Last month we shared the story of Miguel Paredes de Bellota and his family, who, with the help of ACA and our sister organization Conservación Amazónica (ACCA), were able to establish their own conservation area called Santuario de la Verónica after a six year battle. This month we helped finalize the establishment of two more conservation areas in the region!
Fundo Cadena and Machusmiaca II are the names of the new protected conservation area, both of which are private lands owned by local families who made the commitment to have the areas set aside for conservation purposes. Venecio Cutipa, the owner of Machusmiaca II, was excited to share the motivation behind his decision to create a conservation area: “For more than 30 years I have lived in this forest, and I envision a future where my four children can also enjoy what nature has given me. By working the land in a sustainable way and protecting the forest, I can achieve that future for the benefit and well-being of my children.”
Combined, Fundo Cadena and Machusmiaca II represent 139 hectares (about 343 acres) of land that is now safely protected. We are so proud of all these individuals and their families for striving to protect the rainforest. When it comes to conservation, every acre matters!