At Celepsa we take advantage of the waters of different rivers in Peru to generate electricity, interacting with a variety of ecosystems and species that inhabit these environments. Our power plants coexist in harmony with these ecosystems, as we recognize the importance of natural resources and their preservation to build a sustainable world.
As part of the celebration of International Biodiversity Day, let us learn about our role in the preservation of native species of the Cañete River, which is a fundamental resource for the generation of energy at our El Platanal Hydroelectric Power Plant.
River shrimp sustainability program
For more than 20 years we have been contributing to the rational use of shrimp in the Cañete River, a valuable resource because it is native, a cultural symbol and the engine of a gastronomic activity with economic potential. The river shrimp is found in only two countries, Chile and Peru, although only in Peru is it considered a fishery resource due to its great abundance, with the Cañete River being the main producer in the Lima Region and the second largest producer at the national level after the Arequipa Region.
For this reason, we implemented the River Shrimp Sustainability Program in alliance with the Regional Production Directorate of the Regional Government of Lima and the shrimp farming associations, which seeks responsible use of shrimp, the development of shrimp farming organizations as agents of change and the commitment of local and regional authorities.
The program is based on four pillars:
- Training: to develop knowledge on shrimp biology, ecology and management, strengthening the capacities of the shrimp farming associations in the area and the production chain.
- Shrimp restocking: with the objective of contributing to an adequate distribution of the resource; from 2012 to 2023, 828,672 juvenile shrimp have been transferred from the reproduction sectors in the Cañete River.
- Control and surveillance during closed seasons and responsible fishing: This program was created in 2008 to promote respect for shrimp conservation measures issued by the government and responsible shrimp extraction. Its scope extends from the mouth of the Cañete River in San Vicente de Cañete to the district of Zúñiga with 21 control points.
- Monitoring: allows us to evaluate and plan actions to contribute positively to the shrimp population.
To date, the program has managed to increase the river shrimp population from 91,682 to 1,817,000 individuals, consolidate the shrimp associations as the main organizations in the exploitation of river shrimp and cooperate with the development of gastronomy in the Cañete river basin. This effort has been recognized with the National Mining Society Award (2009) and the COP21 National Environmental Award (2014).
A sustainable and prosperous future in our environment.
We are committed to the preservation and sustainability of the hydrobiological resources of the Cañete River. Our constant and collaborative effort with local authorities and communities demonstrates that harmonious coexistence between energy generation and biodiversity conservation is possible. We look to the future with the conviction that our actions today will create a positive legacy for future generations and maintain our firm commitment to continue contributing to the care of rivers and biodiversity. At Celepsa, we create value for a better world.
