Page 67 - 80 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER IMPACT WITH FAO

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Teija Reyes

FORESTS FOR ALL:

POLICY, PEOPLE AND PARTICIPATION

Over half of Peru’s land is covered by forest, making it one of the most forest-rich countries in the world. As a Forestry
Specialist with FAO in Peru, I had the chance to support national efforts to protect these vital ecosystems in a way that 63
benefits both people and the planet.

I worked closely with the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment to gather data and support new forest laws and policies.
My role included helping prepare for a national programme to reduce deforestation, and supporting the development of
a new, independent National Forest Service. I also spent time with indigenous communities in the Amazon, promoting
community-led forest management and transparency.

One key part of my work was understanding how people living near forests use and rely on them. We developed simple tools
to measure the value of forest products like food, firewood or medicine, while also making sure we included both men and
women’s perspectives. This helped make forest laws more inclusive and responsive to real needs.

This assignment was a dream. I felt respected as a professional, involved in real change and deeply connected to the people I
met in communities across Peru.

Teija Reyes (right), UN Volunteer Forestry Specialist with FAO in Peru, interacted with the local communities
to gather important data on forests. [UNV, 2015]