Did you know that extensive cattle ranching is one of the main causes of deforestation and soil degradation in the Peruvian Amazon? In 2024 alone, Madre de Dios has lost about 42,800 hectares of natural forests, with this conventional model being one of the main causes.

Its expansion compromises the ecosystem services provided by forests - such as the regulation of the water cycle and climate, and the conservation of biodiversity - as well as affecting the livelihoods of families who depend on the land.

A sustainable alternative: regenerative livestock farming

Faced with this challenge, regenerative livestock farming in Peru is presented as a sustainable alternative that seeks to:

Exchange of experiences in Madre de Dios

In this context, the event ‘Experiences of Regenerative Livestock Farming in Madre de Dios’ was held for representatives and specialists from regional governments. The activity was key to strengthening technical capacities and promoting sustainable livestock development, with a focus on land regeneration and improving conditions for producers.

Articulated regional participation

In coordination with the Amazon Regional Commonwealth, the participation of authorities and officials from the regional governments of:

During the day, more than 30 representatives toured model plots with more than four years of implementation, where they observed practices such as soil restoration, the use of natural inputs and rotational grazing, in addition to the use of electric fences to prevent conflicts with jaguars. These strategies reflect the environmental, productive and social benefits of this approach.

The objective is to inspire and strengthen the capacities of Amazonian and northern regional governments to scale up this sustainable production model in their territories, contributing to a more resilient livestock transition.

Advantages over extensive livestock farming

‘Unlike conventional extensive livestock farming, which involves the clearing of forests and the loss of key habitats, the model we promote seeks to conserve ecosystems and improve productivity in a sustainable and resilient way,’ explained Priscila Pasco, WWF's agroecology officer.

She also pointed out that extensive livestock farming fragments territories needed by many species, is unprofitable, and has low efficiency and vulnerability to climate change.

Alliances that drive change

During the event, Agromercado, an entity attached to the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI), reaffirmed its commitment to regenerative livestock farming, announcing actions with producers in Madre de Dios to promote responsible consumption and strengthen their organisation through a cooperative.

Likewise, from Huánuco, Governor Antonio Pulgar stressed that this model not only protects the forests, but also improves the income of livestock farming families. His government is already working on a public investment project to scale up these sustainable practices in the region, with support from the Amazon Regional Commonwealth.

A new path

What was experienced in Madre de Dios showed that it is possible to have livestock farming that cares for the forests, regenerates the soil and strengthens life in the countryside. The experiences shared, the lessons learned in the territory and the commitment of authorities and producers reflect a change that is already underway.

Sustainable livestock farming is not only necessary: it is possible. And it starts with every decision that promotes a harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

Learn more about our work in the Amazon here, or follow us to discover more stories of impact from the field.