Peru Regional Ordinance: Lake Titicaca and its tributaries as a subject of law of regional interest

Summary

On April 24, 2025, the Plenary Session of the Regional Council of Puno approved Regional Ordinance No. 000011-2025-GRP/GR Puno, declaring Lake Titicaca and its tributaries subjects of rights of preferential regional interest.

This aligns with the objectives of Supreme Decree No. 023-2021-MINAM, which approves the National Environmental Policy up to 2030. Priority objective 1 is to improve species conservation and genetic diversity, and priority objective 3 is to reduce air, water and soil pollution while ensuring the sustainable use of these resources and the provision of essential ecosystem services for Andean communities.

Lake Titicaca has the right to:
1. The right to exist and to have its ecological integrity maintained.
2. The right to natural regeneration of its hydrological cycles and biodiversity.
3. The right to be free from pollution and activities that alter its natural state.
4. The right to restoration in the event of environmental damage.
5. The right to be represented by entities that ensure its protection and conservation.

The proposed ordinance is the result of over a year of coordinated work by over 40 Quechua and Aymara women, who are members of the Network of Women Leaders United in Defence of Water and Lake Titicaca in Puno, Peru. They have received legal advice from Julio Mejia throughout this process.

Involved Organizations