Youth Who Inspire Change and Conservation

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On the northern coast of Peru, the La Libertad Dry Forest in Pacasmayo harbors biodiversity that is as fragile as it is extraordinary. This ecosystem, full of life and contrasts, is also one of the most threatened in the country. Through the Dry Forest Project, A Rocha Peru works to restore and conserve it, promoting the participation of local communities to ensure its sustainability and return vitality to the forest. 

As part of this effort, the Youth Environmental Network was born, an initiative designed to engage communities and train the next generation to become future environmental leaders. Eleven university students from the National University of Trujillo and the Private University of the North responded to the call with enthusiasm, eager to learn and be part of the change. From the very beginning, their energy, curiosity, and dedication made a difference. 

Over the past months, these young people have participated in a comprehensive training program that combines scientific knowledge with personal growth. Through seven training workshops, they have developed skills in environmental leadership, communication, forest inventory techniques, conservation, and ecological restoration. Each session has been an opportunity to learn, practice, and share knowledge, both in the classroom and in the field.

The most inspiring part has been watching their role evolve. At first, they arrived as participants, but over time they took on new challenges: assisting in organizing workshops, supporting our environmental promoter by guiding small groups, and even leading workshops on their own. Their confidence, commitment, and ability to convey the message of conservation have grown with each experience.

Today, seeing them act with ease, lead activities, speak passionately, and take responsibility fills us with pride. They represent what we value most in this project: the power of education and the hope that new generations bring. Their commitment to the forest and their communities is inspiring, reminding us that true change begins when someone dares to act.

At A Rocha Peru, we firmly believe that training environmental leaders also means shaping conscious, empathetic, and committed individuals. They are proof that the future of the Dry Forest is already taking root today in every young person who learns, teaches, and cares with love.

International Volunteering Opportunities with A Rocha Peru

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From June to August, A Rocha Peru had the joy of hosting Valeria, an international volunteer who dedicated over two months of her time and energy to caring for creation in Pacasmayo. Working full-time, she became a key member of the Proyecto Bosque Seco team, bringing creativity, initiative, and a great desire to learn.

“My main responsibility was to support the team in Pacasmayo, which was in charge of the Proyecto Bosque Seco,” Valeria shares. “I helped plan and organize workshops on environmental topics such as microplastics and water conservation in Peru.” Her days were filled with activity: she painted signs for a school garden, organized a field trip to Bosque Cañoncillo, and designed educational games that helped children learn in a fun way.

Along with a group of women from the community, she participated in embroidery workshops and helped design a logo for the handmade bags they create. “The goal was to help them sell their products, even internationally,” she explains. Her creativity also reached the Proyecto Amazonía, where she led a painting workshop using natural materials, such as stones found in the area, to make the communal space more welcoming and full of life.

Beyond the skills she gained, what impacted Valeria the most was the experience of living and working closely with the local community. “The most rewarding part was seeing how consistency and genuine presence build trust and connection, where mutual support and solidarity are a natural part of daily life,” she reflects. “I realized that conservation is not only about protecting ecosystems but also understanding the needs and hopes of the people who live there.”

But Valeria was not the only volunteer who had a transformative experience. Noah, who came from Nashville, United States, was also part of the project, and his story of adventure and connection is equally inspiring.

Noah working with local kids (July, 2025)

Noah, who is the Conservation Coordinator at A Rocha USA, decided to do international volunteering in Peru to contribute to the Proyecto Amazonía and collaborate with the Machiguenga community in Monte Carmelo. During his time there, Noah focused his efforts primarily on maintaining the greenhouse in Monte Carmelo, where he collected seeds, cared for plants, and maintained the space to ensure the greenhouse continued to be a vital resource for the community.

Additionally, one of his main focuses was conducting interviews with members of the Machiguenga community. This resulted in two main products: a visual guide of the cultural knowledge the Machiguenga have regarding ecological indicators, such as signs to know the timing of fish egg-laying or when to plant or hunt, and written versions of the Machiguenga’s ancestral legends, both for adults and children. These versions were intended not only for the community’s use but also as reference material for A Rocha Peru.

One of the most meaningful aspects of his experience was the opportunity to document the Machiguenga’s ancestral legends, a project Noah described as a true honor. “I had the opportunity to listen to the stories, myths, and legends of the community, and being able to work on them has been incredibly valuable,” Noah shared. This work, besides being an enriching experience for him, has a profound and lasting impact on the community. The ability to preserve this knowledge without it being lost across generations is a true gift, both for the Machiguenga community and for A Rocha Peru.

