Peru - Biodiversity, Desert, Olives - Peace and Hope in Apparent Desolation

     Peru is one of the most biologically and ecologically diverse countries on earth. Of the 104 ecosystems in the world, Peru contains 84. Further, 28 of the planet’s 32 climates exist in Peru. Looking on a map, you’ll see the world’s longest mountain range, the Andes, running north and south through the country paralleling the Pacific Ocean. The mountains form a natural divide with the jungle (along with the Amazon, the 2nd longest and most voluminous river in the world,) on the eastern side and temperate to desert terrain on the western side down to the Pacific. Take a look on Google Earth!


     Wildlife and plants abound in Peru. When heading south from Lima along the Pan-American Highway, however, expect to see (for many hours of driving) few plants, plenty of sand, and only brief glances of the great Pacific. That being said, you'll find tons of olives growing in many Peruvian desert towns. (Olive trees were introduced by the Spanish during their conquest of Peru.)


     Above, you can see the olive grower handling a juicy ripe olive (I thought green olives were a different variety from black olives and it was only after getting to Peru I learned the ripe/unripe distinction). Peru’s olive industry continues to expand. Currently, Peru ranks approximately 10th in world olive and olive oil exports.


     Please see my earlier post at http://bestdigitalshots.blogspot.com/2008/04/offering-of-eternal-peace.html with a photograph of a grower offering me an olive. There, I wrote of the deep symbolism to me of that offering along with the significance of the olive crop to small communities, a brief history of the offering of an olive branch and its representation of peace, and how any and all of us can achieve perfect peace (the peace that comes from knowing God’s love and His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ).


To learn more of God’s love, Jesus Christ, and salvation go to: http://www.sbc.net/knowjesus/theplan.asp


To learn more about Peru’s Biodiversity go to:
http://www.discover-peru.org/category/biodiversity-flora-fauna-peru/