Andina

Peru builds up wetland resilience to reinforce indigenous response to climate change

Concluye diálogo con las comunidades de cuenca del Río Tigre sobre el Lote 192. Foto: ANDINA/Difusión.

Concluye diálogo con las comunidades de cuenca del Río Tigre sobre el Lote 192. Foto: ANDINA/Difusión.

14:44 | Lima, Aug. 9.

The Peruvian Environment Ministry is working to strengthen indigenous communities' resilience to climate change through natural area preservation, Deputy Minister for Strategic Development of Natural Resources Fernando Leon affirmed.

As an example, the government official underlined the recently-implemented project "Building the Resilience of Wetlands in the Province of Datem del Marañon" in rainforest Loreto region.

The initiative will provide over 4,150 families in 120 communities with new development opportunities involving the sustainable harnessing of biodiversity, particularly that of rainforests.

Deputy Minister Leon highlighted Datem del Marañon's wetlands are the most important in the Amazon, as they stretch over 5 million hectares. 

Co-financed by the Green Climate Fund and the South Korean Government, the US$9.1-million venture seeks to improve the life quality of populations settled in the surroundings of these wetlands. 

"The way to preserve our forests is to underscore their value, and this is done by bringing them closer to markets and consumers […]," he told Radio Nacional local station. 

Expo Amazonica 2017 

In this respect, Leon addressed the coming Expo Amazonica 2017, Peru's leading Amazon rainforest produce trade event taking place on August 10-13 in San Martin region.

The event will include business rounds to bring together sellers and buyers of Amazon regions' produce. 

To conclude, the Environment Ministry official placed emphasis on Peruvian superfoods like camu camu, poised to shine as one of Expo Amazonica's must-try products. 

(END) LZD/MAO/DHT/MVB

Published: 8/9/2017