1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Lima (FUA)
Region
Latin America and the Caribbean
Native title of the NBS intervention
Humedales de Ventanilla
Short description of the intervention
The "Ventanilla Wetlands" Regional Conservation Area (ACR) is an area of 275.45 hectares protected and administered by the Regional Management of Natural Resources and Environmental Management of the Regional Government of Callao (1, 2). It was established on December 20, 2006, by Supreme Decree No. 074-2006-AG, to conserve a representative sample of the coastal wetlands of the Subtropical Pacific Desert (2). With an ecosystem shaped by various hydrological and ecological processes, the "Ventanilla Wetlands" ACR is home to 126 bird species and 27 native plant species, making it an ideal area for ecotourism, recreational, educational, scientific, and cultural activities, thanks to its landscapes and biodiversity (2). However, the Ventanilla Wetlands face several challenges due to urban growth, water pollution, waste, traffic and plane overflights from the National Police and Navy, leading to a decline in bird populations due to noise exposure (5).
This area is fed by the hydrological system of the Chillón River, by surface waters from the Sedapal oxidation ponds, and by water seepage from nearby human settlements and populations adjacent to the wetland. The Ventanilla Wetlands are also influenced by the marine system, especially in the northwest zone. This gives the ACR area lagoon-like characteristics, meaning that its waters are slightly brackish despite being separated from the sea. The internal hydrological system supports the growth of species such as cattails, bulrushes, and reeds. In total, there are 27 native plant species, which serve the function of filtering and purifying the wetland's water. Additionally, the flora provides protection and food for various fauna species, particularly birds, with 126 species recorded, including resident and migratory birds from the Andes, local areas, and the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Moreover, this protected natural area is home to five reptile species, including endemic species from Lima that are endangered (3).
Website of the intervention
https://www.gob.pe/15430-area-de-conservacion-regional-humedales-de-ventanilla-…
Principal problems
Environmental Degradation
Biodiversity loss
Soil degradation and loss
Poor water quality
Physical water retention and availability
Land use and Socio-economic change
Rapid urbanization
Implementation area characterization
Climate
Arid (Desert, Steppe)
Ecosystem
Urban or built environment
Address

Av. La Playa, Ventanilla 07061, Perú
Ventanilla
Peru

Location
The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by).
Area boundary (map-based)
NBS area image
Source of NBS area image
https://galeria-arquitectura.pucp.edu.pe/trabajo/renaturalizar-lima/
Total area
2754400.00m²
NBS area
2754400.00m²
Area description
Urban (main city)
Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Natural Heritage Area/Untouched nature
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
1995
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
2006
End date of the intervention
2006
Present stage of the intervention
Completed
Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
- To conserve a representative sample of wetlands present in the Subtropical Pacific Desert ecoregion, including associated values and fragile ecosystems that provide habitat for migratory and resident avifauna and other local fauna and flora (5).
- To contribute to Ecological and Economic Zoning for land use planning and environmental management within the Regional Government of Callao (9)
- To protect soils and vegetation as regulators of the hydrological regime, to ensure water supply and other environmental services for the benefit of its environmental components (9)
- To control and mitigate threats to the wetland (9)
- To avoid degradation and loss of biodiversity and its associated values (9)
- To create the minimum conditions necessary for future ecotourism, recreational, educational, scientific, and cultural activities (9)
Key Priorities
Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration)
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13)
Climate change mitigation
Environmental quality
Waste management
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Green space creation and/or management
Habitat and biodiversity conservation
Water management (SDG 6)
Improvements to water quality
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Creation of opportunities for recreation
Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
Environmental education
Economic development and employment (SDG 8)
Tourism support
Climate change mitigation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Protect and restore in-land wetlands, peatlands, swamps, and moors aiming at sequestering carbon dioxide and storing it in their soil
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Species-focused
Ecosystem-focused
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Protect and enhance urban habitats
Preserve and strengthen existing habitats and ecosystems
Promote environmentally-sound development in and around protected areas
Preserve and strengthen habitat connectivity
Reduce negative impacts and avoid the alteration/damage of ecosystem
Protect species
Undertake specific measures to protect native species
Undertake specific measures to protect endangered species
Means for conservation governance
Raise public awareness
Implementation activities and NBS focus
Implementation activities
The Regional Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Management has a strategic plan implemented by trained personnel in the Ventanilla wetlands to mitigate these impacts so that they can be completely eradicated in the long term. Thus, through its management, it has been carrying out cleanup and solid waste collection; environmental and biological monitoring; maintenance of canals, water bodies, and infrastructure; installation of informative and dissuasive signs; development and implementation of a contingency plan for fire threats; and awareness-raising through the development and dissemination of photographic and film material, among others (1, 6).