Through volunteers like Valeria and Noah, A Rocha Peru continues to build bridges: between people and nature, between cultures, and between generations. These testimonies reflect how the adventure of international volunteering not only changes lives but also creates meaningful connections that endure beyond borders.

The Art that Conserves the Dry Forest

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The La Libertad Dry Forest Project aims to restore and conserve one of the region’s most important ecosystems: the dry forest of Pacasmayo. Through this initiative, the project works to protect over 1,350 hectares of this valuable forest, which has been affected by human activity, while promoting sustainable practices with local communities.

In this context, the project’s artisans have found a space where their art not only honors the flora and fauna of the dry forest but also incorporates traditional patterns from the local culture. Over several months, they have participated in workshops that have allowed them to blend their ancestral knowledge with new skills, creating pieces that reflect the natural and cultural richness of their environment.

Each crafted piece is a vibrant representation of the nature surrounding them, while also incorporating traditional patterns that tell stories of their community. The designs, inspired by both the biodiversity of the forest and the local cultural identity, serve as a reminder of the deep connection these women have with their land, history, and roots.

What’s most special about these workshops is that they have not only been a space for learning and creativity but also a place of tranquility and support for the women in the community. Here, they have found a space to share experiences, empower each other, and build a support network. Thus, the workshop becomes much more than a creative space—it is also a place for connection, growth, and empowerment.

Lady from the artisan club showing her creation (September, 2025)

Through their crafts, the women are not only generating sustainable income but also promoting the conservation of the dry forest. By incorporating natural and cultural elements into their creations, they are becoming guardians of their heritage, spreading their message of protection and respect for nature to new audiences.

The Bosque Seco Project demonstrates how art, nature, and community can come together to build a more sustainable future, where environmental preservation and the empowerment of people go hand in hand.

The Machiguenga Botanic Garden as a Bridge Between Tradition and Nature

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In the Native Community of Monte Carmelo, a new space of life and learning has taken root. After six months of work, the Machiguenga Botanic Garden has been completed: a place where ancestral wisdom and environmental conservation come together in harmony.

This initiative began in April, when the community of Monte Carmelo formally granted one hectare of land for the creation of a community botanical garden. From that moment, A Rocha Peru, together with local residents and the respected elder Máximo Kategari, began a journey of restoration and collaboration. The work included clearing and conditioning trails, identifying native species, collecting medicinal plants, and installing interpretive signs that tell the stories and uses of each one.

Throughout the process, the garden became more than just a conservation space: it became a meeting point for generations. The participation of the Local School of Monte Carmelo and several community volunteers strengthened the connection between traditional knowledge and modern science. For the youth, it is an open-air classroom; for the elders, it is a living testimony of their cultural heritage.

Now completed, the Machiguenga Botanic Garden will continue to grow as a space for education, research, and community reflection. Its goal is to identify and document 100% of the species present, ensuring that each one becomes a tool for learning and conservation.

Beyond its ecological importance, the garden symbolizes unity and continuity. It preserves the medicinal plants that have healed generations and invites new ones to care for the forest with the same reverence. Through this effort, Monte Carmelo shows that protecting nature is also a way of protecting memory, and that in every leaf and root, life and wisdom flourish together.

Sowing Awareness from the Classroom

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The A Rocha Peru team with the students of the primary school (June, 2025)

During the month of June, more than 100 students from various educational institutions in Pacasmayo took part in educational workshops on the dry forest, designed to awaken their love and respect for the environment around them.

Through games, interactive activities, and practical examples, the children not only learned but also understood the importance of the algarrobo tree and local biodiversity, both essential to the health of their communities and the balance of the ecosystem. Recognizing the value of what grows close to home is also recognizing their identity and their role as caretakers of the land.

The most inspiring part was seeing their ideas bloom: many presented creative proposals to protect the dry forest, showing not only understanding, but deep commitment. With each workshop, the desire to keep sowing hope grows stronger. Because when education connects with the land, it also takes root in the heart.

