The Community of Claverito, Iquitos, Peru

Claverito is a vibrant community within a unique “amphibious” floodplain ecosystem that supports the life of 280 people, 240 domestic animals, and hundreds of species of wild birds, insects, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Claverito is also an informal community and lacks safe water, sewer, electricity, and infrastructure. The community’s extreme poverty and traditional lifestyle are often met with negative stigma from those who live in the upper parts of the city, resulting in trash and construction dumping and a further lack of support and degraded health. Yet, the people’s traditional lifestyle also supports a rich ecosystem and unique riverine culture, both of which are under threat.

Low River Season

August to December the 53 houses rest on the ground and residents are busy with agriculture, gardening, sports, and revitalizing their houses and infrastructure.

High River Season

February to June the traditionally-designed community floats on the river and residents fish, swim, and boat within a rich floodplain ecosystem.