Peruvian teacher transforms pond into bird wetland
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Fidel Cueva Hinostroza, a science teacher in Chupaca, Peru, began working with his students over 23 years ago to convert a rainwater pond into a thriving wetland.
Initially, convincing students and locals that the long-term project would succeed proved difficult. Hinostroza and successive generations of students worked to dam water, plant vegetation, and attract wildlife to the area, despite skepticism from the community. Over time, their efforts yielded results.
The wetland, now named Pucush Uclo Ojo del Mundo, has become a habitat for over 24,000 birds of more than 20 different species. The project gained recognition internationally, winning awards in environmental competitions in Chile, Ecuador, and Sweden. Currently, Hinostroza hopes to develop the wetland into a tourist attraction, envisioning walkways that will allow visitors to observe the diverse flora and fauna.
He also wants Peruvians to recognize the environmental work happening within their own country, as the project has received more attention abroad. The initiative is part of “Peruanos que Suman,” a social campaign by El Comercio newspaper and Banco de Crédito del Perú to identify and reward people making positive impacts in their communities.
