Batancito de Ñoma becomes the first OECM reported in Piura
- This recognition highlights the efforts of the Ñoma hamlet, which for more than a decade has protected a forest that is essential for water supply and biodiversity conservation in the Piura region.
- OECMs make it possible to recognize conservation initiatives that, while not protected areas, deliver effective and sustained biodiversity outcomes, highlighting the commitment of communities, organizations, and other stakeholders that protect valuable ecosystems for present and future generations.
- According to Peru’s Ministry of Environment (MINAM), to date, Peru effectively conserves and manages 19.18% of its terrestrial and inland water areas and 7.89% of its marine area.
In the mountains of the district of Santo Domingo, in the province of Morropón, Piura, the Ñoma hamlet is celebrating a new milestone for conservation. The El Batancito de Ñoma Environmental Conservation Area (ACA) has been reported as an Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure (OECM), becoming part of the global commitment to protect biodiversity through initiatives led by actors other than protected area authorities.
Located between 1,950 and 3,200 meters above sea level, the area protects 391.35 hectares of humid montane forests and associated ecosystems, which are essential for regulating water flows in the Piura River basin. In addition to harboring a significant diversity of flora and fauna, the forest is home to the water sources that supply the Ñoma hamlet and downstream communities.
© WWF-Peru
For Benjamín Nima Espinoza, president of the Association for the Protection of the El Batancito de Ñoma Forest, this recognition represents the result of years of collective effort. “We are very excited because this recognition motivates us to continue caring for our forest. The community has worked together to protect it, and now we feel that more opportunities will come to strengthen conservation, reforestation, and the development of our area”, he said.
A history of community organization to protect water
A little over a decade ago, the situation was very different. Indiscriminate logging was beginning to degrade the forest, and local residents began to notice a decline in water availability.
In response, in 2013, a group of community members decided to organize to protect the territory. They established the Association for the Protection of the El Batancito de Ñoma Forest and began carrying out voluntary monitoring and reforestation activities. This process led to the forest being officially recognized in 2020 as an Environmental Conservation Area by the Provincial Municipality of Morropón-Chulucanas.
Benjamín Nima recalls that, at first, not everyone understood the importance of conserving the forest.
“The most difficult part was convincing the community itself. Many people did not attach much importance to it before, but when they saw that water availability was beginning to decline, they understood that we had to protect the forest. Today, everyone participates in caring for it, and this change in awareness has been our greatest achievement,” he said.
© WWF-Peru
Conservation that protects biodiversity and creates opportunities
El Batancito de Ñoma is home to relic cloud forests that preserve more than 120 plant species, including the cinchona tree, one of the area’s most emblematic species, as well as birds, mammals, and endemic and threatened species of conservation importance in northern Peru.
In recent years, the community has also promoted restoration efforts by planting thousands of native seedlings, including alder and cinchona, with the support of partner organizations and local authorities. At the same time, community work days are organized to maintain trails, protect water sources, and strengthen monitoring of the area.
The forest also has significant potential for nature-based tourism. At least ten permanent waterfalls can be found within the area, attracting visitors, universities, and researchers, generating additional income for Ñoma families and promoting the development of community-based tourism initiatives.
© WWF-Peru
An example for other conservation initiatives
With its recognition as an OECM, the community hopes to strengthen the management of the area, access greater opportunities for cooperation, and continue consolidating a conservation model based on local participation.
“We invite other communities, institutions, and organizations to continue investing in conservation. It is a long process, but it is worth it. Today, we are proud that this recognition belongs to our entire community, and we hope it will serve as an example so that more people protect their forests,” Benjamín Nima concluded.
With this recognition, Peru now has 15 reported OECMs, strengthening its contribution to the Global 30x30 Target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Through this commitment, 196 countries, including Peru, have pledged to effectively conserve and manage at least 30% of the world’s terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas by 2030.
© WWF-Peru
