In a series of previous reports, we have documented the extensive recent deforestation from new Mennonite colonies arriving in the Peruvian Amazon (see MAAP #149).
However, despite the extensive evidence provided by satellite images, the Mennonites have repeatedly denied this deforestation (see References).
Most recently, we detected that the Mennonites had resumed deforestation in the newest colony that we refer to as Padre Marquez (see Base Map in the Annex).
This new deforestation cleared over 90 hectares of primary forest between just August and early September 2022.
In response, we tasked very high-resolution satellite images (0.5 meters from Planet/Skysat) over the area.
Here, we present these images in comparison to previous Skysats obtained last year, thus providing additional evidence that Mennonites are indeed clearing primary forest.
Recent Mennonite Deforestation
Documented with Very High-Resolution Imagery
The following image serves as a base map of the recent deforestation in the Padre Marquez Mennonite colony. Insets A-F correspond to the zooms further below. In each of these zooms, we show very high-resolution images (0.5 meters) obtained in both November 2021 (left panels) and August 2022 (right panels). Thus, they serve as the latest evidence that the Mennonites are indeed clearing primary forest.
Annex – Base Map of Mennonite Colonies in Peruvian Amazon
References
Collyns D (2022) The Mennonites being accused of deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon. Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/11/mennonites-peru-deforestation-permits
Collyns D (2022) Meet the Mennonites in Peru. CGTN America
Sierra Y (2022) Menonitas en Perú: tres colonias investigadas por la deforestación de casi 4 mil hectáreas de bosque en la Amazonía. Mongabay
Citation
Finer M, Ariñez A (2022) Confirming Deforestation by Mennonites in the Peruvian Amazon. MAAP: 165.
