Citizen participation in the territorial management of the Utcubamba River Basin, Amazonas (Peru)

Abstract The objective of this research is to evaluate citizen participation in the territorial management of the Utcubamba River basin in Amazonas, Peru, with particular attention to community practices in conserving natural and cultural resources. The methodology combined thematic data collection with fieldwork, including direct observations and surveys administered to members of both urban and rural social organizations. The survey, consisting of eight questions, was analyzed through frequency distribution, which facilitated the identification of participation patterns and citizen perceptions. The findings reveal active community involvement in resource management, with notable initiatives such as reforestation in Luya Viejo and tourism management in Cruz Pata and Cocachimba. Nonetheless, several shortcomings were identified: 67% of respondents reported insufficient access to information, and 93% indicated they had not participated in the preparation of territorial plans, highlighting a significant disconnect between authorities and the community. Despite these limitations, 93% of participants expressed a strong interest in becoming more actively engaged in management processes. The study concludes by underscoring the need to strengthen mechanisms for information dissemination and capacity building in order to foster more effective and equitable citizen participation in integrated territorial management.