The document addresses the conservation and sustainable use of mangroves in Peru’s northern mangrove corridor, a vital region part of the Northwest–Amotapes–Manglares Biosphere Reserve. Despite their ecological and socioeconomic importance, these ecosystems face threats from anthropogenic activities such as aquaculture, agricultural expansion, and solid waste dumping, along with issues like low local management capacity and fragmentation.
To counter this, the NGO Alternative Development Mechanisms (MDA), in partnership with the National Forest Service and SERNANP, and with financial support from ITTO, started a project in 2015. Key achievements include the enlargement of the Northwest Biosphere Reserve in 2016 to include the Tumbes National Mangrove Sanctuary, the creation of three new mangrove protected areas totaling 3804 hectares, the updating of local environmental policies, and training over 50 families in sustainable mangrove use, securing US$160,000 in public funds for smallholder value chains. The project also promoted sustainable tourism through events like canoe competitions and treasure hunts, aiming to raise public awareness and local incomes. The goal is a financial strategy combining production and protection, involving communities, public, and private sectors for long-term sustainability.