Protecting the environment is absolutely crucial in preserving the earth´s biodiversity and subsequently the survival of the humankind. Orange cares is deeply concerned about the environment and strongly believes that it is our social responsibility to help preserve and conserve our planet. Together with our affiliated partners we have taken on a number of environmental projects, from cleaning campaigns which focus on removing plastic waste in our paths and rivers, to planting trees to help combat the effects of deforestation. Our main goal is to reduce the carbon footprint left behind by the growing tourism sector, the lack of environmental education, as well as the unfortunate consequences of climate change.
Why is the Peruvian ecoclimate so important?
Peru is celebrated for its textured landscapes and expansive eco-systems. It prides itself in having some of the most important and diverse ecosystems in the world.
First and foremost, is the Amazon Rainforest which is home to the highest density of plant and animal species in the world. It´s crucial for stabilizing the world´s rainfall patterns, stores massive amounts of carbon and helps to curb climate change. Second, is the fruitful Andean cloud forests, which extends from (2,000ft/600m) to approximately (12,000ft/3,658m) in elevation. Located within the cloud forest is the stunning tropical garden that surrounds Machu Picchu, with over 2,354 plant species and 582 animal species.
Next, are the Paramo grasslands, an eco-system located at very high -altitudes, reaching astronomical heights of (18,000ft/5,487m), falling just below the permanent snow line. Here, you can find different grasses, shrubs and giant rosette plants. Its then followed by the Tropical Deciduous Forest found along the coast of Peru. Finally, the Marine Coastal and Wetlands hold a treasure throve of bio-diversity and is home to roughly 70% of the nations marine biodiversity.
With everything considered, it´s easy to deduce that such varied micro-climates and biodiversity need to be well looked after and vehemently protected.
Your Involvement
- Reforestation projects
- Help slow down the ripple effect caused by the loss of trees at the top of the mountains by planting seedlings and trees in barren Andean slopes.
- The communities at the top of the hills use the trees for firewood to cook and stay warm during the harsh temperatures of the night.
- The lack of education about the regeneration of trees means there are now less and less trees and the locals are forced to walk extremely long distances to get firewood.
- Whereas the valley communities are now suffering from water shortages because rainfall patterns have dramatically changed.
- The weather also tends to go to opposite extremes, from extreme cold to extreme heat, which adversely affects agriculture.
- Cleaning Campaigns
- We hold cleaning campaigns regularly, especially during the high season and its shoulder months.
- We follow along the paths of popular isolated treks like the Lares Valley.
- Along the way we focus on plastic waste, waste that does not decompose or does so very slowly.
- We also clear our rivers and water streams, so the flow of water is not disturbed which adversely affects animals and planting season further down the slopes.
- Environmental Education
- We continuously host many community targeted educational programs.
- The main focus is to educate and support isolated communities on sustainable community development, conservation and recycling.
- Tourism is now the biggest source of income in these communities, we encourage them to enforce eco-tourism, so these hikes don´t lose the essence of what makes them so popular.
- Many of these communities are socio-economically isolated. Part of our campaigns encourage locals to reinvest into their own communities in important things like educating their youth on eco-tourism.
- Donate.
- You can also make a financial contribution which is reinvested directly into the community through supplies, education and food programs.
