[Lima, Peru] March 30, 2025 – International university student volunteer group ASEZ conducted a cleanup activity to protect the blue carbon ecosystem at Laguna la Encantada in the Santa Maria District of Huaura Province, Lima, Peru. The event drew significant attention as José Vásquez La Cruz, the district mayor of Santa Maria, personally participated on-site and encouraged the volunteers.
The cleanup activity was carried out at Laguna la Encantada, located about 150 km (93.21 miles) north of Peru’s capital, Lima, in the Santa Maria District. This area, where wetlands and freshwater lakes coexist, is rich in biodiversity yet faces severe threats from urban expansion and illegal dumping, making it a representative blue carbon crisis zone.
Mayor José Vásquez La Cruz of Santa Maria, who visited the site in person, strongly supported the efforts of the ASEZ young adults and stated:
“I highly commend the blue carbon cleanup activity led by ASEZ and was deeply impressed by the efforts ASEZ is making around the world.”
On this occasion, the mayor also pledged to issue a resolution honoring ASEZ’s contributions on July 28th, Peru’s Independence Day. This is viewed as a significant symbolic gesture reflecting shared responsibility between environmental NGOs and local governments in conserving carbon ecosystems.
The cleanup activity saw participation from ASEZ student members attending various universities in Peru. Their efforts went beyond simply cleaning the environment, encompassing trash collection, vegetation area maintenance, and interaction with local residents, thereby laying the groundwork for sustained regional cooperation.
ASEZ is an international volunteer organization comprising university students from 175 countries. It works in collaboration with local communities in various fields such as environmental protection, education, crime prevention, and disaster relief, spearheading positive changes through youth-led initiative
We look forward to seeing this action—sparked by youth-led practice and solidarity—extend its positive ripple effect beyond the local level and into the global climate policy arena.