Medicinal Plants Workshop in Monte Carmelo

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The classroom transformed into a forest full of stories, aromas, and living memories. At the Igoriteshiari Primary School, in the Native Community of Monte Carmelo, a deeply enriching experience took place: educational workshops on medicinal plants, guided by a local elder—an ancestral keeper of the forest’s healing secrets.

Second Medicinal Plants Workshop at the Igoriteshiari Primary School (June, 2025)

Over the course of this trimester, two workshops have been held, benefiting more than 40 kids, from this school. In each session, students learned which plants help soothe stomach pain, which promote sleep, and which ones need to be protected because they’re becoming scarce. Every plant shared carried a story, a family memory, a lesson on how to care not only for the body but also for the environment.

More than just workshops, these were acts of cultural transmission. For many children, it was the first time they heard someone speak with such respect and depth about the medicine that comes from the forest—medicine that has healed generations before them. The elder didn’t just explain the properties of the plants; he taught them to see the forest with new eyes: not as a mere resource, but as an ally to be respected and protected.

Promoted by A Rocha Peru, these spaces aim to revalue traditional medicine as a vital part of local knowledge, to promote forest care, and to strengthen cultural pride in the living heritage of Amazonian communities.

How green does your church’s heart beat?

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From A Rocha Peru’s Green Church Project, we continue to sow ecological awareness within faith communities. As part of this commitment, we are excited to present a new quiz “How Green Is Your Church?” — a simple yet powerful resource designed to help churches reflect on how they are living out their call to care for God’s creation.

This questionnaire is born from a deep conviction: that to worship the Creator is also to care for what He lovingly made. “God has given us the responsibility to care for creation (Genesis 2:15),” says Hannah, coordinator of the Green Church Project. “But how can you know where to go if you don’t know where you are?” she adds, pointing to the importance of having a starting point for evaluation and growth.

The quiz is short and practical, with yes-or-no questions grouped into four essential areas of church life:

  • Worship of the Creator
  • Teaching
  • Community Life
  • Relationship with Nature
Hannah Wilkinson, Green Church Coordinator (July, 2025)

Beyond measuring, the goal is to inspire. “The idea is not for people to feel judged, but encouraged. That they can see what they’re already doing well, and choose one area to improve or change,” Hannah explains. Because even the smallest steps can make a difference on the journey toward a greener church.

Though it’s primarily aimed at leaders, the quiz is open to the whole community. “Caring for God’s creation is the responsibility of the whole church, not just our leaders,” Hannah affirms with conviction.

Those who complete the quiz can opt to receive free materials, including a guide for incorporating creation care into worship, an introduction to the theology of environmental stewardship, and personalized support tailored to the church’s needs. “The church decides how much or how little contact they want to have with us,” Hannah emphasizes, promoting a respectful and flexible relationship.

Although this quiz was just recently launched, we have already witnessed the deep impact that creation care initiatives can have when sown with intention. Last year, through the Kawsay mini-project in Ayacucho, we saw the rise of a vibrant and committed movement of creation stewards. Today, that same spirit continues: members of Cristo Rey Church in Huanta, who were part of that experience, have chosen to replicate the project internally this year. It’s proof that a well-planted seed can bear lasting fruit — transforming not just practices, but hearts.

The dream is clear: to build a nationwide network of green churches — connected, committed, and ready to walk together in this ecological journey. “When things feel overwhelming, we need to support each other. We walk together, for the glory of God,” concludes Hannah.

Want to join this network? Take the quiz “How Green Is Your Church?”

Meet the New Guardians of the Dry Forest

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In La Libertad, in northern Peru, one of the country’s most threatened and least understood ecosystems survives: the dry forest. Though it may seem barren at first glance, this landscape holds immense natural and cultural wealth. Among emblematic trees like algarrobo, faique, and sapote, unique species—many of them endangered—depend on this environment to survive. However, the forest faces a constant threat: illegal logging, unsustainable firewood extraction, wildfires, and the progressive loss of vegetation cover have put its ecological balance at risk. This degradation not only harms biodiversity but also impacts the local communities who rely on the forest for water, shade, food, medicine, and a deep sense of identity.

Virgilio and Víctor, the new guardians of the dry forest (May, 2025)

In response to this reality, A Rocha Peru has taken action with a deeply community-based vision. Since April, we have formalized the creation of a Local Park Rangers team, an initiative that seeks to generate solutions from within the territory, led by those who know and love it.

