2023 - [test] A Rocha Perú

A Heartfelt Visit to Pacasmayo

Grazia with University of Trujillo volunteers, Milagros, Sachira and Ciro

A Heartfelt Journey in Pacasmayo: Planting Seeds of Hope and Sustainability

By Grazia Rabasa

Pacasmayo, a picturesque coastal town in northern Peru, is traditionally recognized for its beautiful beaches and warm-hearted inhabitants. However, during my recent visit to Pacasmayo, I not only admired its natural richness and scenic views but partook in a truly transformative experience. As a member of A Rocha Perú, my mission in Pacasmayo was to truly capture the essence and mission of A Rocha Peru through my camera while participating in the day-to-day activities of the Dry Forest Project with the local communities.

Milagros showing the baskets made by the Association of Artisans of the Cañoncillo Forest

Upon arrival, the excitement in the air was palpable. A Rocha team – Ciro and Andrea- welcomed me with smiles and open arms, graciously sharing stories of the beloved town of Pacasmayo and the challenges it faces. I have never experienced such an abundant amount of hospitality. Children, young adults and older individuals welcomed me to their homes and generously gifted me avocados, watermelons, tunas and other Peruvian fruits from their gardens! This was a very humbling experience. Today, as I reminisce about my time in Pacasmayo, I think about what one of the women said to me when visiting her house. She said, “Little girl, these fruits are from my garden, its free for me…I love when people visit me…if I could, I would give you more, but this is what the season has given me so far.”

Another highlight of my journey was visiting the beautiful dry forest. Ciro, Andrea and I woke up early in the morning, at around 4 am, to experience the mighty sunrise and capture the majesty of nature waking up. It is astonishing how some places have the power to stir introspection and awaken a dormant purpose within us. That day, among the silhouettes of ancient trees, the whispers of the wind and the chirping of thousands of birds, I felt a profound realization about the importance of volunteering our time to the world. The dry forest, with its gnarled trees and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures, painted a tale of endurance. It had survived the worst of climatic odds, and yet, its beauty was undeniable. But more than its aesthetic allure, it was a testament to the interwoven fabric of life that thrives despite adversity. However, as much as it was a space of resilience, it was also an ecosystem at the brink, vulnerable to human exploitation and negligence.

Ciro teaching volunteers how to plant Algarrobo seelings

As I continued my walk back, I went house-to-house talking about climate change. A Rocha Peru endeavoured this mission with the help of young volunteers from the University of Trujillo. The next day, we planted around 20 algarrobo trees that will not only to combat desertification but also to help restore the local ecosystem. Each hole dug and every seed planted, was symbolic of hope. Everyone took to the task with an endearing enthusiasm, including a 5-year-old princess who helped gently place each sapling into the earth.

As we shifted our focus to spread awareness the community about climate change, I was moved by their receptive nature. Using simple language and relatable examples, we discussed how a warming planet affects everything from their local farms to the health of their children. Many expressed genuine concern and wanted to know more about how they could make a difference.

As my journey in Pacasmayo came to a close, I was overcome with a profound sense of gratitude. The experience had been deeply transformative. I came to Pacasmayo as an outsider, hoping to bring about positive change. But by the end, the community had embraced me as one of their own, teaching me invaluable lessons about resilience, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit.

A Walk for A Rocha

Way of Peru (Chemin du Pérou), Switzerland: “One of the many ‘winks’ I had during my walk…so I would not get discouraged and remembered why I was doing the walk!”

Cross, anchor and heart key ring, gifted to bring faith, hope, and love along the walk (a symbol of 1 Corinthians 13)

In a world overflowing with overwhelming news, now and again, a tale of hope, determination, and unity stands out. This is the incredible story of Coline Raillon, a beacon of light in the realm of conservation, who undertook an epic walk spanning three countries to raise awareness of the living crisis. Part of her mission was to raise funds for the global family of A Rocha since we are celebrating 40 years of A Rocha worldwide.

Coline’s walk covered over 1,200 kilometres through three countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and France. She carried no cash or credit card and was 100% reliant on the ask for hospitality in the form of food and accommodation. Coline shared A Rocha’s message of caring for creation with the people she met, offering nature walks as an optional contribution. Along her path, she met with strangers who soon became friends and enlightened many about the domino effect of a single environmental catastrophe.

Coline also aimed to raise money for A Rocha Peru, since Cyclone Yaku wreaked havoc on the northern coast of Peru at the beginning of the year, leaving countless communities bereft of necessities. Among the damages were the improved cookstoves installed in households as a part of La Libertad Dry Forest Project, and have become an essential daily tool for many families and an innovative move towards a sustainable future.

