As the international community concludes discussions at COP30—the first global climate summit ever held in the heart of the Amazon—Peru reaffirms its commitment to a development model that integrates conservation, sustainability, and local well-being. In a context where forest protection is key to tackling the climate crisis, the experiences emerging from Madre de Dios show that it is possible to conserve and produce at the same time.

In this region, where conservation efforts move forward in parallel with the sustainable management of forest resources, WWF Peru works hand in hand with local communities and authorities to strengthen responsible forest management—both for timber and non-timber products—and to promote value chains that support economies based on the responsible use of the forest.

Among these products, the Brazil nut stands out in Madre de Dios: its harvest benefits around 20,000 families, which is over 25% of the regional population, sustaining local economies. This model contributes to the conservation of essential habitats for key species such as the jaguar, whose role as a top predator helps regulate Amazonian ecosystems.

“Conservation is strengthened by an economic perspective. While the forest is protected, administrative capacities, value chains, and access to new markets are also reinforced. This alignment ensures sustainable development alongside the forest, guaranteeing dignified livelihoods and local resilience to climate change. In 2024 alone, 74 camera trap stations were installed in Brazil nut concessions, recording 38 individual jaguars—evidence of the health of these ecosystems,” noted Karina Salas, Southern Amazon Landscape Manager at WWF Peru.

In recent years, Brazil nut producers in Madre de Dios have demonstrated that a forest-based economy can be a real alternative to land-use change. Between January and October 2024, Peruvian Brazil nut exports surpassed USD 34.6 million—a 29% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Peruvian Exporters Association (ADEX, 2024). This growth, grounded in sustainable practices and environmental certifications, reinforces the importance of conserving standing forests as a source of income and well-being for thousands of families.

To highlight the importance of promoting Amazon conservation efforts, WWF Peru participated in the 2025 Latin American Forestry Congress (CONFLAT), held at the National Agrarian University La Molina. The goal was to showcase sustainable management practices, market innovations, and alliances that strengthen forest governance. The initiatives underway in Madre de Dios reflect the type of nature-based solutions that the international community seeks to scale up at the upcoming Amazon climate summit.