The Peruvian state-run National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) and the Andes Amazon Fund (AAF) today signed a collaboration agreement under which AAF will provide US$1 million for initial implementation of Sierra del Divisor National Park in Ucayali region and the creation of its Master Plan.
The new fund will be used to install landmarks and demarcation signs in the area, as well as to register the park with the Office of Protected Natural Areas at the National Superintendency of Public Registries.
Likewise, it will support the Management Committee and the Ad Hoc Commission — in charge of preparing the National Park Master Plan — and improve conditions to keep all the aspects under control.
According to AAF’s Executive Director, Adrian Forsyth, “The creation of the Sierra del Divisor National Park is one of the most significant rainforest conservation accomplishments in recent years. It is a roadless wilderness with massive old growth forests and all the hyper-diversity of pristine Amazonian ecosystems. The indigenous people of the region live a low-density, low-impact lifestyle. But that does not mean Sierra del Divisor is not threatened by outside forces.”
Program Director Enrique Ortiz adds “SERNANP personnel must have the resources to deter threats from illegal mining, logging and coca cultivation. The logistical cost of good governance in such a remote area is high.”
To that end, the US$1 million committed by the AAF will complement government and civil society budget assignments to provide this park with the proper funding for implementing its basic needs of protection, management and community involvement.
Based on the management plans developed by SERNANP, the AAF expects to disburse the new fund over 5 years.
“Indigenous communities will not only benefit from the legal security and enforcement against threats provided by new park employees, but also from sustainable development projects that will improve their well-being and food security”, says Ortiz.
This financial support from the AAF is also part of its commitment to the objectives of the “Protecting Peru’s Natural Legacy” initiative.
This initiative is led by Peru’s Ministry of Environment, SERNANP and partners such as Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, SPDA and World Wildlife Fund, and aims to provide sustainable funding to improve management of Peru’s expanding national system of protected areas.
The AAF congratulates the Peruvian government for their leadership shown by the designation of Sierra del Divisor as a National Park. As AAF Steering Committee member and former US Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt remarked: “Sierra del Divisor National Park is a gift from Peru to Planet Earth. Our thanks to President Humala and the people of Peru.”
Forsyth adds, “by providing support for initial management of the Park, AAF hopes to ensure it serves as a strong example of a partnership between local communities, government and civil society to ensure the protection of one of the world’s greatest rainforests.”
(END) NDP/TMC/RMB
Published: 11/13/2015