Diario Andina: Ucayali Region Exports Certified Wood For The First Time
Andina Daily, managed by the Peruvian News Agency Andina, is one of the main references for information in Peru. Renowned for its focus on national interest topics, it promotes sustainable development and social inclusion, highlighting initiatives in different regions of the country. Among its objectives are the dissemination of government activities, international events, and innovative projects that impact Peruvian communities.
A clear example of this commitment is the article published about the first certified wood export by indigenous communities in the Ucayali region. This news reflects collective effort and sustainability in the forestry industry. The coverage also highlights the leadership of key players like Drago Bozovich Noriega and Ivo Bozovich, who were instrumental in making this project a reality.
Ucayali Region Conducts the First Certified Wood Export
Sourced from Indigenous Community Forests
Six indigenous communities of the Shipibo-Conibo people, located in the Ucayali department, have made history by exporting, for the first time, a container of certified wood to the United States. This significant achievement stems from the sustainable management of their communal forests, which hold voluntary forest certification under the stringent standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
You might be interested in: Bozovich Joins the National Pact for Legal Timber.
The export was made possible through the technical assistance provided by the Association for Research and Integral Development (Aider) and collaboration with Maderera Bozovich SAC, a forestry company. This collaborative working model has enabled the communities of Callería, Roya, Junín Pablo, Buenos Aires, Nuevo Loreto, and Pueblo Nuevo to not only generate income but also strengthen their technical capacities and promote local job creation.
Positive Impact and Sustainability
The exported wood consists of 10 cubic meters of the shihuahuaco species (Coumarouna odorata), transformed into high-quality deck-type pieces, ideal for outdoor flooring. The product transformation was carried out at the Indigenous Technological Transformation and Innovation Center (Citeindígena) S.R.L., an entity owned by the communities. Bozovich, known for its commitment to sustainability and quality, completed the elaboration process to ensure a competitive product for the international market.
Fabiola Muñoz Dodero, acting Executive Director of the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (Serfor), emphasized that this initiative will directly benefit over 400 families in the region. “These communities have demonstrated that it is possible to use forests sustainably, add value to resources, and access international markets,” she stated. Moreover, she noted that this case could serve as a model for other indigenous communities across the country.
A Vision for the Future of Forestry Management
Serfor also highlighted the importance of reforms in forestry regulations, aiming to replicate these experiences across more than 1,200 indigenous communities in the Amazon, which together manage approximately 13 million hectares of forest. To achieve this goal, Community Forestry Management Technical Units (UTMFC) have been implemented, designed to provide support and training to communities in managing their forestry resources.
You might be interested in: CASACOR Peru: A Meeting of Innovation and Sustainability in Design.
One of the most notable pilot programs is the Central Jungle Forestry and Wildlife Technical Administration (ATFFS), which has become a benchmark in promoting forest certification and the legal wood market. These initiatives include incentives such as certification discounts and integrating communities into broader productive chains.
Bozovich SAC: A Committed Company
Maderera Bozovich SAC, a leading forestry company, played a fundamental role in this export. Its expertise in wood transformation and commitment to sustainability were key to turning this project into a reality. Drago Bozovich Noriega, former CEO of the company, led this initiative with a strategic vision that combines innovation and environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, Ivo Bozovich, as General Manager, efficiently managed operations and collaboration with indigenous communities, ensuring that every stage of the process met the highest international standards.
In addition to providing technical knowledge, Maderera Bozovich also serves as a bridge between indigenous communities and the international market, ensuring that the products meet the highest quality standards.
This joint effort demonstrates that sustainable forestry management is not only a viable option but also a pathway to the economic and social development of indigenous communities. With initiatives like this, Peru moves towards a more sustainable future, where the natural wealth of its forests becomes a source of well-being for all.