About the city and the twinning
About Santa María del Mar
Santa María del Mar is a coastal district on the Pacific Ocean in the southern part of metropolitan Lima, Peru. It developed as one of Lima’s early seaside resorts and became a district in 1962 under Peruvian Law No. 13888. Its three main beaches, Playa Grande, Playa Chica and Playa Embajadores, make it a summer destination for residents of metropolitan Lima.
The district’s coastline is also a focus of local conservation efforts. Peru’s Ministry of the Environment recognised the municipality for its management of Santa María and Embajadores beaches through Salvaplayas, a national campaign that promotes environmental care at beaches.
Twinning with Bethlehem
On 31 October 2019, Bethlehem and Santa María del Mar formalised their twinning relationship in Santa María del Mar, Peru. Bethlehem was represented by its mayor, Anton Salman, and Santa María del Mar by its mayor, Jeries Khamis Zamar. The agreement recognises the presence of residents of Palestinian descent in Santa María del Mar and seeks to strengthen ties between the two communities.
The agreement covers cultural heritage and traditions, tourism, municipal development and staff training, education, science and technology, and environmental protection. It provides for cultural, artistic and sporting exchanges, joint research, exhibitions, workshops and exchanges of technical expertise. Each municipality is to appoint a coordinator to oversee implementation and report quarterly on progress.