Some 8 million soles, or US$ 2.7 million, will be allocated to preserve the forests of Moyán-Palacios in Peru's northern region of Lambayeque, as part of an agreement signed by the Regional Government and the National Fund for Protected Natural Areas (Profonanpe).
The said forested territory was declared a regional conservation area with the aim to conserve the critically-endangered populations of the white-winged guan (Penelope albipennis), endemic to the dry forests of the north-west Peruvian coast, as well as other endangered species.
These forests contribute to the regulation and quality of water resources in the valley of Motupe and Jayanca, and host 95 species of birds, 4 species of amphibians and 12 reptiles, 8 of which are lizards and 4 snakes and 17 species of mammals (deer, spectacled bear and cougar).
Likewise, the conservation area is home to many species of trees including palo santo (holy wood), hualtaco, faique and pasallo, which may represent a potential for future projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation.
The project also involves technical assistance in the protected areas, infrastructure works for eco-tourism purposes, as well as other initiatives such as sustainable economic activities, area demarcation and training.
Furthermore, it seeks to achieve economic take-off of this natural conservation area as well as the sustainable use of the forests' resources for the benefit of the population living in the surrounding areas.
(END) SDC/MAO/DLG/RMB