New Insights About the Drivers of Change in the Coastal Wetlands of Peru: Results of a Rapid Field Survey

Wetlands are essential ecosystems that provide numerous services that are critical for human survival on a global scale. In Peru, these vital areas are situated along the coastal desert, one of the most densely populated regions in the country. This study employed a rapid field survey methodology to investigate the drivers of change (DOC) in 11 poorly studied wetlands along the Peruvian coast. Field visits occurred from August 2023 to August 2024, during which the DOC identified were documented. We performed similarity analyses of the data to identify (a) locations requiring similar management approaches and (b) co-occurring DOC. Our research identified 16 DOC; the presence of debris and waste, as well as roads or pathways that provide vehicular access, were the most frequent, followed by livestock and fisheries. The similarity analysis highlighted the crucial role of accessibility to these wetlands, as this increases the risk of adverse effects, whether from waste dumping or livestock. The findings suggest that several river mouths exhibit similar drivers, underscoring the need for coordinated management strategies.