Peru invests millions to develop sustainable forestry businesses

The National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor) of Peru has invested over 92 million Peruvian soles (approximately US$24 million) in 18 regions of the country to support sustainable forest management and related businesses.

Serfor, an agency of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, provided funding for projects and programs designed to strengthen forest management, promote forest-based businesses, and improve productive chains. Through the Forest Incentives Program (PIF), Serfor disbursed 41 million soles in investments, incentives, and technical assistance.

This supported forest plantations and indirectly benefited over 19,000 people from 10,000 rural families across 100 communities and businesses in regions including Áncash, Cajamarca, and Madre de Dios. The program created 5,000 direct jobs and resulted in the planting of 3.5 million trees covering around 3,100 hectares for commercial purposes. Serfor also facilitated over 24 million soles in financing through various mechanisms, including direct credits and funds from Agroperú, Profonanpe, and Procompite.

This financing helped at least 2,407 producers, organizations, and communities manage forest and wildlife resources, and increased their access to markets for products like tara, Brazil nuts, bamboo, and vicuña fiber. Erasmo Otárola, Serfor’s executive director, stated that “sustainable investment turns forest conservation into opportunities for development.”