This paper describes the initiatives to defend the environment and reduce pollution in Chimbote. This important industrial fishing port is considered the third most contaminated city in Peru due to the lack of urban environmental planning and regulation, and of any genuine leadership from local government. The paper includes an account of the work of the Association for the Defense and Conservation of the Environment of the Province of La Santa (ADECOMAPS), which started as an ecological movement for the protection and conservation of an important park. It then developed an environmental action plan (or Local Agenda 21) for Chimbote. The Association brings together 42 different institutions, including grassroots organizations, NGOs, universities, professional training institutions, politicians and government bodies. The paper also describes the reluctance of the provincial mayor to work with the Association.