Lima, April 23, 2024. Patricio Valderrama, general manager of Geológica Consultores, spoke at the first edition of the seminar Road to proEXPLO and pointed out that the situation faced by Peru in the face of climate change and the risks of natural phenomena affect a large part of the population, making it necessary to take preventive actions in this regard.

According to him, 67% of disasters in Peru are related to natural phenomena; 2.6 million Peruvians are exposed to periods of drought; 5.5 million Peruvians are exposed to very intense rainfall; 5.6 million Peruvians are exposed to periods of frost and cold spells; and 14 million Peruvians are vulnerable to food insecurity, linked to climate change.

In this sense, he added that “for every S/ 1 invested in prevention and preparation against climate change in the country, we will be saving S/ 10 on how to recover from this”.

Nature-based solutions

Therefore, at the seminar organized by the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMP), Valderrama highlighted nature-based solutions to mitigate global warming and address the risks of natural phenomena in the country.

“What is the difference between traditional solutions and nature-based solutions? Well, traditional ones are man-made to control or manipulate the natural environment under a reactive approach. While nature-based solutions join nature to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” explained the general manager of Geológica Consultores.

He also pointed out that the main objectives of these solutions are human welfare and biodiversity benefits. He also emphasized that these solutions are a social challenge because they require bringing together diverse stakeholders. However, he considered it important that they work in the long term and with an easy-to-maintain approach, as they are living structures.

Valderrama cited some examples to illustrate such solutions, such as wetland and mangrove restoration, which act as filters for water, carbon and nutrients, as well as providing habitats for wildlife; regenerative agriculture and sustainable grazing practices, which improve soil health; green infrastructure in urban environments, which improves air quality; among others.

According to the speaker, applying this type of solutions to various aspects of human activities would be the best way to prevent the risks to which Peru is exposed.

Nature-based solutions applied to mining

“Typically, nature-based solutions are very open. We have many experiences in mine closures, where the tendency is to return the mine to an environment very similar to how it was found", said Patricio Valderrama regarding the application of these solutions in mining.

Likewise, he indicated that this approach can be applied in mining, from road construction, drilling fluids, dumps, etc.

He also referred to the use that can be made of it in the remediation of environmental liabilities. “In fact, I recently read a topic that there are known bacteria that can clearly arise in nature and can consume harmful inputs. Depending on the area, nature-based solutions can be more efficient than traditional solutions,” he said.