By the time Coline concluded her walk, she had sown seeds of environmental consciousness in countless hearts. Now, Coline plans to continue her theology studies and travel nomadically through France in a truck. She will continue to spread awareness of the living crisis by offering coffee and conversation with churches and their communities. A Rocha Peru wishes Coline all the best on her future endeavours and we thank her for all her efforts and the generosity of supporters, as many families will be able to have their cookstoves restored. To Coline, we owe a debt of gratitude.

Visit to a beautiful farm in Switzerland

Bird Monitoring in the Amazon

Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian jungle, Monte Carmelo stands out as a testament to the rich biodiversity of the region. Monte Carmelo, located in Cuzco, boasts a myriad of habitats – from high-altitude grasslands and cloud forests to low-lying valleys. Such ecological diversity provides a home for an astonishing variety of bird species, making the area a magnet for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike.

The Amazon Natural & Cultural Heritage Conservation Project is working with the local community of Monte Carmelo to aid in the conservation of avian diversity and promote bird watching tourism. In an effort to understand the conservation status of the resident bird population, research was undertaken. A considerable amount of bird species was documented, through field surveys, acoustic monitoring and citizen science guided by our field expert Hugo Marcos Loyola.

Field surveys reveal that the Military Macaw, the White-winged Trumpeter and the Razor-billed inhabit the area. Military Macaw has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. In addition, the White-winged Trumpeter and the Razor-billed are classified as Near Threatened. The new birdwatching group observed the Russet-backed Oropendola, Blue-crowned Trogon, and the Common Squirrel-cuckoo, amongst others. The biodiversity of the jungle is a treasure that we must value and protect. With initiatives like this one, we take another step towards the conservation and understanding of our natural environment.

Coline’s Walk for Conservation

The map of Coline’s walk

In July, Coline Raillon, who worked as the Nature Projects Officer for A Rocha France, will be commencing a long journey on foot across three European countries: Germany, Switzerland, and France. Coline will walk to meet people and create connections. She will also take this opportunity to raise funds for community-based projects in A Rocha, including A Rocha Peru. “The idea is to meet people, talk about A Rocha’s work… the beauty of Creation, and ..share the gospel.” Her journey will start from Heidelberg in Germany and follow parts of the Huguenot Way. The Huguenot Way is a hiking trail that highlights the historical exile of the Huguenots (a religious group of French Protestants from the 17th century). She will also stop at various places including Belfort France, for a scout camp. We wish Coline all the best for her exciting journey, and we will continue to follow her fundraising walk on our social media and websites. To support Coline’s walk, you can donate here. Please click ‘dedicate this donation’ and type in ‘Coline‘ to dedicate your gift. Thank you for your support of A Rocha Peru!

A Volunteering Adventure with A Rocha Peru

Chris talking to locals about climate change (C.Flores, May 2023)

Chris identifying medicinal plants with Sabio (H. Marcos, June 2023)

In January, A Rocha Peru was excited to receive a new volunteer, Chris Rampersad, a Biologist from the United Kingdom. Chris stayed for three months working on several project activities for the La Libertad Dry Forest Project. He talked with locals about the effects of climate change on the dry forest and also helped the team monitor research plots installed in ACP-Cañoncillo to assess the biomass and necromass of the dry forest. One of his findings was an increase in the height of the trees, with an average growth rate of 2.56m since 2018.

In addition, Chris started his research in Tronco Prieto and ACP-Cañoncillo forests collecting data such as species richness, the abundance of each species, and the amount of felled and dry trees. Chris completed his investigation of pre-existing species in the area, conducting two interviews at the Raimondi Museum and the Trujillo Herbarium.

Afterward, Chris journeyed to our Amazon Natural and Cultural Heritage Pilot Project in Monte Carmelo in the Urubamba River basin. Chris has been helping the team take pictures and support the research into the community’s medicinal knowledge of plants, endangered birds, amongst other things.

A New Pilot Project in the Peruvian Amazon

Landscape around Monte Carmelo (H.Marcos, June 2023)

Bird Watching, Monte Carmelo (H.Marcos, July 2023)

The Amazon Natural and Cultural Heritage Pilot Project began in June this year. The pilot project works in a small community called Monte Carmelo, located in the basin of the Urubamba River in the Southeastern Peruvian Amazon. A Rocha Peru partners with the Comunidad Nativa Machiguenga Monte Carmelo (Monte Carmelo Machiguenga Indigenous Community) to help conserve and restore ecosystems and endangered species and preserve the cultural traditions and ancestral knowledge in native communities. The project is currently researching birds and medicinal plant species in this area.

To preserve traditions, workshops and talks will be conducted by elders to spread knowledge to the younger generation on the uses of traditional medicinal plants, the Machiguenga language, and other ancestral customs like hunting with bow and arrow.

For the local school, the project is establishing a recreational forest park to create an opportunity to teach children and others about the environment and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. Stay tuned for more developments in the coming months!

