Peru is set to inaugurate the San Pedro de Chonta Regional Conservation Area (ACR) on August 20, 2025. This new protected zone spans over 51,000 hectares in the Huánuco region, encompassing vital páramos, Peruvian yungas, and Marañón dry forest ecosystems. The ACR's establishment is a strategic move to protect essential water resources for more than 41,000 individuals and serves as a sanctuary for 575 flora and 226 fauna species, including the spectacled bear and the critically endangered yellow-tailed woolly monkey.
This initiative marks the third ACR in the Huánuco region, reinforcing a growing commitment to conservation. The San Pedro de Chonta ACR is planned to connect with other protected areas, forming an ecological corridor to enhance the survival of threatened species. The project involved extensive collaboration with local communities and authorities. Operationalization will be a joint effort, with regional budgets allocated for staffing and support from national and international partners. The management plan will focus on sustainable practices like organic agriculture and responsible use of non-timber forest products, aiming to benefit local populations while preserving conservation goals. Peru's creation of this ACR aligns with the global ambition to protect 30% of its territory by 2030, as outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in December 2022. This effort builds on previous conservation successes in Huánuco, such as the Carpish Regional Conservation Area established in 2020. Despite ongoing deforestation in regions like Huánuco, with an annual loss of approximately 15,000 hectares, these conservation efforts are crucial for the region's sustainable future and biodiversity preservation.