Currently in Peru, more than 394,000 hectares of land are protected under 139 PCAs, or private conservation areas, that aim to not only conserve nature, but to value and encourage its protection. However, due to a lack of government support, such initiatives are under threat. Despite women’s vulnerability and connection to the land, more PCA owners are male than female. These gaps have left women out of important decision-making despite research that shows that women’s leadership in natural resource management has better environmental outcomes. Peru has also been named the third most dangerous country in South America for land defenders, leaving women with an increased risk of harm while speaking out or protecting the land. Indigenous women leaders throughout Peru continue to educate on the importance of women defenders, protecting women’s voices, and passing critical policies, such as the Escazú agreement.
Photo Credit: Sally Jabiel/Dialogo Chino
