Rioja, San Martín – January 16, 2026
Set against a backdrop of the Onercocha Lagoon and montane forests, regional authorities, community leaders, and conservation organizations participated in the inauguration of the Onercocha Tourist Center, a new facility designed to welcome visitors, promote community-based rural tourism, and strengthen conservation efforts led by local communities.
The inauguration is part of a comprehensive effort to promote sustainable development through Conservation Agreements, a voluntary tool that strengthens collaboration between the government and local communities in protecting this protected natural area. These agreements establish clear commitments between the local population and SERNANP, promoting sustainable economic activities such as tourism, agroforestry, and the responsible management of natural resources.
“The Onercocha Tourist Center is a symbol of what we can achieve when the government and communities work hand in hand. Conservation Agreements not only protect the forest: they build trust, create opportunities, and establish a model where conservation and development go hand in hand,” stated Ivonne Paico Vera, Head of the Alto Mayo Protected Forest – SERNANP, who also highlighted the role of her strategic partners—Conservation International and Ecoan.
“For us, this center is a dream come true. It’s not just a tourist attraction: it’s an opportunity for our families to live in harmony with nature. Today we are demonstrating that the community can lead the way in responsible tourism while also caring for the Alto Mayo Protected Forest.”
The Onercocha Tourist Center represents a milestone for community-based rural tourism in San Martín and reinforces the shared commitment to protecting the BPAM, demonstrating that conservation is stronger when built on a partnership between the government and the local population.
