MEET SONIA:
A FRONT RUNNER IN SUSTAINABLE OIL PALM
Empowering change & promoting sustainability in Ucayali
Sonia Peña, a determined and passionate oil palm farmer, has emerged as a beacon of hope and change in the Ucayali region after becoming the first smallholder in Peru to be audited for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification in the country. A dedicated mother and influential community leader, Sonia is at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and community development, striving to improve living conditions for family and her fellow community members.
Sonia's journey into oil palm farming was anything but straightforward. Once a dedicated nurse and pharmacy owner, she sold her business and ventured to Ucayali as a single mother of one. Once there, she bought a plot of land and met her future husband, who suggested they dive into agriculture.
"My parents were farmers in Jauja, Huancayo. This connection drew me back to agriculture," she recalls.
Despite facing challenges with limited access to resources and information, Sonia was committed to making a go of it. Her involvement in the rigorous RSPO certification process stands as a testament to this perseverance.
"Since I was little, I always wanted to be an example for my family and the community around me," Sonia states with a smile.
The RSPO certification process has been transformative for Sonia and over 100 other oil palm farmers in Ucayali who have embarked on the journey towards sustainable production.
Their involvement is made possible by Amazonia Connect, a 5-year partnership between USAID, Solidaridad, Earth Innovation Institute, the National Wildlife Federation, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison that aims to promote low-emission commodity production and biodiversity conservation in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
"Working with the programme has been a blessing. They have given us the tools and support needed to improve our farming practices and protect our environment."
Sonia's leadership extends beyond her farm. She is actively involved in local politics, championing the rights and welfare of her community members. Her dedication and hard work have inspired many, particularly women, to pursue leadership roles and implement sustainable farming practices.
"The certification is not just an achievement for me, but for our entire community. We want to show that it is possible to produce sustainably and care for our land for future generations."
The path to sustainability is not without its challenges for farmers in the area. She and her fellow farmers have faced difficulties in the transition to more sustainable practices. Limited access to training, financial constraints, and the need to balance immediate economic needs with long-term environmental goals are just a few of the hurdles they have encountered. Despite these challenges, Sonia's resilience and determination have not wavered.
"It hasn't been easy, but with the support we’ve received and the commitment of our community, we are making progress every day."
The Amazon Basin provides vital ecosystem services, but faces increasing pressure from the growing demand for farmland and exploitation of natural resources. Initiatives like Amazonia Connect are crucial in balancing production and conservation efforts. By creating an enabling environment where farmers like Sonia can adopt low-carbon practices, and contribute to sustainable supply chains and regional low-emissions development, the long-term prospects look better.
Sonia envisions a thriving community where sustainable practices are the norm and the natural environment is protected for generations to come. She hopes that more farmers will join the movement toward sustainability, creating a ripple effect that will benefit the entire region.
"We are committed to sustainability and the conservation of our Amazon. With the support of Amazonia Connect, we will continue working to achieve a prosperous future in harmony with nature."
Sonia stands as a testament to the power of resilience, community, and sustainable development. Her story is a reminder that with dedication, support, and a clear vision, it is possible to create a better future for both people and the planet.
"Together, we can make a difference," Sonia concludes with a hopeful smile. "We are not just farmers; we are stewards of the land, and we have a responsibility to protect it."
As Amazonia Connect progresses, it aims to extend its reach to thousands of farmers across the Amazon Basin. By building on the connections and overlaps at every level of the supply chain, Amazonia Connect will incentivize low-carbon practices, stimulate growth in sustainable sourcing of palm oil, and set the stage for a regional approach to low-emissions development that contributes to climate action.
Read more about Amazonia Connect here.
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