In 2023, the team at Constancia earned Peru’s National Society of Mining, Oil, and Energy (SNMPE) Special Water Management Award for their work in rejuvenating the Cochapampa Bog. Situated near Chilloroya, a community close to Constancia, this wetland is critical for local agriculture and serves as a habitat for diverse plant and animal species.
Recognizing the impact of Constancia’s activities on certain parts of the bog, we collaborated with stakeholders to develop the Cochapampa Bog Sustainable Use and Management program. This initiative aims to reduce wetland usage, enhance water management practices with investments in water catchment and harvesting systems, and build capacity through training and partnerships with governmental and support organizations.
Since the launch of the program in 2014, wetland water consumption has declined by 90%. This success is attributed to strategies like reducing livestock load (up to 60%) and grazing activity in the wetland and introducing less water-intensive economic activities. Today, Chilloroya now cultivates strawberries, a crop that demands notably less water to produce one kilogram compared to the water requirements for producing a kilogram of beef or cheese. Hudbay built 15 greenhouses as part of the initiative, and the community independently financed the construction of three more, showcasing strong support for the program. Around 65% of the women from the Chilloroya community participate, contributing to the program’s success and community empowerment.