The team leader of the Jorge Chávez International Airport compensation project highlights that this work

As part of the environmental commitments associated with the expansion of Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima Airport Partners (LAP) will implement an environmental compensation plan in the Humedales de Ventanilla Regional Conservation Area. The project seeks to restore the ecological functions of the affected wetlands through interventions in a 275-hectare protected area located on Peru’s central coast.

What exactly has the environmental compensation project related to the expansion of Jorge Chávez Airport consisted of?
To transfer the ecological functions of the wetland affected by the airport expansion to the Humedales de Ventanilla Regional Conservation Area, where a comprehensive plan is being implemented that includes studies, engineering design, and ecological restoration to recover this ecosystem.

What kind of environmental impacts did this expansion generate and why was a compensation measure necessary?
The expansion affected a coastal wetland ecosystem, generating the total loss of this ecosystem, so it was necessary to recover and compensate for this loss in another area with similar conditions. Compensation seeks to restore ecological functions that are equivalent to the original ones.

What role does TEMA play in this process, how long does it last and in how many phases has it been divided?
TEMA has played, and continues to play, a key role since 2020. The plan has been divided into two phases: Phase I: from 2020 to 2022 and Phase II: from 2023 onwards.

In the first phase, TEMA carried out the basic engineering to execute the offset, including characterization studies and alternative proposals, culminating in an improved design approved in 2024, with the company’s technical support. And since 2023, preliminary activities of the offset plan are being developed, such as the horticultural pilot, an experimental nursery that seeks to establish the best method for acquiring, propagating and managing the species selected for the planting phase. This nursery allows us to determine the best “recipe” for scaling up the process on a massive scale, moving from the laboratory to the field.

Currently, the detailed engineering file is being prepared to ensure the sustainability of the execution. In addition, in situ planting trials are about to begin in the regional wetlands conservation area of Ventanilla, with the species propagated in the horticultural pilot.

Is there any other macro project with these characteristics?

In Peru, it is the first to be developed. For its implementation, international studies have been adapted to the local context. Therefore, it is a pioneering project, with a prominent role for TEMA, from basic engineering, pilot tests and detailed engineering prior to execution.

What methodologies and criteria have been followed in the absence of previous experience and specific regulations for coastal wetlands?

International methodologies have been developed and adapted, with an ecosystem approach based on the identification of ecosystem units, with specific ecological and functional characteristics.

What are the main ecological objectives?

The main objective is to recover the affected ecosystem in the compensation area and reach the ecological value of 6, the maximum on the ecological value scale, which represents a fully restored and sustainable ecosystem. This implies the recovery of both physical and biological characteristics, including vegetation cover and the use of the fauna associated with these wetlands.

What species, habitats or ecosystems have been involved or benefited?
The aim is to recover an ecosystem similar to the one that borders the compensation area and for this purpose six target species have been identified: grama, salt grass, salicornia, cattail, reed and reed canary grass, based on their representativeness both in the intervened wetland and in the reference wetland. Associated species such as scorpion’s tail and beach purslane are also considered and will be used in the conservation measures.

What stage is the project at and when is it projected to be completed?

The environmental compensation plan consists of five stages starting in 2024 and scheduled to last until at least 2033. Currently, we are in the management stage, with TEMA in charge of detailed engineering (planned for 2025), and in the execution stage, with TEMA in charge of the horticultural pilot and planting trials; to then continue with nursery design, production, preliminary construction and planting (until 2027). The remaining three stages – conservation, monitoring and evaluation of ecological sustainability – will continue until 2033, with the objective of achieving the committed ecological value.

What technical or field challenges were faced during the development of the work?

It has been a great technical challenge, given that this is an innovative project without precedent in Peru. Precisely, the lack of previous studies required adaptability, self-learning and collaboration with strategic partners with experience in the restoration of other ecosystems.

What role has the work of a multidisciplinary team played?

It has been essential. Researchers, agronomists, biologists, specialized technicians, nurserymen and experts in social aspects have been involved. The diversity of the team has been key to meeting the challenges of an innovative project of this magnitude.

What results have been obtained so far and how is the effectiveness of the offset project evaluated?

In the horticultural pilot, the responses of the selected species have been documented, observing survival rates between 60% and 90%, depending on the season and type of substrate. These results are valuable for making decisions at the large-scale planting stage.

Is there a monitoring or follow-up plan in place for the medium or long term?

Yes, the environmental compensation plan includes biological and ecological gain monitoring. In the horticultural pilot, monitoring has been conducted since 2023, as part of the treatment and substrate trials. It is expected to be completed by December 2025.

How important is this type of project in the context of large infrastructures and their relationship with the environment?

This is an emblematic project that reflects the company’s commitment to mitigate impacts on fragile ecosystems. Although the restoration does not take place in the same affected site, it seeks to compensate by restoring ecosystem services in another area. And that is something that very few companies have.

And how was this other area chosen?

It was selected taking into account criteria such as similarity of conditions with the affected area, technical feasibility and the possibility of effective management of the new space.

How do you think this project reflects TEMA’s work philosophy on environmental sustainability?

It fully reflects our philosophy of technically accompanying organizations to act with respect for the environment. All our proposals – from basic design to improved design – seek to make project actions compatible with environmental sustainability.

How many people from TEMA have participated or are participating?

Both internal and external personnel participate. In the first phase, between 10 and 12 people collaborated; in the horticultural pilot, about 15 people from different specialties. And for the current stages, a similar participation is estimated.

What kind of social impact does this project have?

It is being developed in a conservation area surrounded by human settlements, generating great expectations in terms of employment, conservation, and environmental benefits. Lima Airport Partners, in charge of the project, also carries out social management and promotes environmental respect in these human settlements.

What message would you highlight for other companies or administrations that are promoting projects with environmental impact?

The most important thing is to assume environmental responsibility and take concrete steps to carry out sustainable projects. That is what really stands out.