The Peruvian Executive has enacted Law 32253, designating February 12 each year as Amazon Day across the nation. This initiative aims to recognize the environmental, scientific, and cultural values associated with the Amazon biome, emphasizing the importance of its conservation for Peru and the planet.
Passed by Congress on December 12, this law mandates the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Culture, along with regional and local governments, to implement awareness campaigns promoting the preservation of the Amazon ecosystem. These efforts align with commitments to combat climate change and enhance environmental consciousness among citizens.
The Amazon region is home to over four million people, including approximately 332,975 indigenous individuals, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI). The region faces significant challenges, with 28.6% of its inhabitants living in monetary poverty.
Congresswoman Karol Paredes Fonseca, who spearheaded the legislation, highlighted the Amazon's rich biodiversity, which includes 293 mammal species, 806 bird species, and 80,000 plant species—20% of the world's total. These plants play a crucial role in regulating global climate and maintaining local water cycles.
Moreover, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that the Amazon basin generates about one-fifth of the world's freshwater runoff and serves as a significant carbon sink, absorbing millions of tons of greenhouse gases annually.