Type of NBS project
Maintenance and management of urban nature
Maintenance or upgrade of exisiting green spaces (e.g. parks)
Ecological restoration of ecosystems
Remediation activities of sites with very poor environmental quality
Restoration of wetlands (other types than peatlands and mangroves, e.g. seagrass)
Restoration and protection of ecosystems (including water ecosystems)
Protection of natural ecosystems
Protecton and enhancement of wetlands (other types than peatlands and mangroves, e.g. seagrass)
Habitat conservation
Creating nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, or biodiversity hotspots to conserve unique ecosystems
NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Blue infrastructure
In-land wetlands, peatlands, swamps, and moors
Amenities offered by the NBS
Benches and drinking water stations
Educational or biodiversity trails
Educational and research amenities (nature protection centre, monitoring stations)
Complementing infrastructure (bathrooms, café)
Viewing and outlook points
Design elements for well-being
Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation)
Tactile elements (e.g., natural materials like wood or stone, exposure to sunlight)
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Provisioning services
Food for human consumption (crops, vegetables)
Raw materials
Water (surface and ground water for drinking and non-drinking purposes)
Medicinal resources
Genetic materials from all biota
Regulating services
Local climate regulation (temperature reduction)
Air quality regulation
Carbon storage/sequestration
Flood regulation
Water purification / filtration
Pollination
Habitat and supporting services
Habitats for species
Cultural services
Tourism
Recreation
Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational)
Spiritual and / or emblematic (symbolic, sacred and / or religious)
Scale
Spatial scale
Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level
Beneficiaries
Demographics in implementation area
According to the 2017 National Census of Population, Housing, and Indigenous Communities, the total population of the Ventanilla district is 315,600 inhabitants, representing 31.73% of the Callao region's total population of 994,494 people. Ventanilla is one of the thirty most populated districts in all of Peru and has the highest annual average growth rate in Callao. During the intercensal period from 2007 to 2017, its population increased from 277,895 to 315,600 inhabitants, a growth of 13.6% (7). In Metropolitan Lima and Callao, there are 125 pockets of extreme poverty, 45 of which, or 36%, are located in Ventanilla. As a result, it is considered an urban marginal district, with a total poverty rate of 28.5% and an extreme poverty rate of 3.3% (7). The wetland is surrounded by 4 human settlements (Apurimac, Valle verde, Valle azul and Defensores del pueblo) (7).
Socio-economic profile of the area
Low-income
Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts
Yes
Specification of climate or environmentally vulnerable communities
Informal settlements or slums
Primary Beneficiaries
Researchers/University
Citizens or community groups
Marginalized groups
Specify primary beneficiaries
The project seeks to benefit the entire population of Callao and the inhabitants of Ventanilla, who benefit from the ecosystem services provided by the wetland, such as temperature regulation and air purification (7). On the other hand, the Peruvian population in general, since this is a space that preserves a unique environment on the Peruvian coast, and the scientific community since it preserves a natural area that allows them to research the flora and fauna found in the area (7).
Marginalized groups
Children, young people or youth groups
Socio-economically disadvantaged populations (e.g. low-income households, unemployed)
Measures for inclusion of marginalised groups
The inhabitants of the human settlements near the Ventanilla wetland are people of limited resources, and their relationship with this natural environment is very close. The daily activities of many of these people are determined by the resources offered by this place. For example, the use of flora, through the extraction of reeds and totora reeds, which some local women use to weave handicrafts and sell them to visitors. And the use of fauna, through artisanal fishing (7)
In 2014, a Mini Park Ranger course was held for children living in the area of influence of the Ventanilla Wetlands (5)
Specify measures taken for vulnerable or marginalized communities
Implementation of specific programs to address the needs of these communities
Provision of resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by vulnerable or marginalized groups
Other beneficiaries
Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators)
Native plant vegetation
Endangered species (flora and fauna)
Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas)
Governance
Governance arrangements
Government-led
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
It is administered and fully financed by the Regional Government of Callao. The National Institute of Natural Resources - INRENA is responsible for the supervision and technical assistance, as well as for training the personnel designated by the Regional Government of Callao to administer the protected natural area (5)
Key actors - initiating organization
Regional government
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
Public sector institution
Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders)
Dissemination of information and education
Uncommon actors ("Missing actors")
Unknown
Land owners
Public space owned by the city
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"
Board of Directors Decree No. 015-2001-CD/CONAM of June 19, 2001, to contribute to the formulation of the environmental policy of Callao, facilitating the coordination of actions between local institutions and CONAM, formulating and executing the Action Plan and Environmental Agenda of Callao, as well as preparing proposals for environmental management and policies (5).
