Community monitoring strengthens territorial defense in Yurua
Members of Yurúa communities gathered during the workshop.
In an effort to strengthen territorial defense and protect natural resources, the native community of Koshireni on the Breu River hosted the second community surveillance workshop in the Yurúa district on May 22 and 23, 2024. This event featured the participation of the community forest surveillance and control committees from Dulce Gloria, San Pablo, El Dorado, Nueva Victoria, Santa Rosa, Koshireni, and Sawawo Hito 40.
During the workshop, fundamental topics were addressed, such as the role of the Association of Native Communities for the Integral Development of Yurua Yono Sharakoiai (ACONADIYSH) in territorial protection, the surveillance and control of forest and wildlife resources, and the sustainable use of non-timber forest products. Legal infractions related to forestry and wildlife were also discussed, and SMART monitoring tools were presented.
Representatives from various entities: Ministry of Culture, Alto Purús National Park, ACONADIYSH, Forest and Wildlife Management Office, and Subprefecture of the Yurua District.
The event was attended by representatives from various institutions, including the Forest and Wildlife Management Office (Gerencia Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre, GERFFS-U), Alto Purus National Park (Parque Nacional Alto Purús, PNAPU – SERNANP), Protection Agents from the Ministry of Culture (Murunahua Indigenous Reserve), the Subprefect of the Yurua District, the president of ACONADIYSH, the Deputy Mayor of the Yurua District Municipality, and the technical team from Upper Amazon Conservancy.
During the workshop, essential materials and tools for community surveillance were distributed, including machetes, files, waterproof ponchos, gloves, flashlights, batteries, engine repair toolkits, and community forest surveillance and control manuals. These resources are vital for improving the efficiency of the forest custodians in protecting their territories and protected natural areas (PNAs).
Implementation of tools and materials for surveillance and monitoring.
The workshop concluded with the drafting of an official statement, reflecting the concerns and demands of community leaders regarding the threats and negative impacts on their territories. This document underscores the urgent need for state intervention to ensure the integrity of indigenous territories.
This significant event was made possible thanks to the technical and logistical support of Upper Amazon Conservancy (UAC), with funding from Conservation International Peru and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The workshop marks an important step towards greater autonomy and territorial protection for the native communities of Yurua, reinforcing their commitment to defending their rights and resources.
Indigenous women and forest rangers are being trained by the UAC technical team and a member of PNAPU-SERNANP in the use of Smart Mobile for monitoring and surveillance.
