Introducing Peru’s “Gran Mirador de Juningue” Conservation Concession: Safeguarding a Vital Water Source

The creation of the new Conservation Concession known as El Gran Mirador de Juningue will help protect a spectacular ecosystem and safeguard the main source of water for the city of Moyobama, Peru. Located just 40 minutes from the capital of the San Martín region, El Gran Mirador spans 1,570 acres (635.46 hectares) of tropical forest on the left bank of the Mayo river. These emblematic hills are now secured for an infinitely renewable 40 year period thanks to the efforts of a local community group (Ronda Campesina) from the village of Juningue.

Due to the region’s unique vegetation including the presence of the only white sand forests in San Martín, El Gran Mirador de Juningue is home to precious endemic species like the painted manakin (Machaeropterus eckelberryi), the Huallaga tanager (Ramphocelus melanogaster) and the Mishana tyrannulet (Zimmerius villarejoi). The area also houses two endemic primates, the Andean saddle-back tamarin (Leontocebus leucogenys) and the Rio Mayo titi (Plecturocebus Oenanthe), currently in critical danger of extinction.

The forests of Juningue are also home to the umsha palm tree, used for the local celebration of the San Juan festivities and emblematic of the cultural importance of biodiversity.

“For several years I have been wishing that the Juningue Mountain Range, the place with the best sunrises in the world that we can appreciate from the Tahuisco Overlook [in Moyobamba] could become a protected place. After much effort, that wish became reality today,” said Karina Pinasco, Executive Director of Amazónicos por la Amazonía (AMPA).

Andes Amazon Fund would like to congratulate the Ronda Campesina of Juningue, the Regional Environmental Authority of San Martín and AAF grantee AMPA for this incredible accomplishment.

“It always brings us great joy when a new area is protected, but this one even more so given the current conditions. This is a spectacular place, and really an impressive achievement of everyone who made this possible, even during a pandemic,” remarked Megan MacDowell, AAF Executive Director.

Photos provided by AMPA.