Relevant strategy or plan
Municipal / city level environmental plan or programme
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Mandatory (based on policy)
Intervention is mandatory
Environmental regulation
Enablers & Barriers
Type of enablers
Capacity-building projects
City network or regional partnerships focused on climate change, sustainability, GI or NBS in the city
Other
Please specify "other type of enabler"
In 2001, the Regional Environmental Commission of Callao (CAR Callao) was created as a space for coordination and agreement on environmental policy at the level of the Constitutional Province (5)
Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives.
In 2001, a Declaration was signed by the National University of Callao, together with CTAR Callao, Pronatura, Terranova and Alternativa, NGOs dedicated to environmental conservation, for the elaboration of a strategic Master Plan for the management of the Ventanilla Wetlands (5)
Governace and decison-making instruments
Legislative and regulatory instruments (e.g. laws, strategies, regulations or restrictions)
Strategic instruments (e.g. GI strategies, green space strategy or plans)
Arrangements for governance cooperation
Formal coordination mechanisms to oversee project implementation and decision-making (e.g., multi-stakeholder steering committees, working groups)
Information-sharing platforms or networks (e.g. websites for sharing best practices, data or resources pertinent to the project)
Capacity-building initiatives for governance actors (e.g. training workshops for local government officials/ community leaders)
Performance monitoring and evaluation frameworks (e.g. adoption of KPIs, or establishment or monitoring and evaluation processes)
Barriers
There have been fires in the area due to land trafficking. It is reported that the wetland does not have an updated Management Plan, the last one was from 2009-2014, which shows little commitment from regional governmental actors. It is mentioned that this area does not have a delimited buffer zone, which allows the zoning and status of the surrounding areas to change, endangering conservation efforts (8).
Financing
Total cost
Unknown
Please specify total cost (EUR)
Unknown
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
Unknown
Source(s) of funding
Public local authority budget
Type of fund(s) used
Earmarked public budget
Non-financial contribution
Unknown
Co-finance for NBS
No
Entrepreneurship opportunities
Yes
What entrepreneurship opportunities have arisen from the NBS project?
Eco-friendly product manufacturing
What types of actors are leading the entrepreneurship activities linked to the NBS project?
Local community groups/ citizens
What types of support are provided to entrepreneurs engaged in NBS-related activities?
Access to specialized facilities or equipment
Business models
Business models
Risk reduction model
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Public actor (e.g. municipality)
Impacts, benefits
Environmental impacts
Water management and blue areas
Improved water quality
Achieved improved water quality
Green space and habitat
Increased green space area
Achieved increased green space area
Increase in protected green space areas
Achieved increase in protected green space areas
Reduced biodiversity loss
Achieved reduced biodiversity loss
Increased number of species present
Achieved increased number of species present
Increased protection of threatened species
Achieved increased protection of threatened species
Description of environmental benefits
-Improved water quality: "In total, there are 27 species of native plants, which perform the function of filtering and purifying the wetland water." (3)
-Increased green space area: "The Regional Conservation Area (RCA) “Humedales de Ventanilla” is a 275.45 hectare protected area." (2)
-Increase in protected green space areas: "The RCA “Humedales de Ventanilla” is one of the 26 areas protected by the regional governments at the national level." (2)
-Reduced biodiversity loss: "126 species of birds have been recorded, including Andean, local, boreal and austral residents and migratory birds." (3)
-Increased number of species present: "The water system inside the ACR is conducive to the growth of cattails, reeds and reeds. In total, 27 species of native plants filter and purify the wetland water." (3)
-Increased protection of threatened species: "In addition, this protected natural area is home to 5 species of reptiles, including the gecko (Phyllodactylus sentosus) and the lizard (Stenocercus modestus), both endemic species of Lima and in danger of extinction." (3)
Environmental impact indicators
Total number of bird species re-introduced, rediscovered or monitored
126
Green space area created (in ha)
275.45
Total area of protected or secured natural areas (in ha)
275.45
Economic impacts
Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation)
Achieved generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation)
More sustainable tourism
Achieved more sustainable tourism
Description of economic benefits
-Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation): "Extraction of reeds and totora reeds by some local women to weave handicrafts and sell them to visitors." (7)
- More sustainable tourism: "The main reason people visit the area is for study and tourism, which occupies 47% of the total, followed by 35% for sightseeing and 12% for research." (7)
Social and cultural impacts
Social justice and cohesion
Improved access to urban green space
Achieved improved access to urban green space
Health and wellbeing
Gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Achieved gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Cultural heritage and sense of place
