Evaluación de biodiversidad en la Nueva Zona Reservada Península de Illescas Evaluación de biodiversidad en la Nueva Zona Reservada Península Illescas

Abstract

Ecoplayas, a Peruvian non-profit organization created in 1997, developed, according to its objectives, a project to expand the protected areas of the Peruvian coast. In 2000 they organized eight expeditions along the coast, conducted four consulting workshops and made multiple communal contacts, investigating areas in need of protection. In 2007 they submitted a technical file to the Peruvian State proposing the Illescas Peninsula, in Sechura (Piura), as a reserved area. In 2010, after four joint expeditions with officials from the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP), approval was obtained and the Illescas Peninsula Reserved Area was created. Continuing its support to the Peruvian State, in January and February 2012 , Ecoplayas, commissioned by the Categorization Committee formed by the SERNANP, conducted a scientific study to assess biodiversity in this reserved area. In June 2012, the committee recommended its categorization as National Reserve. It was concluded that the reserved area is in a state of nature conservation, with SERNANP in charge of its revenue control. However, the presence in the territory of mining and oil concessions that may be exploited in the future is a threat. It is urgent to categorize it as a National Reserve and zone it indicating the areas of strict protection. The valuable natural landscape, the ecosystems and the species that inhabit it, make this reserve very valuable for scientific research and ecotourism activities, which may benefit the local communities. Due to its hydrobiological wealth, it will be important to study in the future the possibility of extending its boundaries to the marine space.