Overall Rating Bronze
Overall Score 31.17
Liaison José Otazú Mejía
Submission Date Jan. 2, 2024

STARS v2.2

Universidad Científica del Sur
OP-10: Biodiversity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 2.00 José Miguel Otazú Mejía
Environmental Sustainability Officer
Environmental Engineering Program
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
Yes

A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
As part of our ongoing commitment to nature conservation, we develop initiatives and research with the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge (RVSPV), the only internationally important protected natural area in Lima, which borders our campus.

Endangered and vulnerable species

Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
No

A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
After a fire in November 2014, the reed beds at Pantanos de Villa made a swift recovery, showcasing their resilience to fire. Biologist Gustavo Lértora, from Universidad Científica del Sur, led research confirming this resilience. In recent years, there have been environmental impacts in the buffer zones of Pantanos de Villa, affecting local wildlife, especially birds. Lértora highlights the need for public awareness regarding the wetland's CO2-absorbing capabilities and the lack of environmental education among Lima's residents. Ongoing research and conservation efforts continue annually. https://www.cientifica.edu.pe/noticias/pantanos-villa-y-la-resiliencia-los-desastres

Areas of biodiversity importance

Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
Yes

A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
In 2019, the results of a collaborative effort between Universidad Científica del Sur, ANA, Prohvilla, and Sernanp were presented. This effort aimed to identify pollution sources as part of the conservation plan for Pantanos de Villa.

The authorities responsible for disseminating the information included Marcos Pastor Rosas, Director of Strategic Development at Sernanp, Maura Aldave, Technical Director of Prohvilla, Flor de María Flores, Specialist from the Local Water Administration of Chillón-Rímac-Lurín, and Gonzalo Flores, our Academic Director for the Environmental Engineering program.

The results revealed 28 pollution points in the natural area, including domestic wastewater, agricultural wastewater, laundry facilities, and solid waste disposal. This underscores the importance of effective reporting against these pollution sources. Based on this information, appropriate measures for monitoring, supervision, sanctions, and mitigation will be planned in accordance with institutional roles and current environmental regulations.

The final report is expected to be available by the end of the current year and will be shared with the university community to support research efforts in this protected natural area (https://www.cientifica.edu.pe/noticias/se-presento-los-resultados-preliminares-del-plan-trabajo-conjunto-para-la-conservacion-los).

Methodologies

If yes to either of the above, provide the following:

The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
There is no further detail available, and the activities are in response to specific research by university groups or faculty researchers (not a systematic monitoring).

A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
There is no further detail available, and the activities are in response to specific research by university groups or faculty researchers (not a systematic monitoring).

A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
There is no further detail available, and the activities are in response to specific research by university groups or faculty researchers (not a systematic monitoring).

Optional Fields

Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
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Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.