Saving Lima’s Lomas de Amancaes

Local women organized the Amancaes Hills Ecotourism Circuit. PHOTO: Carlos Soria.

ELAW is working with attorney Carlos Soria in Peru to protect one of the few remaining natural green spaces near Peru’s capital, Lima.
 
The Lomas de Amancaes (Hills of Amancaes) in Rimac district, close to downtown Lima, is threatened by land traffickers, unauthorized housing developments, roadways, deforestation, erosion, small-scale mining, and poorly planned water and sanitation projects.
 
The Lomas are protected under Peru’s Forestry and Wildlife and Cultural Heritage laws.  This fragile ecosystem of 273 hectares is home to 66 plant species and 25 animal species, including the the critically endangered Vasconcellea candicans and the threatened yellow flowering Ismene amancaes.
 
“I am representing four local women who have organized the Amancaes Hills Ecotourism Circuit,” says Carlos. “These activists have been bullied by authorities and threatened by local land traffickers. For two years, they have received death threats.”

Homes built in Lomas de Amancaes.

The lomas ecosystems on the arid coast of Peru are unique. Their only source of water is mist and high humidity from June through December.  Local people have visited Lomas de Amancaes since colonial times to celebrate Lima’s cultural and natural heritage.
 
Unfortunately, these hills are under serious threat. In December, stone stairs in the Horacio Zeballos sector were destroyed by builders aiming to reach the summit and install water tanks. In January, a road was built connecting the area to the city. Numerous invaders have settled here, many times moving in the dark of night.
 
ELAW scientists found serious flaws in the Environmental Impact Assessment for a water and sanitation project proposed to be built adjacent to the Lomas de Amancaes, including failure to assess the project’s impacts on the fragile ecosystem.
 
Learn more about what you can do to save Lomas de Amancaes, here.
 
Maggie Keenan
Communications Director  
maggie@elaw.org

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