Water

The majority of the ProNatur plots are in the Altomayo region, on both banks of the Mayo river, and on the eastern slopes of the mighty Marañón at an altitude of 1300 to 2000 m above sea level. These rivers wind their way through the fertile, high lying rain forest of the upper reaches of the Amazon basin in Peru, famous for its biodiversity. However, due to the fragility of these fertile soils they need to be protected from heavy rains to prevent them from eroding.

Although one would think there is ample water, it is not that simple. Jan Bernard “
“The growers of Tongorrape use irrigation by channelling river water in summertime and in the rainy season - if it is available; but there is a period when superficial irrigation water is very scarce or non existent, and the alternative is to use subsoil, or well water. Nevertheless since there is no electricity available in the region, water has to be pumped by stationary
Diesel engines: high prices for fuel make this very expensive. This is why a rural electrification project has been executed and finalized after 4 years of  work and investment. Electricity is now available for pumping water, thereby providing water to all the population, and for crops”