On Wednesday June 22nd, " Shampuyacu. The value of a standing forest”, was officially launched. A digital memoir that reviews the last ten years of the history of the native Awajún community Shampuyacu (San Martín) and its relationship with the forest; a story of misunderstandings, overcoming adversity and sustainability.
© Conservation International
Shampuyacu was once one of the native communities with the highest deforestation rate in Alto Mayo, losing up to 90% of its forests as a result of excessive leasing of its land to andean farmers. With the income of rents came monocultures, the degradation of their soils, the reduction of biodiversity reserves and the loss of their customs. In this context, in 2013 Shampuyacu and Conservation International initiated a process of revaluing the forest, protecting natural capital and cultural valuation.
This digital book compiles the experience of the Shampuyacu native community, Conservation International and its partners, along a path of mutual learning between working towards a model of sustainable and intercultural development of an indigenous territory.
"I am grateful for this document, which speaks of our ancestors and our culture, and of everything we are working in the production of cocoa, coffee and other economic activities. I am happy because the community is growing and because I feel that we are on the right path", said Elías Wajajai, Chief of the Shampuyacu native community.
During the presentation ceremony, held in the community and broadcasted on Facebook Live, other members of Conservation International, partners and donor around the world were able to connect and witness intimate discussions about this journey, from the perspective of the different actors involved, statements of gratitude, and encouragement for the initiative.
© Conservation International
"It is a pleasure keep working in Shampuyacu. They first invited us to work on a small riverbank restoration project back in 2013, and since then we have been working, building collaboratively, and learning together," said Luis Espinel, Vice President of Conservation International Peru. The Executive Director also thanked the community, donors, partners and his technical team for their commitment, dedication and every-day passion to keep bringing joy to Shampuyacu.
The more than 50 pages of the memoir include historical data, results, lessons learnt, photographs and testimonies of different actors, and their own experiences. A story of love for the forest and nature, which you can enjoy on the following link.
"The value of trees”
The occasion was used to present to the families of the community a printed version of the history of Shampuyacu: "The value of the trees", an illustrated book that narrates the journey of the Awajún community and their efforts to recover their forests. The book, written by María Luisa del Río and illustrated by Esaú Etsam, local to Shampuyacu, will be distributed to the rest of the Awajún communities in Alto Mayo as source of inspiration.
© Conservation International