Peru will officially inaugurate the San Pedro de Chonta Regional Conservation Area (ACR) in the Huánuco region on August 20, 2025. This new protected area spans over 51,000 hectares and encompasses vital ecosystems such as paramo, Peruvian yungas, and dry Marañón forests. The establishment of ACR San Pedro de Chonta is a significant step for Peru in its commitment to conservation and its contribution to the global goal of protecting 30% of the country's territory by 2030, as outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The ACR San Pedro de Chonta plays a crucial role in ensuring water security for more than 41,000 residents and serves as a habitat for 575 plant species and 226 animal species, including the endangered spectacled bear and the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. This is the third ACR in the Huánuco region, and it is intended to connect with other planned protected areas to form an ecological corridor supporting endangered species. The creation process involved extensive collaboration with local communities and authorities, ensuring broad support and understanding of the initiative's benefits. Management of the new area will be supported by regional budgets for personnel, including rangers, and by national and international partners. Sustainable practices such as organic farming and responsible use of non-timber resources will be promoted to benefit local populations while safeguarding the core conservation zone. These efforts highlight how harmonious coexistence between humans and nature can lead to mutual benefits and long-term prosperity. The protection of San Pedro de Chonta not only secures unique biodiversity but also helps preserve the region's cultural heritage, which is intrinsically linked to its ecosystems. The introduction of sustainable economic practices aims to empower local communities, enabling them to benefit from natural resources in a way that ensures their long-term survival and ecological integrity.
The region of Huánuco is recognized for its rich cultural history and traditions, deeply intertwined with its natural surroundings. The conservation of San Pedro de Chonta is therefore vital for safeguarding this unique biodiversity and preserving the cultural heritage of the region, which is inextricably linked to its ecosystems. The implementation of sustainable economic practices is designed to strengthen local communities, allowing them to derive benefits from natural resources in a manner that ensures their long-term viability and ecological integrity, demonstrating how conscious resource management can support both conservation goals and socio-economic development.