Sagari Project

The Sagari project: A collaboration with communities

We adapt the construction of a pipeline in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest to local communities' use of the area's natural resources.

Cocoa production

Cocoa is a very important economic resource for the communities of Porotobango and Kitepampani, in the western Peruvian Amazon. In recent years, its farmers have managed to increase the productivity of this crop to 500 kg per hectare thanks to the technification project we have promoted, which has 79 beneficiaries and includes the installation and maintenance of 152 hectares of land.

How did we know that these communities were growing cocoa and that their productivity could be improved?

Before acting in such a sensitive environment, we decided to carry out a study to gain in-depth knowledge of the area where we would carry out the project to build an 18-kilometer pipeline between the Sagari and Kinteroni gas fields in the Machiguenga and Ashaninka communal reserves.

The conclusions of the study were taken into account in the final design of the pipeline and the location of the support infrastructure. In addition, we drew up a biodiversity plan, with actions to reduce the impact of the project, as well as a plan for relations with the communities with initiatives to promote their sustainable development.

Modification of initial quarry location. In order to move it away from a recreational area of the Nuevo Mundo community located next to the Urubamba River. In addition, in order to reduce its activity, we decided to use alternative materials for the work, prioritize recycling, and rule out the construction of infrastructure that was not strictly necessary.
Minimizing soil erosion. To prevent the loss of biodiversity or sediment reaching the rivers and affecting fishing or water supply. To this end, we identified the areas most prone and sensitive to erosion, especially hilltops and slopes with sandy substrates, where infrastructure construction or work is to be avoided.
Inland waterway transport protocol. Its aim is to prevent traditional activities on rivers, such as fishing, food transport, or the sale of products, from being affected by transiting vessels loaded with materials. To this end, the protocol regulates issues such as navigation speed, passage times, and the distances between vessels.
Planting indigenous plants. On land that is affected, as soon as it is vacated. Rapid recovery of these lands will prevent a possible reduction in the populations of insects, invertebrates, and birds that carry out pollination, which are essential to maintaining the cocoa crops and wild fruiting plants in the forest.

A pilot study

These Ecosystem Services Studies are not yet obligatory in most countries, although Peru and Colombia are already working on the issue.

The implementation of this study has improved the relationship with the local communities, for whom a relationship plan tailored to their needs could be offered.

In addition, this initiative has served to consolidate good relations with the Peruvian government and its Ministry of the Environment, which an agreement was signed with to speed up procedures and reduce deadlines in recognition of the good environmental management carried out.