Environmental Issues in Peru

Environmental Issues

For decades, the Peruvian government has lacked serious oversight of these industries. It has also seen corrupt politicians allow companies into environmentally fragile areas in exchange for bribes. In recent years, however, regulatory agencies have begun to crack down on pollution in Peru. Even so, there is still lots of work to do.

The very geographic features which fuel an adventurer's desire to take a holiday in Peru are the same features which have led to industries ignoring the fact that natural resources can run out. Peru's lush forests are an excellent source of lumber, as well as other resources which have accumulated due to the very fact that these regions were untouched for so long.

Oil & Gas

Oil and gas exploration in the Amazon has led to deforestation, soil and water pollution, and the displacement of local indigenous groups. Producers are seeking oil and gas in increasingly remote areas and are threatening to disrupt the ecological balance of these pristine ecosystems. Habitat loss due to the installation of pipelines can seriously threaten biodiversity.

Fights have also erupted between native Amazonians and the Peruvian government over resource extraction. In 2009, the Peruvian government allowed new oil and gas developers into the Peruvian Amazon without any input from local indigenous groups. A protest broke out that killed 33 people and injured 200. The Peruvian congress reversed the legislative decision afterwards.

Mining

Mining has also been an issue in Peru, having led to widespread water pollution. Copper, silver, gold, mercury, and zinc are all mined in Peru, and have polluted water supplies in central Peru and the Cordillera Huayhuash. As of 2009, three big gold mines in Madre de Dios, in southern Peru, had claimed some 38,300 acres (15,500 ha) of forest. Thousands of smaller mines–which account for at least half of the gold mining in this region–have also begun to negatively impact the land, polluting waterways and hastening deforestation.

Pollution & Waste

Sewage treatment is shoddy in parts of Peru and has led to water pollution in rivers and coastal areas. In fact, the beaches around Lima are sometimes deemed unsuitable for swimming. Waste disposal is also an issue, and recycling is virtually non-existent. It’s not uncommon to see plastic garbage stuck along the shores of some rivers.

Population

Population growth is at the root of many of Peru’s environmental issues. Trees are often chopped down for firewood and lands are overgrazed, both of which lead to soil loss and mudslides.

Traveling Sustainably

The Peruvian government has made headway in protecting its natural resources—there are now 75 protected areas in Peru, which make up about 15 percent of the national territory. As is so often the case, it’s a struggle between economic development and natural resource protection. The coming years will hopefully see more environmental stewardship in Peru.

Traveling sustainably helps advance environmental and social agendas in Peru. But how does one travel sustainably? By respecting the environments and communities that you visit.

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. TIES suggests following these principles:

• Minimize impact.

• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.

• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.

• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.

• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.

• Raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climates.

• Support international human rights and labor agreements.

Whenever possible, choose hotels that value ecotourism. These hotels tend to reduce their environmental impact by recycling, minimizing energy use, and giving back to their local communities. By supporting them you are supporting the beliefs that they stand for.

It’s also important to abide by the 'Leave No Trace' principles while hiking and camping in Peru, especially when you’re on the Inca Trail or in the Cordillera Blanca. Be sure to hike and camp on durable surfaces and to respect all wildlife. Don’t take anything except pictures, and pack up all garbage and waste. Respecting the places that you visit will help ensure their preservation and protection.

Unfortunately, some individuals need to see tangible reasons for being kind to the planet. The lure of profiting from industries which are based around exhausting natural resources is far more tangible than arguments and data about completely destroying the Earth—something which individual officials and profiteers may never live to see. As more tourist dollars go toward the support of Peru's designated protected areas, the government has a greater incentive to focus its efforts on securing and expanding them, because (like other forms of industry) it's good for the Peruvian economy.