Mongabay · Climate & nature

Peru's Andes Project Aims to Secure Water Through Ecosystem Restoration

A conservation initiative in Peru's high Andes is using nature-based solutions to address water security threats caused by retreating glaciers and changing weather patterns. The project focuses on restoring ancient ecosystems to bolster water resources for local communities and the arid coast.

The Yaku Pacha project, launched in 2025 in Villa de Arma, Huancavelica, aims to restore wetlands and native polylepis forests. These ecosystems store water, compensating for glacial ice loss, which has shrunk by 56% in Peru.

Community members at 3,200 meters face climate impacts like longer dry seasons. Their 16-hectare wetland water source is degraded by overgrazing and deforestation.

The project, by Global Forest Generation and ECOAN, involves planting polylepis and restoring the wetland. Wetland restoration offers quicker benefits than polylepis reforestation.

Community engagement is key, with local families participating. The project also provides training and jobs, aiming to retain youth.

Coastal businesses co-fund the project to protect water-intensive operations, seeing watershed restoration as vital.

Some scientists caution that nature-based solutions' effectiveness is hard to predict and they are not a "panacea."

Despite debate, proponents see these solutions as adaptable. The project aims to be a replicable model, using monitoring to show impact and attract investment.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.