The Nanay-Mazán-Arabela headwaters originate along a small divide in the lowlands close to the border with Ecuador, providing water for over 400.000 residents in the capital of Loreto, Iquitos. The watersheds feature geological formations holding Pevas more known to the Andes, and allows for unique stunted forests, and high biodiversity, having rare species and range restricted ones mostly seen in the Andes.

 

This is part of a proposed biological corridor Nanay-Pucacuro, holding spectacular biodiversity and rich endemic levels. It would protect Loreto’s diversity, create connectivity for migratory species, and be a safe area for species reproduction, away from extractive practices.  Locals have small scale extractive practices, and other local organizations are promoting sustainable ones, restricting intensive extraction from outsiders. This movement would benefit immensely adding appropriate guidelines to contribute conservation efforts.

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These efforts would protect not only natural resources like the water in a highly susceptible area, where soils suffer constant natural erosions, but would also protect people in voluntary isolation recorded in the Arabela River and its tributaries. Most importantly would protect one of the few watersheds originating entirely in Peruvian territory, being a unique opportunity for the Gobierno Regional de Loreto (GOREL).