Ecological restoration and community outreach to save the small Utcubamba valley, the only home of the threatened and iconic Marvelous Spatuletail.
The Utcubamba Valley in northern Peru is a threatened biodiversity hotspot and the only known home of the Marvelous Spatuletail hummingbird, alongside numerous other endemic species. Despite its ecological importance, much of the original forest has been lost, and natural regeneration is hampered by recurring wildfires. Conservation in the region faces significant challenges, including low public awareness and limited coordination among stakeholders.
This project seeks to establish and strengthen a conservation nucleus in the heart of the Utcubamba Valley, building alliances with local and regional initiatives. Although the valley is small, its unique biodiversity and manageable scale make conservation both a high priority and an achievable goal. However, outside a few protected areas, the landscape is heavily degraded, and many conservation efforts remain fragmented and isolated.
Our organization, based at the center of the valley, addresses these challenges by raising awareness and uniting key actors to amplify collective conservation impact. The project’s primary goal is to develop a strong network of local stakeholders committed to protecting and restoring the valley’s ecosystems.
We will use the Marvelous Spatuletail as a flagship species to foster community pride and increase awareness of local biodiversity and the threats it faces. Beyond education, the project emphasizes ecological restoration through collaboration with local nurseries to grow a wide variety of native plant species. These include both ecologically important species and those with economic value, supporting local livelihoods while restoring critical habitats.
Thousands of seedlings will be planted each year with active participation from local communities, across both communal and private lands. To further strengthen conservation outcomes, the project will deliver capacity-building workshops, engage schoolchildren and residents in environmental education, and promote fire prevention. Large infographic panels will also be installed to showcase the valley’s exceptional biodiversity and encourage long-term stewardship.
