Advocacy in Peru: Changing climate policy

For decades, Latin America has suffered the effects of climate change. Communities face temperature shifts, droughts, and flooding. Peru is reported to be the third most vulnerable country to climate change. In light of this, Tearfund’s partner, Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope) was joined by Vida Abundante (Abundant Life) led by Tearfund Inspired Individual Pilar Vicentelo, alongside other organisations to form Renew Our World (ROW) Peru. ROW Peru is a coalition of Christian groups that puts pressure on the government to respond to climate change. Paz y Esperanza led the campaign in Peru. They focused on raising awareness of Christian theology about environmental responsibilities in churches throughout Peru.

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ROW Peru nominated Vida Abundante to represent them in a coalition of over 50 organisations, Movimiento Ciudadano Frente al Cambio Climático (MOCICC) or Citizen Movement Against Climate Change. MOCICC is a civil society group advocating to the Peruvian government for action on climate change. Vida Abundante worked with MOCICC among educational institutions to raise awareness of climate change adaptation methods, by implementing projects to create more environmentally friendly agriculture methods. They won a national environmental award for this work. Vida Abundante also used media interviews to raise the profile of climate issues with politicians and the public. They also arranged public forums for dialogue between the politicians and members of the public. This was all part of a wider strategy to get new legislation on climate change passed in Peru. 

ROW Peru and MOCICC's work added to the growing pressure on the government to act. Subsequently, the Peruvian government passed a climate change law. It was the first of its kind in Latin America. The law created a framework for addressing climate change through adaptation and mitigation measures. It aimed to fulfill the country's UN commitments to meet international climate targets. ROW Peru is now working with Christian and civil society groups to call for the law's implementation in six cities across the country.

This short case study, on the theme of climate change, illustrated the impact of using the following advocacy approaches:

• Working in alliances and coalitions
• Church and community mobilisation
• Demonstrating good practice
• Using the media
• Government officials: lobbying
• Legal mechanisms
• Social contracts and social accountability

Case studies can be used alongside the Advocacy toolkit, giving practical examples of the approaches it sets out.