting the development of a national strategy, CI is helping to strengthen a network for forest monitoring, and supporting Peru’s engagement in the international climate policy dialogue.

LEARN MORE: CI Mobilizes Communities and Presidents to Preserve Andes Treasure