Building a replicable model of ecological restoration and economic resilience for rural Amazonian communities through sustainable agroforestry and market development.
Background
Proyecto La Colorada operates in the Amazon region of Ucayali, one of Peru's most environmentally and socio-economically vulnerable areas. Communities around Lacré face geographic isolation, limited access to markets and services, unstable incomes, and increasing climate pressures such as droughts, forest fires, and unpredictable flooding. Degraded forest land and unsustainable land-use practices further reduce productivity and threaten biodiversity.
The organisation manages a 60-hectare site with both primary forest fragments and degraded areas. Through reforestation, agroforestry, and community-based experimentation, Proyecto La Colorada aims to restore soil health, create sustainable income opportunities, and strengthen local resilience. The long-term vision is to develop a replicable model that balances ecological restoration with economic development for rural Amazonian families.
The project follows a multi-year, evidence-based approach (2026–2030), combining sustainable crop production, gradual market integration, and capacity building. Key production lines include camu camu and papaya (core crops), vanilla (experimental), and potential future activities such as bio-inputs and fish farming. The model prioritises validation before scaling, ensuring that each step is technically, economically, and socially viable.
I2Impact Students
The I2Impact team will contribute to the design, validation, and strategic development of this multi-year agroforestry and community-development programme. Students will work closely with the NGO to analyse production systems, assess feasibility, support market development, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
Depending on the team's academic background, students may focus on one or more workstreams — agricultural production, vanilla experimentation, circular-economy opportunities, or market and value-chain development. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining technical, economic, and social dimensions.
What Students Do
The project unfolds across two phases. The preparation phase (September–June) focuses on research, analysis and strategic planning. The implementation phase involves a 6–8 week on-site experience in Pucallpa, Peru.
October 2026 – May 2027
Summer 2027 — 6 weeks in Pucallpa
Why It Matters
By strengthening sustainable production systems and improving market integration, the project aims to create lasting change for families in Lacré and beyond.
Increase and stabilise incomes for rural families through diversified, market-linked production
Restore degraded land through agroforestry and reduce pressure on primary Amazon forest
Enhance community resilience to climate change through diversified and adaptive farming systems
Build local capacities in sustainable agriculture and value-chain participation for long-term self-reliance