Preserved spiritual and religious values
Achieved preserved spiritual and religious values
Education
Increased support for education and scientific research
Achieved increased support for education and scientific research
Increased knowledge of locals about local nature
Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature
Social and cultural impact indicators
Number of participants in outdoor activities or exercise programs in green spaces
5090 visitors throughout 2012 (7)
Description of social and cultural benefits
-Improved access to urban green space: "With a total of 5090 visitors throughout the year, the busiest months are May to July and October to November." (7)
-Gain in activities for recreation and exercise: "The main reason people visit the area is for study and tourism, which occupies 47% of the total, followed by 35% for sightseeing and 12% for research." (7)
-Preserved spiritual and religious values: "For many people with religious or spiritual beliefs, the Ventanilla Wetlands are sacred places for their health benefits, and they use the site for various spiritual activities such as meditation." (7)
-Increased support for education and scientific research: "The main reason people visit the area is for study and tourism, which occupies 47% of the total, followed by 35% for sightseeing and 12% for research." (7)
-Increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "In 2014, the Mini Park Ranger course was held for children living in the area of influence of the Ventanilla Wetlands. " (5)
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Yes
Actors involved in the assessment, monitoring or evaluation of NBS impacts
National government
Regional government
Researchers/university
Presence of indicators used in reporting
Yes
Type of indicators
Process indicators
Outcome indicators
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
Yes
Link to monitoring/evaluation reports
https://www.gob.pe/15426-area-de-conservacion-regional-humedales-de-ventanilla-…
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
Unknown
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Cost-benefit analysis
Yes
Transparency
Meetings with stakeholders’ representatives
Public disclosure of project funding sources and/or budgets
Online disclosure of technical reports (e.g. project documents, reports, or data)
Justice
Community satisfaction
Positive: The majority of feedback and reports indicate high levels of satisfaction and appreciation for the NBS project within the community.
Description of locals satisfaction with the project
The opinions focus on the positive experiences surrounding the wetland as a tourist site. It provides a suitable environment for family tourism and has facilities for sports, such as hiking, and educational activities, such as bird watching. The community mentions comfortable experiences as it has services such as orientation booths offering professional guidance, restrooms, marked trails, and eco-sustainable workshops for the nearby population.
Trade-offs & Negative impacts
Unknown
Please specify Trade-offs & Negative impacts Selected
Unknown
Emphasis of existing social inequalities or injustices
No information reported related to negative social justice-related impacts of the NBS project
Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement
Unknown
High-quality & Transformative NBS
Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community)
No
Goal setting and impacts delivery
In the planning phase, the project aimed to address issues in all 3 key priority areas, but impacts were not delivered in all three key areas.
Reaching original project goals
Most of the project goals were achieved
Long-term perspective
Yes
Cost-effective solutions
Yes
Equitable impacts
A. All stakeholders benefit fairly from the project
Transformative capacity
Ecological change (e.g. ecosystem functions and their distribution)
Magnitude of change
Reformist: by focusing on addressing underlying drivers of change but failing to address the problem structurally or systemically
Application of lessons learned
Unknown
Perception of Environmental Change
Unknown
References
1.
Peruvian Government (n.d.). Área de Conservación Regional Humedales de Ventanilla. Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
2.
Peruvian Government (n.d.). Área de Conservación Regional Humedales de Ventanilla - Descripción. Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
3.
Peruvian Government (n.d.). Área de Conservación Regional Humedales de Ventanilla - Biodiversidad. Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
4.
Olivares, E. (n.d.). Renaturalizar LIMA - Proyecto Humedal Ventanilla. Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
5.
Cruces Aguirre, D. (2018). EDUCACIÓN AMBIENTAL UNA ESTRATEGIA PARA LA CONSERVACIÓN DE LOS HUMEDALES DE VENTANILLA . 4th Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
6.
Callao Regional Government (n.d.). Actividades de Conservación. Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
7.
Arrús Benavente, D., Mogollón Cuba, M. (2019). CENTRO DE INTERPRETACIÓN DE LOS HUMEDALES DE VENTANILLA - TOMO 1. Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
8.
Gonzales Santos, M. (2021). Proyecto de Ley 7885/2020 CR. Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
9.
Peruvian Government (2006). Decreto Supremo N°074-2006-AG. Accessed on September 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
Comments and notes
Public Images
Handicrafts made from reed extracted from the Ventanilla Wetlands ACR.
Handicrafts made from reed extracted from the Ventanilla Wetlands ACR.
Peruvian Government
Maintenance of infrastructure of the Ventanilla Wetlands
Maintenance of infrastructure of the Ventanilla Wetlands
Callao Regional Government