Conservation Agreements protect 134,000 acres of forests in Yurúa
Satellite Internet Installation in the community of San Pablo
In 2023, five native indigenous communities in the Yurúa basin joined an initiative promoted by UAC aiming to preserve the community forests through Conservation Agreements. This incentive mechanism has achieved significant progress in the fight against illegal logging and deforestation, activities that threaten this region and it is protecting more than 134.000 acres of forests near the Alto Purus National Park and the Murunahua Indigenous Reserve.
The ashéninka communities from Sawawo Hito 40, Dulce Gloria and Nueva Victoria, along with the yaminahua communities from San Pablo and El Dorado, agreed to create an 18-month Implementation Plan in community assemblies to carry out different projects and activities. These projects are being financed and managed by UAC. The agreements represent a responsible and sustainable alternative to generate benefits in contrast with other harmful activities for the population and their forests, such as tree logging, which leads to loss of resources and negatively affects local ecosystems and biodiversity.
This initiative is supported by the Yurúa indigenous Federation, the Asociación de Comunidades Nativas para el Desarrollo Integral de Yurúa Yono Sharakoia -ACONADIYSH, and other allies dedicated to the conservation and sustainable development of Yurúa, like the Alto Purus National Park – SERNANP and the Yurúa District City Hall.
The agreements’ goals are not only to preserve the woods, but also to promote a sustainable development aligned with each community’s needs. The funds provided by UAC are intended to strengthen community organization by supporting their leaders in accessing rights and benefits, monitoring their territories, cultural activities and implementing sustainable productive projects.
The support provided encompasses the provision of tools and equipment for mobility and community surveillance, along with ensuring Internet access to foster connectivity. Additionally, ongoing initiatives include sustainable productive projects like the revitalization of water turtle populations and fingerling breeding, as well as the establishment of communal cooperatives
These agreements, which have been adapted to the specificities of each community, acknowledge the tradition and unique challenges of each one. While some communities have previous experiences in conservation projects and have developed Life Plans (link to Sawawo), others are experiencing the planning processes that these projects demand for the first time. UAC is providing technical assistance to the leaders in charge of overseeing work plans and expense reports that are presented to their community members.
The initiative to establish conservation agreements in Yurúa represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable future for this basin, threatened by illegal road constructions, land trafficking and illegal logging. It serves as an example of a transformative force created towards the preservation of the Amazon.
Acquisition of boats for community surveillance and medical emergencies
Acquisition of gamitana fingerlings for the "fish farm" project in the community of Sawawo Hito 40
Release of gamitana fish in Sawawo’s community pond
Sawawo Hito 40’s president receives a boat engine, chainsaw and other equipment for community projects.
Collecting charapa turtle eggs for the turtle management project in Dulce Gloria.
Members of El Dorado’s Fisheries Monitoring Committee oversees the sustainable management of fish and other resources in the community’s lakes.
