Sarah K in Peru!

Another day done in Lima! Our last walking tour took us to Barranco, and what a beautiful area it was! The seaside views and parks were incredible. Alejandra took us to a delicious ice cream place and an artisan shop. I found a cute magnet and little ornament to take home to my family! We then had a great lunch at Siete Sopa. I highly recommend their strawberry lemonade! That was seriously some of the best stuff I’ve ever had in my life.

Corporate Visit: Peru Sostenible

In the afternoon, we had a visit from three lovely ladies that work for an organization called Peru Sostenible. This organization acts as a mediatory to help other companies establish sustainable practices and connect them to more who are open to collaborating on projects, as well as funding various initiatives. We learned about the big conference Peru Sostenible hosts, that invites companies from all over Peru and the world!

I was also able to ask the ladies about their favorite experiences and inspirations while working with the company, and you could tell they truly cared for the work they do. It was very inspiring to hear them talk about the work their company does and what they help others achieve! Their presentation taught us what it meant to communicate and collaborate with a wide variety of businesses all aligned on one goal. They also showed us just how far we can reach: from helping eliminate causes of anemia in rural communicates, to an airport helping city school kids learn about what protects their economy and community.

Reflection: Corporate Sustainability in a Developing Economy

For a country that has no national or political backing for sustainability, it’s been truly special to see how these companies make an impact. I really appreciated how we talked to businesses where you are not as likely to expect sustainability initiatives. 

DP World was especially interesting, with their move towards electric powered vehicles and remote operated RTGs. It seemed they did so with such ease, and are hard set on continuing the progress. It makes me wonder why similar areas in the States are not making the same move, if they haven’t tried already? Arguably, they have better connections to achieve funding, and a better chance at getting a political backing. And with groups like Peru Sostenible, they are a small organization (around 30 employees) orchestrating a national conference, and doing so without much help from any other sources other than their committees sponsors. I feel like there are a good handful of companies here in the states that would be happy to do the same, but it’s never an option that’s talked about. 

Really prior to this program, I had no knowledge of any U.S. or European focuses on sustainability. It’s interesting to see these companies that are based in a developing country make such big waves.

What does “Sustainability” Mean Right Now

One of the ladies from Peru Sostenible asked us all to think about what sustainability meant to us personally. For me, it’s about realizing and taking responsibility for the effects your actions have on others. It’s taking time to think about things in the long run, rather than giving in to instant gratification and simplicity for simplicity’s sake. 

In the environmental context, it means taking the surroundings and future of our natural resources into account. Businesses must learn to operate and exist in a way that does not take more than they give. Economically and socially, it’s about taking care of the future of your customers. If you use up all the resources you promise to them, what good are you? We are also seeing more and more clientele looking for sustainable efforts in the businesses they choose to support. When you take care of the environment, it takes care of you. Why should we not want to offer the very best to the people of today and tomorrow? Efforts big and small can make an insane difference, but it seems the attitude is STILL “it’s too difficult right now,” or “that will take too much funding.” It will never be the “perfect” time to change, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. But until people’s attitude do change, we are stuck in the same wasteful circle.

Day 1 in the Amazon

Bright and early Friday morning (3 am to be precise), we departed for Puerto Maldonado: the Peruvian basin to the Amazon. It was a short but wonderful flight, and the views were nothing short of amazing. Breaking through the mist and the clouds to see an open blue sky and the peaks of mountains had me thanking Jesus for a window seat. We arrived in town, ate breakfast, and then hopped on a boat to travel down the Madre de Dios River! Seeing the river from the plane for the first time was incredible, but I don’t think it really set in that I was actually in the Amazon until the boat build off the dock.

When we first arrived to the lodge, I was already giddy with anticipation (and quickly dripping with sweat). We met our guides and found ours rooms, then set out for our first walk through the jungle! There aren’t words to describe the emotions I experienced getting to see and feel the jungle for the first time. I felt small. But I liked feeling small. It made me think about the worries I have are so insignificant when this glorious piece of creation exists. It truly blows my mind thinking of the wild life that call the jungle home, and the indigenous people who spent centuries undetected and thriving in such an intricate environment. 

Our guide, Fernando, spoke with us briefly about the various issues that the forest faces. The entire Amazon is threatened most commonly by illegal mining operations. Not to even mention the deforestation and other natural forces. However, there are federally protected spaces, like the Tambopata National Reserve. This reserve helps protect various endangered species that inhabit the Amazon. This ranges from capuchin monkeys to various species of caiman. We were lucky enough to encounter both of them today! Thanks to the national protections in place, these animals are able to recover from poaching and the years they spent with no hunting regulations.

Wrap Up

While I wish I could talk to the forest’s beauties to a greater extent, I think I have to leave it as “must be seen to understand.” I’m excited to see what the next couple days here brings and everything we get to see! Until then, see you on the other side of the jungle!