Lechuga, Piura

Peru’s western region has suffered from large-scale logging, longer dry seasons and encroaching desertification. Making matters worse, the use of improper irrigation systems has furthermore depleted water resources beyond their rate of replacement. Our local partner is looking to revitalise these degraded woodlands, primarily native forests, in order to assist the recovery of the ecosystem. Trees are being planted in Lechuga, in the area of Piura which is subject to both the El Niño current and the Humboldt current. The warm and cold currents result in both, tropical and arid climates occurring in this region. Native flora such as the walnut and fig species are especially robust and can withstand changing microclimates. These trees help to support erosion control as well as enrich the soil with nutrients. The planting of these large trees is also used in order to generate shade in which Arabica coffee trees are grown. Revitalising ecosystems will also ensure that both endangered and common animal species are able to retreat back into their natural environment. The West Peruvian dove and the collared peccary (a hog species), for example, have been living closer to Peru’s cities and towns and will benefit from habitat and ecosystem restoration.