2010- On August 22^nd Tierra Selva – Central Huallaga Riverkeeper held its second local swimming fundraiser event.  The 4 kilometer swim was done to bring attention to key issues such as water contamination and mismanagement as well as broader issues such as deforestation and global climate change.   “The river has undergone many changes and these are not positive” said Saaron Rivera Ruiz, local navigator of the river system.  “We have seen an increase in migrants, agricultural production and increases in flooding and drought.  This is a problem for all our communities who depend on the river system as part of their life. I come from a long family of navigators, the changes are big and my father talks of days when the river was respected and life was good.  Now we have bad waters and we cannot count on the river as it floods and then there are long periods of droughts.  The Huallaga is the source of life for all our villagers we need to continue to respect it and the Yacumama.  Participating in the swim is an important for our community, we would not be able to draw attention to the river and our communities conditions otherwise.  

The fundraising event started at Eco-pueblo Bougainvillea with some of the local children from neighboring communities joining in with Rena Guenduez, technical advisor to Tierra Selva swimming more than 5 kilometers.  Harry Tabakis director of Tierra Selva explained that river conditions are fierce in certain areas with giant water surges and whirlpools forming, and strong under currents making this a swim not for the faint of heart.  “Conditions are tough and even worse in the rainy season where the river can increase to 4 meters in height in certain areas making it a challenge to navigate across.  Dry seasons are better however conditions are still dangerous.  The Huallaga is the fifth longest in Peru and runs from the Andean highlands to the mouth of the Maranon which leads into the Amazon.  It is one of the most important rivers, that has yet to be navigated its full length.  It is a critical river to the sustainability of all life forms and its waters reach the Amazon River.  Protecting and creating an awareness about the Huallaga is critical to its and the Amazons well-being.”    At Tierra Selva we are looking at alternative measures far from traditional development work to succeed at local preservation and conservation.  Our model is unique and focuses on basic survival socially, culturally and environmentally if the economic equation collapses.”  

After her grueling swim we sat down and asked Rena Guenduez a few questions about the issues facing the Huallaga and its region, Rena Guenduez replied that on a community level the Huallaga watershed basin is facing serious threats from deforestation (estimated 8000 hectares daily cut or burned down), river contamination through poor waste, water and agricultural practices as well as coca production, mine tailings, over fishing/harvesting and development.  Combined with this are socio-economic issues related to poverty, illiteracy lack of skills, values  as well as the transitional complexities involved in local integration of the economic market.

Since the post-free-trade agreement with the U.S., Peruvian government policies are looking to the Amazon region (Huallaga Central) as a new and endless natural resource frontier.  The opening of the Amazon for oil, and gas, mining, large-scale mono-agriculture and pharmaceutical exploitation will have lasting long-term and irreversible impacts on the environment and people, if not managed in a way that takes into consideration public input (prior, free and informed consent), integrated and holistic management and proper mitigation and monitoring measures.  Continued global economic volatility will also play a role on local social and economic conditions, potentially creating greater social divides and increased illegal activity in coca production and logging.  

There also needs to be greater attention paid to local native communities and the issues and challenges that they face; their voice needs to be heard and needs considered and addressed.   The Huallaga is the lifeline of all people, plants and animal species; it is an important life source and it is the centre of our earth – providing humanity with the air that we breathe.  Understanding this and drawing attention to the current conditions in this region are an important part of slowing down global climate change.  The Huallaga swim is the first step in drawing attention to the issues and to raise funds for ensuring that capacity is built around these issues and appropriate advocacy and preservation measures are implemented.  Every cent donated is a valuable contribution and will make a difference.

We asked about future fundraising events of which the Tierra Selva team said that they had a few other events planned to further the cause and create awareness.  

2009 – In the heart of Peru’s lush rainforest, nestled in the Bajo Biavo region, a remarkable initiative is taking root – a jungle plant and tree nursery. This nursery serves as a vital hub for cultivating and preserving the endemic plant species that are intrinsic to the delicate balance of the rainforest ecosystem. Amidst the challenges posed by climate change, this endeavor holds immense significance in fostering biodiversity, restoring degraded areas, and mitigating the impacts of global warming.

The tierra selva nursery focuses on nurturing a diverse array of endemic plant species found in the region. These plants, unique to the rainforest, have evolved over centuries to thrive in the specific conditions of the Amazon basin. By growing and conserving these species, the nursery plays a vital role in preserving the rich biodiversity of the area, as well as protecting the traditional knowledge associated with their uses and medicinal properties.

The importance of planting these trees and plants cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of climate change. The rainforest acts as a crucial carbon sink, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus helping to regulate global climate patterns. However, deforestation and human activities have disrupted this delicate balance, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and loss of biodiversity.

The jungle plant and tree nursery in Bajo Biavo is an essential step towards restoring and regenerating the rainforest. By cultivating and planting endemic species, the nursery helps to replenish areas affected by deforestation and land degradation. These trees serve as a bulwark against climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, reducing soil erosion, and providing habitat for countless species of flora and fauna.

Moreover, these trees play a vital role in maintaining the hydrological cycle of the rainforest. They contribute to regulating rainfall patterns, reducing the risk of droughts and floods, and sustaining the overall health of the ecosystem. The restoration of degraded areas through the planting of endemic species also helps to safeguard watersheds and preserve water quality, benefiting local communities who rely on these resources for their livelihoods.

In conclusion, the jungle plant and tree nursery in Bajo Biavo, Peru’s rainforest, stands as a beacon of hope in the face of climate change. By cultivating and planting endemic species, the nursery not only contributes to the preservation of biodiversity but also plays a significant role in mitigating the impacts of global warming. Through reforestation efforts, the nursery helps restore degraded areas, sequester carbon, regulate the hydrological cycle, and provide habitat for a multitude of species. This initiative exemplifies the importance of local action and community-driven efforts in safeguarding our planet’s invaluable ecosystems.