Sensory Garden for Harmony and Well-being

On March 11, A Rocha Perú, Monterrico Christian School (MCS), and the Christian organization Cristo para la Ciudad signed a cooperation agreement to develop a mini environmental conservation and social responsibility project for the year 2025. This initiative, part of the Green Church program, will be supported by our new coordinator, Hannah Wilkinson, and will involve MCS high school students as part of their educational curriculum.

Hannah signing the agreement with the MCS (March 11, 2025)

The aim of this project is to co-design and implement a Sensory Garden, depending on feasibility and the students’ final design decisions for Vidas que Valen, a ministry located in Villa El Salvador and led by Pastor Walter Matos of Iglesia Bautista El Fundamento. This ministry provides support for families with children with disabilities, offering companionship and assistance in their daily lives. The initiative was inspired by the pastor’s own experience with his son, who had a disability, and his desire to create a space of well-being and recreation for families facing similar challenges.

Through this agreement, A Rocha Perú will provide technical guidance, conduct environmental strategy workshops, and offer ongoing support throughout the process. As part of MCS’s educational commitment, students will not only design the garden but also actively participate in its potential construction, aiming to create a space of peace and restoration for the families of Vidas que Valen. The garden’s inauguration is tentatively scheduled for September 2025, depending on the project’s development.

This collaboration brings together faith, education, and environmental stewardship, serving as a living testimony to the transformative power of working together. We joyfully celebrate the beginning of this journey to bring God’s creation closer to those who need it most!

Agroecology in Action

In December, A Rocha Perú conducted two practical agroecology workshops for 15 farmers from the communities of Santa María, Pueblo Nuevo, Tecapa, San Pedro de Lloc, and San Demetrio. These sessions took place in a small forest patch where the “Bosque Teresiano” Ecoclub actively works, serving as a key space for conservation and learning.

Biologist César Romero explaining agricultural fertilization techniques (December, 2024)

The workshops were led by biologist César Romero, a specialist in agroecology, and focused on the production of bocashi compost and bioferments, essential techniques for enhancing agricultural productivity in a sustainable way.  In addition to sharing technical knowledge, pre- and post-workshop surveys were conducted to assess the impact of learning among participants.

The results were encouraging: a significant increase in knowledge and the adoption of agroecological practices was observed. By providing farmers with tools for using organic fertilizers, we are not only promoting healthier and more resilient agriculture but also strengthening the commitment to dry forest conservation and soil regeneration.

Strengthening Conservation and Community Collaboration

In December, A Rocha Perú organized a special trip to Trujillo as a gesture of gratitude to community members who played a key role in conservation throughout the year, including artisans, volunteers, and local partners. The gathering not only strengthened relationships but also provided a valuable opportunity for exchanging experiences and learning in settings that underscored the importance of conservation and teamwork.

Guided explanation about the ruins of Chan Chan (December, 2024)

During the visit, participants explored the stunning Conache, a tourist destination nestled within a dry forest ecosystem. The experience highlighted the crucial role of community collaboration in protecting these landscapes and promoting sustainable tourism.

The group also visited the archaeological sites of Moche and Chan Chan—areas of significant historical and cultural importance, both surrounded by dry forest. These excursions encouraged reflection on the deep connection between natural and cultural heritage, as well as the shared responsibility to preserve them for future generations.

The trip stood as a testament to the power of community, demonstrating that collective efforts can make a meaningful impact on conservation and sustainable development. A Rocha Perú extended heartfelt thanks to all who took part in this enriching experience and for their ongoing commitment to protecting the environment.

New Algarrobo Trees for a Thriving Future

In the sun-scorched landscapes of La Libertad, where dry forests face the mounting pressures of climate change and deforestation, a quiet yet powerful story of hope is taking root—one tree at a time.

Planting Algarrobos in Pacasmayo  (February, 2025)

Between January and March 2025, our seed nursery has played a vital role in cultivating native species like algarrobo, as well as nourishing edible plants such as chili peppers (ají escabeche and limo ), papayas, lemon, orange, ice-cream bean plants (pacay) and spinach. Each plant is grown with purpose—some to restore fragile ecosystems, others to feed and support local families. This season alone, over 100 algarrobo seedlings raised in the nursery have been successfully planted across Pacasmayo and Pacanguilla, bringing life and resilience back to the land.

Algarrobo seeds germinating in the nursery (February, 2025)

Our commitment goes beyond reforestation—it also lives in our relationships with the communities around us. This season, we donated 22 chili pepper plants to the families of San Demetrio, and gifted flowers to the women who bring warmth and care to the Micaela Bastidas community kitchen. These gestures, though simple, help enrich local biodiversity and strengthen the bonds between the nursery and the people who live near it.

Every seed sown, every tree planted, and every plant shared is a reminder of what’s possible when we combine patience, dedication, and collective action. Together, we’re nurturing not just forests—but a future rooted in hope.