Safeguarding the only species of bear from South America
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 6
Tuesday, 28th January 2025
By Paula Perrelli dos Anjos
Imagine owning land on the top of the mountains where native Andean bears live. That is the reality for Christina’s family, who work hard to preserve the biodiversity of the Cloud Forest (montane rainforests) in central Peru. They’ve owned a farm for over 30 years, part of a conservation area called Biosfera #Oxapampa #Ashaninka #Yanesha.
Interestingly, in England, this animal is best known as Paddington Bear - a creation by Michael Bond, a British author who introduced his beloved character in 1958. The story follows a polite and adventurous bear from "darkest Peru" who ends up in London and is adopted by the Browns. Paddington Bear has since become a cherished character in children's literature, with numerous books, adaptations, and movies.
Christina’s family knows the importance of safeguarding the only bear species native to South America. Mostly solitary animals, they are skilled climbers and spend a considerable amount of time in trees. Named the spectacled bear because of its distinct facial markings that resemble glasses, this animal plays a crucial role in its habitat as a seed disperser, aiding in the maintenance of diverse flora. The #Andean bear is an adaptable forager, embodying resilience in the face of #environmental challenges.
Women-only Cooperative
The area where the spectacled bear lives is under conservation but also provides livelihoods for women who produce sustainable coffee with a unique taste due to the altitude and high humidity. Christina is one of the 80 members of a women-only cooperative called CEMCAVIR, which has been supported by Amazonia Impact Ventures (AIV) since 2022. Working on their coffee plantations provides the sole income for these women who support their children and families.
CEMCAVIR qualified for their first loan of USD 180 thousand, and since then they have been trading with a #women-led business in Germany called #EdlesausPeru, based in Baiersdorf, a small town in Bavaria. The cooperative is comprised of women from different cultural backgrounds such as #Yaneshas and #Andeans.
Learn more about our partners:
Thank you:
Christina for the lovely interview!
#Unsplash for the Andean Bear picture!
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