Peru is one of the world’s most megadiverse countries, with a great concentration of animal and plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Its ecosystems range from the arid mid-Pacific coast across steep Andean mountains into the dense Amazon rain forests, creating an astonishing 84 life zones with countless species of flora and fauna. This enormous variety in species is further enriched by the great cultural wealth of native populations, who have developed extensive knowledge of the characteristics and potential uses of the country’s rich biodiversity.

Many Peruvian ecosystems are in danger, however. Migratory agriculture and selective wood exploitation along with demand-driven development of petroleum and mining operations present a serious threat to Peru’s biodiversity.

Conservation dollars contributed to Nature and Culture International support tremendous local effort and expertise in the field, protecting Peru’s rich biological wealth while helping local communities find and sustain livelihoods based on living ecosystems.