Description

The Cordillera Azul National Park REDD+ Project is a remarkable initiative that prevents deforestation in a vast area of lowland and montane forests spread across four departments in central Peru, namely San Martín, Ucayali, Huánuco, and Loreto. The project encompasses 1,351,964 hectares inside the national park that is owned by the government of Peru. The park is managed and funded by the Peruvian NGO Centro de Conservación, Investigación y Manejo de Áreas Naturales (CIMA) in partnership with the Peruvian government. The project successfully achieves its objective of avoiding deforestation by reinforcing park protection, engaging local communities and other stakeholders in land-use that is compatible with conservation, and enhancing the quality of life of the park's neighbors. Key Highlights: - Over 180,000 people from over 200 communities, including indigenous and immigrant populations, neighbor the park - The project is highly participatory, with villagers leading several efforts and developing competencies that ensure long-term success - The project area is home to an incredible biodiversity of rare and endangered species, and over 35 new-to-science species have been discovered in the park to date The Cordillera Azul National Park REDD+ Project plays a vital role in preserving the biodiversity of Peru's forests. The area stretches from lowlands to rugged mountain peaks, where speciation has occurred due to the isolation of the eastern outlier of the Andes. The project is crucial in protecting rare and endangered species, as well as the abundant populations of animals and plants that are essential to the well-being of neighboring communities. Additionally, the project empowers local communities by ensuring their participation in the conservation efforts, leading to a better quality of life for them and the preservation of the forests for future generations.