Wiraqocha Foundation
The Wiraqocha Foundation (WF) is an educational and charitable non-profit organization with the mission to preserve the Indigenous wisdom and knowledge systems of the Q’ero people in the Andes and to advocate for a harmonious relationship between people and the planet. The Wiraqocha Foundation’s work is in line with their four point strategic plan: education, health, culture, and services/networks. Since its establishment in 1996, WF has contributed to several developments, including: providing education and funding to Q’ero kids and schools, partnering with the Living Bridges Foundation to provide clean water in Q’eros, and creating a worldwide network of Paqos to utilize Inka spiritual tools on a global level.
***Indigenous, Indigenous nations, Inka, Q’ero, Indigenous education, Indigenous health, Indigenous knowledge, Traditional knowledge
Arbio
Founded in 2010, Arbio manages and conserves 916 hectares of Amazon forest in the RÃo Las Piedras, Madre de Dios basin. The women-led organization aims to involve local communities in conservation efforts and through analog forestry. The organization claims its role as defenders of the forest, additionally employing staff members to conduct research, catalogue and present identified species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, Amazon Big Trees and birds to The Center of Ornithology and Biodiversity. Those interested in the organization’s efforts can even donate to protect an Amazon hectare or tree and receive a certificate allowing them to visit the location themselves.
***Individuals, Rural Communities, Organizations
Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN)
ECOAN is an environmental non-profit founded in 2000 in Peru. This organization seeks to defend and conserve endangered species and threatened ecosystems within the Andean region through the protection of biological diversity, the sustainable use of natural resources, restoration of habitats and environmental education. By way of implementation of restoration and research projects, monitoring protected species, and training local communities in sustainable management of natural resources, ECOAN is able to better safeguard the endangered endemic species and habitats of the Andean region.
***Categories: Forest and Fauna Conservation, Environmental Education, Sustainable Management
Fauna Forever
Fauna Forever is a non-profit organization based in Peru. For over 20 years, this organization has been focusing on Amazon Rainforest, as well as Andes Mountain conservation through a series of monitoring, training, and conservation projects. Their mission is to “build a world where nature conservation and sustainability thinking are cornerstones of a society’s development and wellbeing, resulting in a healthy and prosperous planet for all.” By the identification and implementation of long-lasting solutions, Fauna Forever has served as a climate change and sustainability leader within the region, achieving the conservation of Peru’s unique cultural and environmental heritage.
***Categories: Forest Protection, Sustainability, Conservation, Communities
La Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP)
La Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP), or the Inter-Ethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Jungle, collectively represents 109 indigenous federations in Peru. These federations in turn represent 1809 communities, which collectively hold over 600,000 individuals. Together, the representatives of the regions come together to tackle the interconnected issues of environmental and social justice on a national level. They strive to increase Peru’s integration of multicultural values and perspectives when it comes to governance, especially as it pertains to Peru’s natural environment, women, public health, emissions, and more.
***Conservation, Equity, Indigenous Communities, Governance, Public Health
La Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP)
Pronaturaleza accomplishes environmental management projects for renewable resources through additional international and national funding. Additionally, they incentivize social development programs in areas across Peru and making use of models, such as agroforestry, to support communities near protected areas. In addition, Pronaturaleza also invests in environmental education for rural community teachers, parents and children. The organization provides social and environmental impact consulting to businesses in regards to structural resource modifications or projects like gas transport in a municipality.
***Education, Natural Areas, Renewable Energy, Rural Communities
Fondo Socioambiental del Peru
Fondo Socioambiental del Peru is a Peruvian NGO that funds and provides technical support to projects in sustainable development that uplift people while helping the planet. The organization is very young, having only been founded in 2019. Despite this, they have already accomplished a lot, completing key projects, making strong partnerships, and receiving formal recognition. The foundation’s projects fall into two main areas, the local support program, and the environmental defenders program. Key to all of the projects of the organization is empowerment, specifically for Indigenous people and women. For example, one project of the fund ensured that Quechua women in communities around the Pastaza basin have access to traditional medicinal plants in the wake of Covid-19.
Ficus
Ficus is a prominent environmental NGO in Peru dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and conservation. Founded in 2015, Ficus focuses on socio-environmental development in underprivileged communities mainly in Lima, Peru’s largest city. Already in the organization’s short lifespan, they have a number of impactful projects under its belt that have brought greater access to nature to urban Peruvians. Many of their projects restore nature in Urban areas or introduce it by planting trees and setting up community gardens and orchards. Ficus also has educational programs in schools and communities, focusing on topics such as biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable practices like composting which coincide with hands-on experiences. Ficus also puts a heavy emphasis on access to clean water, as they have numerous projects in sustainable water management and water tower installation that have brought clean water to thousands.
National Organizations
