Peru Roundup: UN General Assembly, deadly wildfires, economic partnership agreement with Indonesia

Peruvian President’s request to attend UN General Assembly denied

President Dina Boluarte's request to attend the United Nations General Assembly was denied by the Peruvian Congress in a voting tally of 55 against, 50 in favour, and 5 abstentions. This decision was largely influenced by lawmakers who argue her immediate attention is required to address the devastating forest fires impacting the nation, which have tragically led to 15 fatalities. The opposition came primarily from left-wing and ultra-conservative factions, while support was shown by pro-Fujimori and certain right-wing groups, MercoPress reports.

Police seize 1.3 tonnes of shark fins

Peruvian police have intercepted a substantial illegal shipment of 1.3 tonnes of shark fins that were destined for export to Asia. Shark fins are deemed a delicacy in various cultures, yet this trade contributes to the drastic decline in global shark populations. A report highlights that as many as 273 million sharks are slaughtered annually to supply this market, often through inhumane methods where fins are severed from living sharks, leading to their eventual death.

Fight against deadly wildfires

The issue of wildfires is worsening in Peru, where at least 15 lives have been claimed and over 3,000 hectares have been burned since July. Notably, 22 of the country’s 24 regions are currently combating active wildfire outbreaks. Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén has attributed these blazes predominantly to human activities, compounded by adverse weather conditions hindering firefighting efforts. According to Time, civil defence officials have reported 98 injuries and a severe impact on the livestock sector due to these fires, affecting over 1,800 individuals.

Farmers asked to halt burns amid deadly wildfires

Peruvian Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén has called on farmers to halt the burning of grasslands amid the dangerous fire season, which has already resulted in substantial fatalities. Human activities, mainly agricultural practices, and land trafficking are the primary catalysts for these fires, which typically occur from August to November. As of the latest reports, 222 fire emergencies have been documented, with 80% of these under control; however, risks persist due to the ongoing dry season and challenging terrains. Local officials are advocating for the deployment of military aircraft to aid firefighting efforts in remote areas.

Indonesia-Peru economic partnership agreement

Indonesia and Peru have initiated the third round of negotiations for the Indonesian-Peruvian Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IP-CEPA) in Jakarta. This round, spanning four days, aims to finalise a substantial agreement ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders Week scheduled for November 2024. Johni Martha from Indonesia's Trade Ministry has expressed optimism regarding enhanced market access and cooperative ventures in manufacturing and agriculture between the two nations, alongside efforts to mitigate non-tariff barriers. The fourth round of negotiations is set for October 28 to November 1, 2024, also in Jakarta, with the hope of reaching a consensus during the APEC summit, Indonesia’s state agency reports.