Pilot Scheme to Protect Rainforests in Peru

In a pioneering initiative, Indigenous communities in the Amazon have launched a basic income pilot project aimed at providing financial support to combat poverty and protect the environment. The project, which offers £2 a day to 188 individuals across three Asháninka and Yánesha communities in the Avireri-Vraem reserve, is touted as the world’s first basic income scheme specifically designed for Indigenous peoples living in rainforests. Isabel Felandro, global head of programmes for Cool Earth, emphasized the project's dual focus on supporting livelihoods while promoting forest conservation. The communities involved face significant challenges, including limited access to healthcare, education, and food, compounded by the impacts of climate change such as increased forest fires and droughts. Ketty Marcelo, a local leader, expressed initial fears about external interventions but highlighted the importance of financial support in providing choices for sustainable living. The pilot aims to empower residents to avoid illegal activities and land degradation by offering them a reliable income. Three communities were selected for their commitment to conservation and reforestation efforts. Experts, including Dr. Johan Oldekop from Manchester University, have praised the initiative, noting its potential to support both environmental conservation and the well-being of disadvantaged groups. Felandro expressed confidence in the effectiveness of direct cash transfers, suggesting that this model could be replicated in other Indigenous communities across the Amazon and beyond.