A New Era for Indigenous Land Rights in Peru’s Amazon: 550,000 Acres Set for Protection
New Indigenous Land Titling Project to Protect Over Half a Million Acres in Peru’s Amazon
A major initiative to secure Indigenous land rights is underway in northern Peru’s Amazon region, aiming to title and protect over 550,000 acres of rainforest in the Chambira–Marañón region of Loreto. The project, backed by Rainforest Trust, Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS), and AIDESEP in collaboration with the Regional Government of Loreto, marks a pivotal moment in the fight for Indigenous sovereignty and forest protection.This two-year initiative is focused on guaranteeing legal land titles to approximately 41 Urarina Indigenous communities, whose ancestors have lived along the Chambira and Marañón rivers for centuries. The area to be titled is roughly the size of Los Angeles, and its recognition would provide legal protection for both cultural heritage and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
A Region of Critical Ecological and Cultural Importance
The Loreto region, bordering the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, is one of the most ecologically rich areas in the Amazon Basin. With over 90% forest cover and vast carbon reserves, it plays a critical role in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and Indigenous cultural survival.Yet, the region is under increasing pressure from illegal logging, oil extraction, coca cultivation, and organized crime. Recent legal changes in Peru have only worsened the threat: in 2024, Peru’s Congress approved reforms that weakened protections for Indigenous territories lacking formal land titles, leaving communities exposed to land grabs and exploitation.
In response, local and regional authorities are acting. The Regional Government of Loreto and AIDESEP have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Indigenous lands through proactive, on-the-ground collaboration.
A Proven Model for Fast, Community-Led Land Titling
Drawing from past successful initiatives, the Chambira–Marañón project uses a community-driven model that accelerates the traditionally slow land titling process. Teams made up of government technicians, geographers, and community members will conduct coordinated fieldwork to document land boundaries, customs, and usage patterns.A crucial step in the project is the early involvement of local Indigenous organizations. These groups help map territories with precision, ensuring that traditional knowledge guides official records. Most of these lands are well known within Indigenous communities but lack formal documentation, which is essential to prevent external land claims and disputes.
This coordinated model dramatically shortens timelines, converting what could take years into months. In the second year, the project will also include real-time territorial monitoring using Rainforest Foundation US’s Rainforest Alert system, empowering communities to track and report encroachment threats.
Securing Land Rights = Protecting Forests
Multiple studies and the experience of RFUS affirm that securing Indigenous land rights is one of the most effective tools for conserving rainforests and combating climate change. Indigenous-managed territories often experience lower deforestation rates compared to unprotected or privately held lands.By titling these 550,000 acres in Loreto, the project not only safeguards the homes and livelihoods of the Urarina people but also contributes to global biodiversity, cultural resilience, and climate action.
