Restauración de Ecosistemas Andino

Restoration of Andean – Amazon Ecosystems

Los proyectos Paisaje Challabamba y Q'ero se llevan a cabo gracias a Acción Andina,
con el respaldo de ECOAN Perú y Global Forest Generation.
Foto: Efraín Zegarra - ACCA

WE PROTECT NATURAL AREAS

Within the framework of Andean-Amazonian ecosystems restoration, we have implemented successful pilot projects in the Peasant Community of Japu Nación Q'ero and in the Middle Basin of the Mapacho River, located in the buffer zone of the Manu National Park, restoring 20 hectares of wetlands. This experience has also been replicated in the Ausangate Regional Conservation Area, where we have restored 50 hectares of wetlands with the support of high-Andean communities.

In addition, we have reforested 380 hectares of degraded high-Andean forest ecosystems, reintegrating native species and restoring biodiversity, contributing to ecosystem services and environmental protection.

Restoration of High Andean ecosystems in the Q´ero landscape

Wetlands cover 3% of the planet, regulate water in high Andean areas, and are vital for traditional land management. Relict forests, home to valuable species and resources, are key to climate regulation and the water cycle. In collaboration with local communities and strategic partners, we restore wetlands and reforest native forests with native species, promoting sustainable development.

We support the restoration of degraded areas in the native forest of the Japu Peasant Community, a last Inca bastion of the Q'ero Nation in the Cusco Region. This includes the restoration of wetlands, a key strategy to address climate change in the highlands of the Peruvian Andes.

native plants planted

hectares of wetlands
under restoration

0 ha

native plants planted

hectares of wetlands
under restoration

0 ha

In the Japu Peasant Community, Cusco region, we are restoring degraded areas of native forest as part of the Q'ero Landscape Project. We have produced and planted 200 000 native seedlings in their final planting sites and improved the quality of local livestock such as llamas and alpacas. Our collaboration with the Japu Peasant Community, together with the support of partner organizations, has allowed us to advance in the restoration of 20 hectares of bofedales in this area of the Peruvian Andes

Restoration in Cabeceras de Cuenca from the peasant communities of the buffer zone of Manu National Park

Our main objective is to contribute to the protection and restoration of the headwaters of micro-basins that provide water resources to the peasant communities of the Middle Basin of the Mapacho River, located in the buffer zone of Manu National Park, with activities that support the restoration of these Andean-Amazon ecosystems.

native plants planted

Data

Action area: Challabamba District, Paucartambo province, Cusco Region, Peru.
Native species: 30 native species, such as qeuña, aliso, chachacomo, yuruma, intimpa, monte incenso, monte chachacomo, ch'iqcha, and others.
Impact: Increases community resilience to climate change by protecting water sources and key habitats.
Results: During the 2021-2024 campaign, two nurseries were established with a total capacity of 200,000 native species seedlings. In addition, degraded areas and wetland habitats have been restored, directly benefiting local communities.
During the 2024-2025 campaign, an additional 150,000 seedlings will be produced.
Ecological Importance: Contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and water resources in a key region.

We work in collaboration with the local population, and during the 2021 - 2024 period we implemented two nurseries with a total production of 200,000 seedlings from 30 native species. Our work consists of recovering degraded areas, protecting water resources, and strengthening resilience to climate change in communities such as Juan Velasco Alvarado, Hajahuana, Callepata, Cristo Salvador de Cutipata and the Ttoccohuaylla Farmers Association of the Lucuybamba Peasant Community, as well as promoting knowledge-sharing at the regional level.

Likewise, in 2022, we inaugurated the Andean Bear Interpretation Center, which has become an important learning space where we promote environmental education for students and families in Challabamba, as well as in the province of Paucartambo and the Cusco region.

Forest fire control and prevention

For four years, we have worked together with local communities to prevent and combat forest fires. Through workshops delivered by forest firefighters from the National Service of Protected Natural Areas, community members are trained in prevention, risk identification, and first responses to fires using key tools such as the pulaski, machete, batefuego, and mcleod.

Forest fires are often caused by agricultural burning, a common practice during the dry season to clear land after harvesting. Although widely used, this technique reduces soil quality, and poses serious risks to wildlife, natural resources, and the safety of residents.

Thanks to the knowledge acquired, community members have successfully controlled three fires between the July and August of this year that threatened their territories. This demonstrates their ability to apply what they have learned in real situations and contributes to the conservation of native forests, fundamental ecosystems for water supply, habitat for numerous species, and climate change mitigation.