The Women of Sarita Colonia

A few of the mother’s of Sarita Colonia in the community kitchen (G.Valdivia, June 2023)

Watering the plants at Sarita Colonia (G.Valdivia, June 2023)

The Iglesia Verde (Green Church) project moved to Lima at the beginning of this year and has been working for the last six months in the outskirts of the Lima district with some beneficiaries from the Club de Madres Sarita Colonia (Sarita Colonia Mothers’ Club). Through engaging workshops, seminars, and educational campaigns led by Grecia Valdivia, our project officer, the project has shared valuable insights on the biblical mandate for environmental stewardship. The Club de Madres Sarita Colonia, located in the Sarita Colonia neighbourhood in downtown Lima, is home to eight marvelous women. The women were initially skeptical about the project but soon became very warm and receptive. The project has encouraged active involvement with the women showing outstanding effort and commitment.

In collaboration with A Rocha Peru, the women of Sarita Colonia have founded a community kitchen, which provides lunch meals at social prices. In addition, they established an organic garden, planting seeds and growing vegetables that they use to prepare meals in their kitchen. Meanwhile, they have learned techniques such as composting, water conservation, and gardening, which the women can apply in their households. This newfound knowledge empowers them to be eco-conscious decision-makers and role models within their families and the broader community. By utilizing their influence to promote sustainability practices, we have had a larger reach than expected. Unfortunately, the environmental education activities with Club de Madres Sarita Colonia have concluded. The Iglesia Verde Project will continue to spread awareness of the importance of conservation and the preservation of God’s Creation within other communities.

Educating Schools about the Importance of the Dry Forest

Visit to Cañoncillo Dry Forest with Semillas Teresianas Eco-club (May 2023)

This year, La Libertad Dry Forest Project aims to focus its environmental education on the youth of the Pacasmayo community to help generate environmental leaders and empower them to conserve the dry forest. Many activities have kicked off, including talks about the importance of the dry forest at the National University of Trujillo, Guadalupe, the Tecapa Secondary School, and San Demetrio.

The team has created an environmental club called Semillas Teresianas (Teresian Seeds) with the 2nd and 3rd-grade secondary students at the Santa Teresa Inmaculada school in San Pedro de Lloc. The eco-club members visited the Venturosa dry forest and collected photos and information to help develop the eco-club’s vision.

Ciro Flores talking with the students at their visit to the dry forest (May 2023)

Moreover, the team conducted talks to raise awareness about the importance of the dry forest at Santa Teresa Inmaculada, where 300 students participated. To contribute to the conservation of the dry forests, the Santa Teresa Inmaculada School will help plant 100 Algarrobo tree seedlings. The ideal area for planting was identified in Cañoncillo with the help of Cooperativa Agraria de Usuarios de Tecapa.

The transformation of a community kitchen

Women from the Micaela Bastidas community kitchen (Image by C.Flores, October 2022)

At the end of 2021, A Rocha Peru started an initiative with Pastor José Guzmán from Iglesia Casa de Oración in Pacasmayo, northern Peru, to develop a community kitchen in San Demetrio. El comedor popular Micaela Bastidas was facing the challenge of improving its modest premises. In response, A Rocha Peru installed an improved cookstove for self-sufficiency, set up an organic garden and a space for rearing small animals, and introduced environmental education activities. The collaboration proved a significant catalyst that inspired the local government and companies to get involved and complement this work by developing the building structure, improving the kitchen, and providing a water cistern. Through these combined efforts, the Micaela Bastidas community kitchen was transformed. It became a communal hub run by local women committed to preparing and serving daily nutritious meals to 28 families of 120 adults and children. This inspiring example of community work shows the multiplying impact that A Rocha Peru is having in the communities it serves.

Iglesia Verde project moves to Lima!

Grecia Valdivia (left) and beneficiaries of the Iglesia Verde project (Image: March 2023)

The Iglesia Verde project moved to Lima this year and will be working in the outskirts of the Lima district. A Rocha Peru’s project is partnering with GZB and the Iglesia Betel de Lima (Betel church of Lima), a Presbyterian church led by Pastor Elmer Laura Quiñones. Grecia Valdivia is coordinating the activities as the new Project Officer. Aligned with the Creation Care Program, it aims to spread awareness and sensitize pastors, leaders, community, and church members on the importance of conservation and preservation of God’s Creation. The project will be working directly with approximately 80 beneficiaries. This includes church members, the Red de Jóvenes Presbyterians del Perú (Presbyterian Youth Network of Peru), and the Club de Madres Sarita Colonia (Sarita Colonia Mothers’ Club). The project will conduct in-person workshops on composting, home plant care, and recycling. For the youth network, the project will run a virtual course about the environmental challenges of our time, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. In addition, the course will teach the importance of ecosystem conservation and restoration and how we can work together to protect the environment and improve the quality of life in our communities.