Peru's Huánuco region is working to create the largest conservation area in the Andes

Peru's Huánuco region is making final preparations to implement one of the country's most ambitious nature conservation projects. The regional administration is accelerating the necessary processes to establish the "Yanajanca Regional Conservation Area" (ACR), covering an area of approximately 209,484 hectares. This massive project aims to protect 74 lagoons located in the high Andes that are vital for the ecosystem. Additionally, the conservation area is designed to guarantee water security for more than 120,000 people living in the provinces of Marañón, Huacaybamba, and Huamalíes. The project stands out as one of the most comprehensive initiatives in the region in terms of environmental awareness and sustainability.

The project, which has successfully passed many technical stages, is currently being evaluated by the Ministry of the Environment (Minam) of Peru. After obtaining the necessary approval from the Ministry, the file will be submitted to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers for the project's finalization, and it will be officialized through a presidential decree. Officials from the Huánuco Regional Government stated that they expect this approval in July, depending on the pace of the bureaucratic process, and hope the project will be realized shortly. This process is seen as an important test for the region to demonstrate its determination regarding environmental policies.

If approved, Yanajanca will gain the title of the largest regional conservation area in the Peruvian Andes. The size of the area corresponds to approximately 80% of the Lima Metropolitan area, clearly revealing the scale of the project. The region hosts sensitive ecosystems such as páramos and yungas that play a critical role in regulating the water cycle and sustaining biological diversity. These ecosystems not only protect natural life but also ensure the continuity of the hydrological balance necessary for agriculture and settlement areas in the region. In terms of ecosystem services, this balance is essential for the region's livability in the long term.

The fundamental strategic rationale behind the proposal is the protection of water resources to prevent thousands of families in the region from being left without water. Within the area boundaries, there are 74 high mountain lagoons that feed the tributaries of the Alto Huallaga and Alto Marañón rivers. Important water bodies such as Mamancoocha, Huascacocha, and Mancacocha are essential resources for human consumption as well as agricultural and livestock activities. Agriculture, especially coffee production, is highly dependent on these water resources. Protecting these water assets means not only preserving a natural heritage but also securing the cornerstone of the regional economy.

This conservation initiative gains even greater importance considering the negative effects created by global climate change. Farmers in the region have already begun to feel the disruption in rainfall regimes and the prolongation of drought processes. Experts emphasize that rainfall is no longer as regular as before, instead occurring as more intense storms and long-lasting dry periods. The protection of Yanajanca as soon as possible is considered the most effective preventive measure against future water crises, not just for today. Farmers and local administrators agree that without the protection of the ecosystem, water resources will be unsustainable.