Geographical location
Abra Malaga and Quishuarani zones in the Vilcanota mountain range, Cusco region, 14 km².
Peru programme
- Cuzco - Blue Caps
Target groups
Quechua communities, groups of women, approximately 100 families.
Ecosystem involved
Polylepis forests
Local partner
Ecoan
Objectives
Preserve and extend Polylepis forests.
Reduce human pressure on the ecosystem.
Raise community-awareness about protecting forests.
Put in place development initiatives.
Programme timeline
October 2014
Ecoan wins the JMV Award
Constantino Aucca Chutas and Ecoan win our Conservation and Development Award.
July 2015
First field visit
Renaud Fulconis, director of Awely, visits the programme to evaluate possibilities of extending our actions there.
March 2016
Programme creation
Our first South American programme is born.
Context
The polylepis is a most characteristic tree of the Andes. Growing at altitudes of between 3 500 and 5 000 metres, this species makes up the world’s highest-altitude forests. By storing water throughout the dry season, the Polylepis and their mosses benefit the Quechua communities living below, who support themselves through agriculture and also depend on the ecosystem’s natural resources for survival. Cattle grazing, fuel-wood collection and the conversion of forests into agricultural land represent the most serious threats to the survival of the forests, of which only 10% of the original area now remain.
An exceptional ecosystem in need of protection
In December 2017, we are setting up our first programme in South America. Our actions will be dedicated to protecting the Polylepis forests, which are home to such exceptional biodiversity, and to improving the living conditions of Quechua communities. We will be focusing on the conservation of existing forests and reforestation of depleted areas. Also, through our awareness-raising activities, we will inform villagers about the value of preserving natural spaces, and propose income-generating activities which will allow them to regulate their use of forest resources.
Our first actions in the field
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You’ll have to be patient a while longer; we’re working on it!
Together let's protect and extend the polylepis forests.
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