Nature

Natura is an NGO based in Chimbote (a city north of Lima) that works mainly on ecological and social justice in the northern coastal zones of Peru. Like the Andes and the Amazon, the coastal regions are also confronted with large-scale extractive activities: industrial fishing, oil extraction in the ocean and export-oriented agriculture. In these regions, there is almost no NGO presence, which makes Natura's activities even more important.  

Natura works mainly with artisanal fishermen's organisations, which seek to protect their rights and activities against the threats posed by large-scale investments.  

Natura is part of 11.11.11.11 partner Red Muqui, as they are also active in the impact of mining projects; both in the region of the mine pits themselves, further inland, but also the consequences for communities living on the coast. For example, a large terminal has been built in the traditional fishing village of Huarmey, where the minerals arrive via a viaduct from the mountains and are then shipped. Several environmental 'accidents' have already occurred here. For example, at the beginning of the lockdown, a major leak occurred, which caused problems for the food production and fishing of the communities. Natura supports the local population in investigating the true impact, denouncing and pushing for a better approach from the companies.  

(Offshore) oil exploration threatens artisanal fishing

The past year has seen increased pressure to amend the legislation for petroleum exploitation. In this way, areas that are currently protected - for the sake of the ecosystems or for the sake of the population - would be opened up to petroleum exploitation. There is great interest in allowing more offshore oil extraction, both around Chimbote and further north. Natura's actions to denounce these attempts to relax the legislation (together with fishermen and local populations) are extremely important. These actions have also led to an interesting collaboration between 11.11.11-partner Mocicc and Natura, which proposes an energy transition that phases out the use of fossil fuels (and calls for a moratorium on new oil extraction projects). By organizing protests in various places along the coast, Natura and the allied organizations have managed to freeze the project for the time being. But they must remain alert, and take action against new attempts in due time.  

To strengthen its position, Natura has also joined the international network Oilwatch – whose members have long experience in resisting oil extraction.  

Alternatives

In the coastal zone of Peru, economic, extractive activities are constantly promoted that affect both ecosystems and traditional activities. Industrial fishing has increasingly cornered artisanal fishing. In addition, the government also wants to grant new concessions for the expansion of oil extraction in the sea.

Natura promotes, together with local organisations, alternative paths to sustainable development, such as tourism, artisanal fishing, etc., in order to contribute to the protection of the territories of these populations, their economic activities and ecosystems.