WHAT IS
Desertification, water scarcity, soil erosion, vulnerability to natural disasters, lack of basic services, lack of agricultural productivity, and socioeconomic marginalization along with ecological degradation, in general, are some of the main problems faced by communities in Northern Peru. This arid zone, also known as the Bosque Seco, spans the coast of Northern Peru. These problems are symptoms of a single central problem or ‘root cause’: the current way of thinking and decision making on the part of humans.
The only way to solve a problem is to address its root cause. To move towards Holistic Management we have to change our focus to the “whole” in question, rather than ‘symptoms’ or individual problems. We have to change the context in which we make decisions, manage, and take actions. Our solutions can no longer be restricted to a singular problem, need, or desire.Instead, they must be within the “Holistic Context”.
Regenerative Livestock under the Holistic Management approach created by Allan Savory of the Savory Institute can achieve needed ecosystem restoration. This is because the aforementioned communities are already engaged in subsistence agriculture and ranching within the landscape, but their planning can be improved. This would allow communities to be more economically productive while accelerating ecosystem regeneration simultaneously. It would empower them for generations to come in a tremendous and incredible way. This would involve an innovative and comprehensive planning process for the management of arid basins, which provides general socioeconomic and ecological well-being.
We have been accepted by the Savory Institute and Savory Global Network as official partners to establish and start the first Savory Hub in Peru, check our video for the Hub application here:
During 2021 we held a series of workshops with different communities and stakeholders near Talara, on the northern coast of Peru, to build high value relationships, collaborative networks, and bottom-up consensus for a holistic vision for the future and desired quality of life. Also known as the “Holistic Context”, this is the first and most important step towards Holistic Management and lasting restoration of the ecosystem. This project was funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering United Kingdom through its Frontiers Champions Award program, given to Diego Almendrades from EcoSwell for leading ecosystem restoration in northern Peru.Through the development of high-value alliances and networks, both local and international, a series of events and workshops were held. Through these events we have worked with 3 communities (Piedritas, Síchez and Fernández) and later held a fourth workshop with representatives from all of them to obtain a Unified Holistic Context of the Communities of the Dry Forest (link to its section). Add your support to this Holistic Context by signing here:
It is with great excitement that we share the results obtained from these events, which will lay the foundation for a prosperous future starting right now. It is important that these results are widely shared in the region and that all stakeholders and decision makers subscribe to them. Once we all agree on what we want the future of our lives and the earth to be like, then we can start planning and making decisions considering this Holistic Context, leading us towards our goals and preventing decisions and actions that would have consequences or unwanted opposites.
In the short term, we hope to continue this work with the support of our local and international networks to establish the first “Hub” for Holistic Management and Productive Ecosystem Restoration in Peru, ideally in the ANP Coto de Caza El Angolo, in partnership with government entities and rural farming communities. This will serve as a hands-on demonstration and learning site, with up to 16,000 ha within El Angolo. However, it will also be able to serve and influence the rest of the Talara province, the Piura region and other regions of the arid coast of northern Peru to restore degraded landscapes in a productive and socio-economically favorable way. Eventually regional, national and international authorities may be influenced by the Hub and its results to produce holistic public policies for a better future for all.
About The Frontiers Champions programme is open to former participants in the Royal Academy of Engineering Frontiers symposia who want to build on the networks they formed at the event. Frontiers Champions will convene their peers hrough regional or thematic events, providing focal points for an international community of researchers, innovators and practitioners. Through the Frontiers Champions funding, the Academy will provide small grants and access to the Frontiers networks so that Champions can undertake community building activities, such as networking events, webinars, meet-ups and workshops. Events will be open to other Frontiers event participants but may also expand the networks beyond. More information can be found here.
About The Royal Academy of Engineering is harnessing the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public. Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age. Further information can be found here.
