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During a ceremony in Cusco on June 4, 2025, the Interreligious Initiative for Forests was officially established. This initiative is a collaborative effort among faith communities, academic institutions, political authorities, and indigenous peoples to promote the protection of Amazonian forests and defend those who inhabit them.
Representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other faith communities participated in the constitution of this initiative. The event took place in a region with more than 7.4 million acres of Amazonian forests, which accounts for over 52% of its territory. Cusco faces increasing threats from deforestation, prompting religious leaders to unite in reaffirming their commitment to preserving the environment.
"We are facing a momentous moment that challenges us to assume responsibility for the care and protection of our common home. The earth is the only home we share, and it is our duty to ensure its conservation for present and future generations," said Laura Vargas, national coordinator of the Interfaith Initiative for Forests Peru.
Francesco Galiano, coordinator of IRI Cusco, emphasized the importance of this event as a milestone linking spirituality with action against the environmental crisis. Political and academic figures also attended, including Cusco Congresswoman Ruth Luque, who urged reflection on our commitment to Mother Earth.
The initiative aims to create a space for cooperation among faith communities, civil society, private sector entities, and state organizations toward joint actions for forest conservation and indigenous peoples' rights.
The Church of Jesus Christ was represented by Antonio Bello Reina, president of the Inti Raymi Stake; Álvaro Roger Díaz Riquelme, first counselor of the presidency of the Cusco Stake; and Roberto Soncco Hilares, director of communication for the Cusco Stake.
