Peru strengthens the conservation of its orchids with a national plan that integrates science, culture, and biodiversity – Noticias Ambientales

Report on the National Plan for the Conservation of Threatened Orchids of Peru and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1.0 Introduction

The Republic of Peru, through the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) and the National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor), has instituted the National Plan for the Conservation of Threatened Orchids. This strategic instrument is designed for the management and protection of the nation’s orchid biodiversity, directly contributing to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plan’s core objectives include the recovery of at-risk orchid populations, the preservation of associated ecosystem services, and the promotion of sustainable management practices for approximately 3,000 registered species.

2.0 Biodiversity Conservation and Contribution to SDG 15: Life on Land

Peru’s significant orchid diversity represents a critical component of global biodiversity. The plan’s focus on conservation directly addresses the targets of SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2.1 Ecological Significance

• Peru is recognized as a global center for orchid diversity, hosting nearly 3,000 distinct species.
• Many species are endemic, exhibiting unique adaptations in shape, color, and altitudinal range, making their conservation a global priority.
• The plan’s primary goal is to halt biodiversity loss and protect threatened species, in line with SDG Target 15.5 (Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species).

3.0 Scientific Research and Partnerships for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The implementation of the conservation plan is underpinned by robust scientific research and multi-stakeholder collaborations, reflecting the principles of SDG 17. These partnerships are essential for effective evidence-based conservation.

3.1 Collaborative Research Initiatives

A key example of successful collaboration is the discovery of the new species Telipogon yanesha within the Yanachaga Chemillén National Park. This was achieved through a partnership between:

1. The National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor)
2. The Missouri Botanical Garden
3. The JBM, which manages the HOXA Herbarium containing over 80,000 botanical specimens.

3.2 Research Methodologies

• Systematic field evaluations and population diagnostics.
• Comprehensive review of existing herbarium collections and scientific literature.
• Development of technical drawings, photographic records, and ecological data sets.
• Dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications in indexed scientific journals.

4.0 Sustainable Economic Development and Cultural Heritage

The plan integrates economic and cultural dimensions, promoting sustainable practices that support local communities and contribute to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

4.1 Ecotourism and Sustainable Livelihoods (SDG 8)

The aesthetic and biological value of orchids provides a foundation for sustainable ecotourism, creating economic opportunities in regions such as Moyobamba and Machu Picchu. This fosters local economic growth while incentivizing conservation.

4.2 Responsible Commercialization and Production (SDG 12)

The plan advocates for sustainable commercialization based on artificial propagation techniques. This strategy provides an economic alternative to wild harvesting and directly supports SDG Target 12.2 (achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources) by creating a legal, traceable supply chain and combating illegal trafficking of wildlife.

4.3 Cultural Significance

Orchids hold deep cultural and spiritual value in pre-Inca and Andean traditions, where they are associated with sacred mountains (apus) and used in traditional medicine. Recognizing this heritage reinforces the social dimension of sustainability.

5.0 Strategic Objectives and Future Outlook

The National Plan for the Conservation of Threatened Orchids establishes a comprehensive framework for action, reaffirming Peru’s commitment to its natural heritage and the global sustainability agenda.

5.1 Core Strategic Pillars

• Scientific Advancement: Promoting research in taxonomy, distribution, and ecology to inform conservation strategies (Supports SDG 15).
• Sustainable Management: Implementing responsible management protocols and strengthening legal protections against illegal trade (Implements SDG 12 & SDG 15).
• Collaborative Governance: Fostering articulation between government agencies, local communities, universities, and conservation centers (Embodies SDG 17).

By integrating science, culture, and sustainable economic principles, the plan serves as a model for biodiversity conservation. It positions orchids not only as a component of the landscape but as a symbol of identity, resilience, and Peru’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• The article is centered on the “National Plan for the Conservation of Threatened Orchids of Peru,” which directly addresses the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. It discusses actions to “recover at-risk populations,” “preserve ecosystem services,” and halt biodiversity loss, which are core tenets of SDG 15.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The article connects orchid conservation to economic opportunities by highlighting how their beauty and variety “boost ecotourism” in regions like Moyobamba and Machu Picchu. It also mentions “sustainable commercialization” as having “economic value,” linking conservation efforts to sustainable economic growth.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The plan’s efforts contribute to safeguarding cultural and natural heritage. The article notes that orchids have a “profound meaning in pre-Inca and Andean cultures” and are an “ancestral symbol.” Protecting these species is synonymous with protecting Peru’s “natural heritage,” a key aspect of SDG 11.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• The article promotes sustainable use of natural resources. It advocates for “sustainable management” of orchid species and highlights “sustainable commercialization” based on “artificial propagation” as a responsible alternative to depleting wild populations, aligning with the principles of sustainable production patterns.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The success of the conservation plan is built on collaboration. The article emphasizes “strategic alliances” and work carried out in “collaboration with scientific institutions” like the Missouri Botanical Garden. It also mentions the importance of “articulation with communities, universities, and conservation centers,” showcasing a multi-stakeholder partnership approach.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. The entire “National Plan for the Conservation of Threatened Orchids” is a direct action towards this target, aiming to “recover at-risk populations” of nearly 3,000 species.
• Target 15.7: Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species of flora. The article explicitly states that sustainable commercialization “requires protection against illegal trafficking,” identifying this as a key challenge the plan must address.
• Target 15.9: Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning. The creation and promotion of the “National Plan” by government bodies like Midagri and Serfor is a clear example of integrating biodiversity conservation into national-level policy and planning.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.9: Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. The article points to the plan’s role in boosting “ecotourism” in specific regions, which leverages local biodiversity (the orchids) as a product to create economic opportunities.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The plan contributes to this target by protecting orchid species that are described as an integral part of Peru’s “natural heritage” and hold deep “cultural and spiritual value” in Andean traditions.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The plan’s goal to “promote sustainable management” of orchids and encourage “sustainable commercialization” through “artificial propagation” directly supports the sustainable use of these biological resources.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The article details how the plan is executed through partnerships between public bodies (Serfor), scientific institutions (Missouri Botanical Garden, JBM), and involves “articulation with communities, universities, and conservation centers.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Implied Indicator for Target 15.5: The number of threatened orchid species covered by the conservation plan (stated as “nearly 3,000 species”) and the status of their populations (“recover at-risk populations”). Progress could be measured by a reduction in the number of species classified as threatened.
• Implied Indicator for Target 15.7: Implementation of policies and enforcement actions to combat illegal trafficking of orchids. The article’s call for “protection against illegal trafficking” implies that the establishment of such protective measures is a key metric of success.
• Implied Indicator for Target 15.9: The existence and active implementation of the “National Plan for the Conservation of Threatened Orchids of Peru” serves as a direct indicator of a national biodiversity strategy being in place.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Implied Indicator for Target 8.9: Growth in ecotourism activities and revenue in orchid-rich regions like “Moyobamba” and “Machu Picchu.” The article suggests this is a direct outcome of conservation efforts.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Implied Indicator for Target 11.4: The number of conservation actions and research projects (e.g., discovery of new species like Telipogon yanesha) focused on protecting species with recognized cultural and natural heritage value.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Implied Indicator for Target 12.2: The number of businesses or community enterprises engaged in “sustainable commercialization” of orchids through methods like “artificial propagation,” as promoted by the plan.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Implied Indicator for Target 17.17: The number and nature of formal collaborations established between government agencies (Serfor), scientific institutions, universities, and local communities for the purpose of orchid conservation. The article names specific partners like the Missouri Botanical Garden and JBM.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: noticiasambientales.com