The German government will donate €15 million to Peru's natural protected areas financial sustainability program.
Said resources will serve to fund necessary infrastructure in various areas managed by State-run National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp), thus contributing to guard the country's protected spaces.
During a ceremony, German Ambassador to Peru Jörg Ranau officially awarded Peruvian Environment Minister Elsa Galarza the major donation through a diplomatic note.
The donation adds to the €20 million committed in 2013, as well as the additional €10 million in 2016.
"We will work together in this subject to assist the Peruvian government towards the Bicentennial […]. We are convinced your [Environment] Ministry and Sernanp are the best counterparts for this job," the diplomat told reporters.
This way, Germany stands as Peru's largest international conservation partner, as well as one of the biggest economic contributors in Latin American protected areas' history.
Funds will be executed by Sernanp within a five-year period.
On the other hand, Minister Galarza highlighted the role of German cooperation as one of the most supportive of the country's protected areas.
"It is one of the most interesting work methods; natural areas sustainability has a special value, since they account for 17% of the national territory," she emphasized.
Said contribution will allow the Peruvian government to work with local communities and gain deeper insight into their vision of issues such as the fight against illegal logging.
(END) JCR/MAO/DHT/MVB