The President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, on Thursday stressed that unity, teamwork, and Peruvians' ability to adapt will be essential to overcoming the challenges posed by El Niño phenomenon.
"I know that if we work together like this, if we face this adversity with one fist, we will know how to rise again and emerge stronger as a country," Fujimori stated during the launch of the “Mar de Oportunidades” (Sea of Opportunities) cookbook.
The event was held aboard the Humboldt Scientific Research Vessel (BIC) in Callao region.
The Head of State acknowledged that Peru will face difficult times due to the effects of this climate phenomenon, but highlighted the population's resilience in dealing with adverse situations.
"Peruvians are resilient. We do not give up; we have always known how to get back on our feet in the face of the most difficult challenges. We have achieved this by working as a team, by working together," Fujimori emphasized.
In this context, the top official underscored the importance of harnessing the available marine resources and the creativity of Peruvian cuisine to offer families new food alternatives.
"I would like to commend the initiative of Production Minister Juan Carlos Requejo and thank our scientists, who have been quietly safeguarding the sustainability of Mar de Grau," Fujimori said.
"This work is now recognized around the world," she added, highlighting the support provided by the Peruvian Navy and the work of artisanal fishers.
Afterwards, the President emphasized the role of women involved in community kitchens, Glass of Milk committees, mothers' associations, and communal cooking initiatives, who turn fishery products into food for their households and communities.
"Today, as a government, we also face the challenge of reducing anemia, which stands at 40%. The goal is to bring this rate down to at least 20%," she indicated.
The Head of State praised the participation of renowned Peruvian chefs in developing recipes featuring fish species whose availability changes due to ocean conditions.
"It is a matter of adapting and using our seasoning and creativity to continue feeding our families," she said.
At another point, the top official announced that she will be at the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) this evening, where additional measures to address El Niño will be announced.
Scientific research and fisheries sustainability
In turn, Production Minister Juan Carlos Requejo highlighted the importance of the Humboldt Scientific Research Vessel.
Likewise, the Cabinet member announced that his sector is making progress on the technical dossier for a new vessel dedicated to the study of marine resources.
The minister underscored the international recognition earned by the Peruvian Sea Institute (Imarpe) and the anchovy fishing oversight mechanisms, which include catch quotas and measures to protect juvenile specimens.
"It has satellite monitoring, controls during unloading, and tracking through to export," Requejo specified.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the challenge of extending these practices to artisanal fishing.
"We want to extend this good practice to artisanal fisheries, which is the major challenge, as they guarantee food security and put food on everyone's table," he said.
Regarding the "Mar de Oportunidades" campaign, Minister Requejo underscored the participation of social organizations in promoting fish consumption.
"We cannot carry out this 'Mar de Oportunidades' campaign alone; we need the support of mothers from community kitchens and Vaso de Leche committees," Requejo pointed out.
As part of this effort, he highlighted the contributions of renowned chefs, who share their knowledge with mothers.
"They are truly teaching us, and they are teaching the women how to cook, how to identify the best fish, how to handle it, how to cook it, and how to preserve it," he said.
In this regard, the minister noted that the initiative is part of the Government's efforts to combat anemia through coordinated work among various sectors.
"This campaign is linked to the anti-anemia campaign we have been working on, which you, President Keiko Fujimori, are leading together with the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion (MIDIS) and the Ministry of Health," Requejo stated.
Signing of the Golden Book
After the ceremony, the President toured the facilities of the flagship vessel.
The Head of State also signed the Golden Book, which documents visits by high-ranking officials, including heads of state, ministers, and ambassadors.
This was the top official's second visit to the Humboldt Scientific Research Vessel.
Her first took place in 1999, when she also signed the Golden Book in her capacity as First Lady of the Nation.