Agrobiodiversity zones and the register of native crops in Peru: Learning from ourselves

Agrobiodiversity zones and the register of native crops in Peru " We are diverse … we shall always be " Said by a colleague from IIAP Dedication To my wife Rosie for her love and affection, and my sons Manolo and Alonso for their patience. Underlying an extensive recognition of the importance of agrobiodiversity and native crops in Peru, there is a relatively recent phenomenon in urban sectors of Peruvian society, namely, a rapid process of discovery and valuation of and care for biodiversity and associated cultural diversity. While more than half of the Peruvian population lives in urban areas, others are located in rural areas, small communities or small, 'semi-urban centres', usually extremely rich in biodiversity. There are approximately 78,000 'populated centres' (including communities), where more than 6 million people live. These people have a direct and strong relationship with biodiversity and there is no need to teach them about its critical importance to sustain livelihoods and promote development. For these sectors of society, biodiversity is – literally – life; hence the extraordinary cultural and religious relationship between Andean and Amazonian communities and the 'pachamama' (Mother Earth) and the natural environment. But, what is biodiversity? In simple terms, it is the variability in and between ecosystems and species, including genetic diversity within a species. It is an attribute that characterizes the natural wealth of an area or region. What we recognize in the variability of fish, livestock, birds, vegetables, wild plants, woodlands and other landscapes and areas is all, in essence, a reflection of biodiversity in it most visible and tangible form. Paradoxically, for a growing urban sector, including new generations of immigrants from farming areas, biodiversity seems to be remote. Yet, at the same time, even though it is not really understood or valued for its relevance and importance for IX Peruvian Society for Environmental Law-SPDA sustainable living, people have a general feeling of high regard and even pride for 'the natural things Peru owns'. This document seeks to reflect upon some of the reasons that have led to this process of discovery of and appreciation for biodiversity and, more generally, of diversity as a potential integrating and unifying element in Peru. A number of policy, social and legal dynamics and circumstances are described in detail, as they relate to two issues: agrobiodiversity and native crops. The emerging interest in these has triggered various responses and very positive, …