Through targeted training, patrol protocols, and technical support, this team—currently led by Virgilio and Víctor—conducts regular patrols through the forest. Between May and June alone, they carried out over 35 patrols. Their presence helps prevent logging, detect threats, and raise awareness among other members of the community.

But beyond surveillance, what’s being cultivated is a renewed sense of belonging and collective responsibility. As they walk through the forest, these rangers aren’t just protecting trees—they are safeguarding the memory of an ecosystem that has endured droughts, neglect, and abandonment.

At a time when ecosystems are disappearing in silence, initiatives like this speak out. Because when the care of creation starts from within, with empowered local actors, conservation is not only possible—it is sustainable and transformative.

A Rocha Peru at COP16

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The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) took place in October 2024 in Cali, Colombia. This event marked a pivotal moment in global efforts to protect biodiversity, as ecosystems are collapsing and species are disappearing at an alarming rate.  A Rocha actively participated in COP16, bringing a unique Christian perspective to the global conservation conversation. Representatives from A Rocha International, A Rocha Ghana, A Rocha India, and A Rocha Peru were present to influence policy, build partnerships, and advocate for the protection of creation.

One highlight of A Rocha’s involvement was the event titled “Green Muscle Memory: Addressing Global Challenges.” This session shared inspiring stories of transformative environmental education from A Rocha’s global projects and demonstrated how experiential learning fosters long-term environmental stewardship in communities around the world. The recording can be viewed here, starting at 6:47:00.

A Rocha Peru also contributed to COP16 by participating in the inauguration of the Peru Pavilion. Sarah French, ARI’s Director of Environmental Education and Conservation Policy,  along with Maria Los Angeles La Torre Cuadros,  A Rocha Peru’s Chair of the Board of Directors, highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts in environmental education and conservation.

A Rocha’s Christian perspective was essential, reminding everyone of our moral responsibility to care for God’s creation. As COP16 progressed, we remained hopeful for meaningful agreements that would protect biodiversity for future generations, and we continue to pray for effective solutions for environmental conservation.

A Milestone for Creation Care

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The Creation Care course wrapped up with great enthusiasm on Sunday, November 10, at the Cristo Rey Presbyterian Church in Huanta, Ayacucho.  The event marked the end of a transformative learning journey where young members of the congregation dedicated themselves to the care of creation and environmental stewardship. Throughout the course, these young volunteers led impactful initiatives, including a river cleanup along the Chaquihuaycco River, demonstrating their commitment to protecting the natural resources in their community.

The closing ceremony was a joyful occasion, with the entire congregation coming together to celebrate the achievements of the course participants. It was a moment to recognize the hard work, passion, and dedication of the 14 young volunteers who completed the program. During the ceremony, each of them was awarded a certificate, honoring their contributions to environmental conservation and their active participation in the church’s ecological initiatives.

Ramón Casana, Executive Director of A Rocha Perú, and Grazia Rabasa, Communications Assistant, attended the event and delivered inspiring words to the participants. They expressed their gratitude and admiration for the volunteers’ commitment and encouraged the congregation to continue being a model of environmental leadership in the region. A Rocha Perú, known for its work in environmental education and conservation, has supported the course from the beginning, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility within faith communities.

The ceremony concluded with heartfelt words of gratitude and a joint prayer, bringing together the congregation in a moment of unity and reflection. The Creation Care course has not only raised awareness about environmental issues but has also instilled a sense of hope for a more sustainable future. It serves as a reminder of the power of local communities to make a difference in the world, one small action at a time.

Through the Lens

A Rocha Perudry forest

A Rocha Peru has harnessed the power of photography to engage the public and raise awareness about the La Libertad Dry Forest Project, which seeks to conserve this unique ecosystem in northern Peru. Over the past two years, we have successfully organized several photo exhibitions in Pacasmayo. In 2022, A Rocha Peru held three exhibitions at local schools, reaching 1,105 participants. In 2023, the initiative expanded to four venues, engaging 111 individuals and targeting academic and cultural audiences to promote conservation awareness.

UTEC students enjoying A Rocha Peru’s photo exhibition (G. Rabasa, Nov 2024)

In 2024, A Rocha Peru is broadening its national reach with exhibitions in Lima at two key universities—Universidad Científica del Sur (UCSUR) and Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología (UTEC)—with which we have established strong collaborations. The exhibition, inaugurated on November 18th at UTEC, was a resounding success, with attendees expressing a keen interest in conservation.

