Uncovering illegal deforestation by Mennonite colonies prompts action from authorities in Peru

27 Feb 2025

As part of Mongabay Latam’s ongoing coverage of the growing environmental impact of Mennonite colonies throughout Latin America, the Spanish-language news bureau published a report in October 2024 that demonstrated how Mennonites in Peru have been engaging in illegal deforestation. This coverage included satellite analysis, on-the-ground reporting, and expert testimony to shed light on significant impacts on forests in the Loreto region.

Satellite analysis showed that deforestation in three colonies–Wanderland, Providencia and Österreich–had reached 4,956 hectares (12,250 acres) since the religious group settled in Tierra Blanca, Loreto, in 2017. A team of journalists visited the colonies and confirmed that extensive tracts of what had once been dense primary forest had been cleared for raising cattle and crops like soybeans, rice, and corn.

Mongabay Latam’s investigation uncovered critical evidence refuting the Mennonites’ claims that they had purchased already-deforested agricultural land. Analysis of 267 properties revealed that in at least 216 cases—80% of the properties—the land was still forested when acquired by Mennonite families, and deforestation took place after their purchase. This finding directly contradicted the Mennonites’ justification for their land use.

Mennonites move in horse-drawn carriages between the three colonies they have established in Tierra Blanca, in the Peruvian jungle. Image by Macoy Zapata for Mongabay Latam.
Mennonites move in horse-drawn carriages between the three colonies they have established in Tierra Blanca, in the Peruvian jungle. Image by Macoy Zapata for Mongabay Latam.

Impact

One of the most significant aspects of the investigation was the series of exclusive interviews with Mennonite leaders. Before this coverage, no media outlet had yet managed to interview so many leaders of the Mennonite colonies to understand and share their perspectives.

One interview revealed that deforestation continued under the pretense of a permit issued by the Forestry Management Unit of Ucayali Province, the headquarters of Contamana, which depends on the Regional Administration of Forestry Development and Wildlife (Gerfor) – Loreto. However, an official from Loreto’s forestry department confirmed to Mongabay Latam that the Mennonites lacked both a deforestation permit and a harvesting plan, meaning their actions were indeed illegal.

Following the publication of the report, Peru’s Ministry of the Environment took notice. Prosecutor Julio Guzmán contacted Mongabay Latam to express appreciation for the satellite analysis conducted in collaboration with Global Forest Watch, and noted that this data was instrumental in supporting action taken by the Attorney General’s Office against the Mennonites’ illegal deforestation. “Suddenly, there is information about a new case that we can build on,” said Guzmán.

The investigation also gained significant media traction. Two prestigious regional outlets – El Comercio in Peru and El Espectador in Colombia – republished the report. Additionally, two newspapers in Loreto — La Voz and La Región — covered the issue, while the Global Investigative Journalism Network also shared the report on its social media. This is a reflection of how Mongabay’s work has not only reached a wide audience, but also spurred greater attention and media coverage of the issue.

The team’s work not only exposed illegal deforestation but it also provided critical evidence that informed government action. By combining independent reporting, data-driven analysis, and on-the-ground verification, Mongabay continues to increase accountability for decision-making and environmental governance.

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Banner image: Mennonites have cleared nearly 5,000 hectares of forest in Tierra Blanca, Loreto. Photo: Macoy Zapata/Mongabay Latam.