Young Scientists Discover Amazonian Biodiversity

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How can we spark children’s interest in conserving the Amazon rainforest? One way is to bring them closer to nature through experiences that combine learning, exploration, and active participation. During August, A Rocha Peru organized three environmental education workshops with the science club in the Monte Carmelo Native Community, giving primary school students the opportunity to learn more about their natural surroundings.

The first activity, held on August 13, brought together 18 students from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade for a visit to the school’s botanical garden. Accompanied by teachers Absalón Vargas Pereira and Leonor Loaiza Seri, traditional knowledge holder Máximo Kategari, and volunteer Jacobo Lasheras, the students learned about medicinal plants and their importance. They also helped clean the garden and renew the signs identifying the different plant species.

On August 19, 16 students participated in a botanical specimen collection workshop, gathering plant samples within the school grounds. This activity is part of an ongoing learning process that will continue with a workshop on pressing and mounting medicinal plants, with the aim of creating a botanical collection for the school.

Two days later, on August 21, another 16 students took part in a maintenance and planting session in the school garden. During the activity, they prepared the soil, removed weeds, and planted crops such as coriander, cucumber, spinach, watermelon, and melon, strengthening their knowledge through hands-on experience.

Meanwhile, at School No. 501458 in Igoriteshiari, 15 students took an important step in organizing their science club. Through an election, they chose the name “Protectores de la naturaleza” and formed their leadership committee, made up of fifth- and sixth-grade students.

Beyond the knowledge gained, these activities provide opportunities for children and young people to take an active role in caring for their environment. Through science, teamwork, and the exchange of knowledge, A Rocha Peru continues to foster an interest in biodiversity and Amazonian forest conservation, starting in the classroom.

Wildlife Photography and Mist-Netting Workshop

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Observing wildlife in its natural habitat can raise many questions. How can we capture an image without disturbing animals? How do we record useful information to learn more about birds? The A Rocha Peru team and the Kamaykuna Network explored these questions in two workshops combining theory and practice, one on wildlife photography and the other on mist netting, held on July 21 and 22.

The photography workshop was led by Jacobo Lasheras, a photographer, graphic designer and Visual Media Coordinator. In an initial online session, participants learned about photographic techniques and composition, as well as responsible equipment use. They also discussed ethics in nature photography and good practices for approaching wildlife carefully. After all, taking a good photograph is not just about finding the best angle; it also means respecting the living creatures we want to photograph.

The team then put this learning into practice during a field session in El Cañoncillo, Pacasmayo. There, participants observed nature from a new perspective and applied what they had learned in the theoretical session.

The second workshop focused on using mist nets and data sheets for bird monitoring. Dr. Luis Pollack Velásquez, a specialist in biodiversity and ornithology, shared his knowledge alongside the Urban Birds Programme at the National University of Trujillo. Participants learned how to set up nets correctly, follow good monitoring practices and complete data sheets to record their findings. This workshop also combined theory with a practical session in El Cañoncillo.

Both experiences allowed the team to learn together and approach biodiversity with greater care and responsibility. A Rocha Peru thanks Jacobo Lasheras, Dr. Luis Pollack Velásquez and the Urban Birds Programme at the National University of Trujillo for sharing their knowledge and supporting the team’s learning.

A Rocha Peru and the Kamaykuna Network Join Forces for the Beaches of Huanchaco and Huanchaquito

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When we visit a beach, we usually notice the waves, the sand and everything that makes the place special. But what about the tiny pieces of waste we can barely see? On May 16, members of A Rocha Peru and the Kamaykuna Network gathered on the beaches of Huanchaco and Huanchaquito in Trujillo to focus on this problem through a microplastics search and cleanup campaign.

Early in the morning, participants collected waste and identified small plastic particles called “nurdles” in the sand. Finding them requires a careful eye, as they are not always easy to distinguish when mixed with other debris. Yet they are also part of the pollution reaching our beaches.

The activity offered an opportunity to observe the problem firsthand and discuss its possible effects on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Seeing these fragments in the sand helps us understand that plastic pollution can remain in the environment even after more visible waste has been removed. That is why the cleanup and microplastic survey complemented one another during the campaign.

The day also raised a question that concerns us all: what can we do to prevent more plastic from ending up in the sea? Reducing the waste we produce, disposing of it properly and helping care for natural spaces are ways to begin. Sharing this experience also helps others recognise a problem that often goes unnoticed.

For A Rocha Peru and the Kamaykuna Network, gathering in Huanchaco and Huanchaquito was a way to combine action with learning. The campaign provided time to clean both beaches while also seeing the sand in a new light. It is important to remember that protecting the ocean also begins by paying attention to what we can barely see. If you’d like to learn more about this topic, you can find additional information on the Great Nurdle Hunt website. 

Kamaykuna Network in Action

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What makes a dry forest special, and why should we protect it? These were some of the questions that guided the environmental education session held by Kamaykuna Network volunteers at Mariano Santos Mateos School on August 19. Through presentations and conversations with teenage students, the team introduced young people to the dry forests of La Libertad, with particular attention to El Cañoncillo.