The exhibition features a carefully curated selection of around 20 striking photographs that capture the biodiversity, environmental challenges, and the role of local communities in the La Libertad region. Taken by South African photographer Xavier Saer and other conservationists, these images showcase A Rocha Peru’s ongoing efforts, inspire student participation, and raise awareness about the urgent need to combat deforestation. The exhibition also highlights A Rocha Peru’s smaller initiatives, such as the Amazon Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation Project and the Iglesia Verde Project.

We extend our gratitude to UTEC and UCSUR for their invaluable collaboration in bringing this exhibition to life. By using photography as a tool for education and advocacy, A Rocha Peru aims to inspire greater engagement in conservation efforts and help secure the future of the La Libertad Dry Forest for generations to come.

Handicraft Workshops Foster Sustainability

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A Rocha Peru organized handicraft workshops for the local women’s artisan group in Pacasmayo.  The workshops focused on using renewable materials, promoting environmental awareness, and providing alternative sources of income. By linking traditional crafts to the health of the forest, these workshops encourage environmental stewardship and highlight the importance of sustainable resource management.

In August, the team organized two workshops for the Artisan Group. The first workshop introduced participants to the art of embroidering jute, a natural fiber, using designs inspired by the Moche culture.  The Moche culture is an ancient civilization from northern Peru renowned for its intricate art and iconography. Seven participants took part in this training, led by jute embroidery specialist. The session included an additional hands-on experience in Magdalena de Cao, located in the province of Ascope, to further enhance their skills.

Jute embroidery, August 2024

 

A second workshop focused on the recycling, reuse, and proper disposal of plastic bags. This session was led by an expert in plastic reuse, and was attended by 12 participants. The training emphasized practical ways to reduce plastic waste and creatively repurpose materials, reinforcing the community’s commitment to sustainability.  In September, a follow-up session took place in Magdalena de Cao.   Participants completed their jute embroidery projects featuring designs inspired by Moche culture. The craftswomen also visited a museum in Magdalena de Cao.  Here the women took part in an event that focused on crafts and culture. Afterwards, they received a guided tour of the museum’s exhibits, gaining further insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

These efforts are part of a broader initiative to create environmentally conscious community leaders who understand the value of conserving natural resources. By empowering the women of Pacasmayo with these skills, A Rocha Peru aims to foster greater economic resilience and promote the conservation of forest resources.

 

A Rocha Peru attends COP15

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A Rocha was at the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP15) in Montreal from 7-19 December 2022. Maria de los Angeles La Torre Cuadros represented A Rocha Peru as part of the A Rocha delegation to the conference. Maria de los Angeles is A Rocha Peru’s Board Chair and Director of Science and Conservation, and below is her reflection on attending the UN Biodiversity Conference.

“This meeting was a space to raise awareness of the situation of biological diversity, to see that the problems are a shared responsibility, to raise awareness of them … and investigate solutions among the various actors, to negotiate common actions, and to make progress in reducing the progressive loss of biodiversity.  Commitments involve the whole of society from the financial sector, and business, to governments, ngos, and civil society. Reaching agreements of financing including the extent to which rich nations support developing countries to finance biodiversity conservation.  The participation of indigenous people and local communities is especially important in decision making process relating to nature and the recognition of their land rights…I believe that commitments to reduction, for example, carbon emissions,  pesticide use, land use change or the destructive industry itself should not only imply financial support to developing countries but also a responsibility of those who also finance them.

María de los Ángeles La Torre Cuadros at COP15 conference

I believe that a recognition of these responsibilities should be explicit and also more ambitious for their own countries.  The political vision of the government of the day should not influence the agreements ….it is important not only to bring proposal but also to disseminate them in order to be visible and these four alliances that can put pressure on those who negotiate with governments.  I believe that we need to listen more to those who are guardians of biodiversity, work more on raising awareness among those who finance and the various actors. If we want to bet on green infrastructure, sustainable production also implies investment in education and technology transfer for example reducing the gaps between countries in the north and south…., it was an important experience as an academic and as an actor seeking conservation to see how important it is to make visible the wellbeing done in conservation, the need for others to know about it, that you must make visible with multiple strategies what you are doing in such a way  that it raises awareness of support of those who make decisions on the whole of government”.