2030 Roadmap approved in Peru to boost the Amazon Chestnut sector in Madre de Dios with decent work and sustainability

Madre de Dios (ILO News) – In a key step toward the sustainable development of the Peruvian Amazon, the Mesa Técnica Regional de la Castaña Amazónica (Regional Technical Working Group on Amazon Chestnuts) has officially approved its 2030 Roadmap— a strategic instrument designed to strengthen this value chain with a focus on sustainability, productive transformation, decent work, just transition and inclusive development.

The roadmap’s development was led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in coordination with CITEproductivo Madre de Dios, and was built through interviews, participatory workshops and the review of key technical documents.

The Roadmap outlines concrete actions to address the sector’s main challenges, including:

• limited market access,
• low diversification of products and services,
• weak institutional coordination,
• lack of generational succession, and
• the need for robust governance mechanisms.

At the same time, it proposes a shared vision for sustainable development grounded in decent work, with greater participation and recognition of the contributions of women and youth throughout the value chain, while ensuring forest protection and the use of renewable energy.

© Midagri Perú

The approval session was held at the Peruvian Amazon Research Institute (IIAP) and brought together Amazon Chestnut harvesters' associations, regional authorities, businesses, academic institutions, civil society organizations and international cooperation partners.

Following the signing of the 2030 Roadmap approval document, a new board of directors was elected for the Mesa Técnica, which will be responsible for leading its implementation.

This roadmap allows us to look to the future with a shared vision and a solid foundation for coordinated and impactful action.

Rosa Chávez, the newly elected president of the Mesa Técnica and representative of the Association of Amazon Chestnut harvesters of the Tambopata National Reserve and Bahuaja Sonene National Park (ASCART)

The Amazon Chestnut is not only a source of economic livelihood, but also an opportunity to build a development model that integrates sustainability, equity and regional development.

Virginia Rose Losada, ILO Specialist for the Andean countries

With this Roadmap, the region of Madre de Dios takes a firm step toward strengthening its main forest-based value chain, conserving forests, generating decent employment, and creating opportunities for women and youth through competitive products that highlight Amazonian identity.

First Steps Toward Implementing the Roadmap

During the working group meeting, the results of the Amazon Chestnut sector baseline study were also presented. The study was developed by the Wyss Academy for Nature in partnership with the Association of Organic Harvesters of the Amazon Nut of Peru (RONAP) and ASCART.

The study revealed significant differences between concession producers located along the highway corridor and those within the Tambopata National Reserve—an essential input for designing targeted actions. Proposals for the 2025 Regional Amazon Chestnut Festival – “Sowing the Future, Harvesting Life” – were also discussed, aiming to strengthen the sector’s visibility and positioning.

Finally, a project by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Instituto Tecnológico de la Producción (ITP) was presented, focused on “strengthening the capacities of the Productive Innovation and Technology Transfer Centers in the Peruvian Amazon to connect bioeconomy value chains,” with activities aligned to the Roadmap.