During the visit, students learned that dry forests are home to a wide variety of species and play an important role in our environment. The conversation encouraged them to look beyond the landscape, they also discussed the ecosystem services these forests provide and why their conservation concerns us all.

The volunteers also addressed the threats facing these forests and their relationship with phenomena such as El Niño. This was an opportunity to connect what students learned with questions about their surroundings and the changes they may observe. Learning about a nearby ecosystem helps explain why it deserves attention and care.

After the presentations, students had a chance to speak. Their questions and ideas led to a discussion about how each person can help protect nature in everyday life. Rather than simply receiving information, the young students took part in the conversation and shared their views on caring for their environment.

For the Kamaykuna Network, bringing these topics into classrooms is a way to continue creating opportunities for learning and reflection. Every visit offers a chance to spark curiosity about local ecosystems and encourage more young people to take part in conservation. Sometimes the first step in caring for a place is getting to know it better and starting a conversation about it.

Forest patrols resume in dry forests

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During March, we resumed forest patrols in dry forests as part of the conservation efforts led by A Rocha Perú. Returning to the field not only meant reactivating monitoring activities, but also reconnecting with the territory and closely observing the reality faced by this important and vulnerable ecosystem.

Throughout the patrols, we encountered different situations that reflect both the challenges and opportunities for conservation. In some areas, we identified people carrying out tree cutting, who were warned and reminded of the importance of protecting the forest and respecting existing regulations. We also had the opportunity to speak with tourists visiting the area, raising awareness about the impact of littering and the importance of keeping natural spaces clean.

However, not everything was cause for concern. During the walks, we also found encouraging signs. We observed growing algarrobo sprouts, evidence of natural regeneration, as well as trees in good condition and free of pests. These findings highlight the resilience of dry forests when it is properly cared for.

As part of the fieldwork, we also collected bottles and other waste found along the way. While this may seem like a simple action, it has a direct impact on the health of the ecosystem and helps create a cleaner and safer environment for biodiversity.

In addition, we visited the president of the San Pedro de Lloc community, strengthening relationships and dialogue with local stakeholders. This type of collaboration is essential for building sustainable, long term conservation strategies based on shared commitment.

These patrols remind us that conservation goes beyond monitoring. It involves educating, engaging, taking action, and, above all, being present in the local area. It is through this direct connection that real change happens and our commitment to protecting the dry forest is renewed. 

Building a stronger future for dry forests through nurseries

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Throughout March, restoration efforts in the dry forests were strengthened through the production of native species in local nurseries led by A Rocha Perú. These initiatives aim to restore degraded areas and promote the growth of species adapted to the unique conditions of this ecosystem, one of the most vulnerable in the country.

Among the main activities carried out was the germination of species such as algarrobo and huabo, which are essential for the regeneration of this type of forest. These plants play a key role in soil conservation, help retain moisture, and support local biodiversity. The nursery setting also allows close monitoring of their growth, ensuring stronger and better-prepared seedlings before being transferred to the field.

In addition, work was done on compost and soil preparation, including sifting, to ensure optimal conditions for plant development. This process is essential for improving soil quality and supporting healthy plant growth.

Weekly monitoring of the nursery was also conducted, allowing the team to assess plant conditions, identify potential issues, and provide timely care. This consistent follow-up is key to increasing success rates in future reforestation efforts.

Structural improvements were also made to the nursery, including repairing a worn-out door and making adjustments to optimize the workspace. These actions contribute to better safety and efficiency in plant management.

These efforts not only generate a positive environmental impact but also strengthen local capacities and promote a culture of care and responsibility toward the environment. In this way, nurseries continue to play a key role in restoring dry forests and building sustainable, long-term solutions. 

Young People from the Kamaykuna Network Hold a Cleanup Day at El Cañoncillo

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This summer, the Kamaykuna Youth Network visited El Cañoncillo forest to carry out a cleanup and ecosystem care activity. The event brought together students and young professionals committed to protecting the dry forest, one of the country’s most valuable and vulnerable ecosystems.

During the activity, participants walked through different areas of the forest collecting waste that had accumulated over time. Among the debris found were plastic bottles, wrappers, cans, and other materials that can seriously affect the health of the ecosystem and the species that inhabit it. The cleanup helped remove these pollutants and contributed to maintaining the natural balance of this important area.

Beyond the work carried out, the activity was also an opportunity for the participants to learn more about the ecological importance of the dry forest. This ecosystem hosts unique biodiversity and plays key roles such as regulating the local climate, conserving soil, and providing shelter for various species of flora and fauna adapted to arid conditions.

The Kamaykuna Network is part of the youth movement promoted by A Rocha Perú, which seeks to engage younger generations in nature conservation. Through initiatives like this, practical learning, environmental leadership, and commitment to caring for creation are encouraged.

In addition to the cleanup, the gathering helped strengthen connections among network members and created space for reflection on the challenges facing the dry forest. The active participation of young people shows that new generations play a key role in protecting ecosystems.

Actions like this not only improve the condition of the forest but also help raise awareness about the importance of caring for natural spaces. The Kamaykuna Network will continue promoting activities that encourage youth participation and the conservation of Peru’s dry forests.