Forest Ecosystem Restoration - Andes

Developing large-scale forest restoration partnerships with local communities

Developing large-scale forest ecosystem restoration partnerships with local leaders and communities, which are essential for climate resilience and the protection of biodiversity, water, and livelihoods.

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Purchase type

By funding this project you are contributing to their work. You will receive impact reports and measurements but you won't receive a carbon credit.

Active since: 28 February 2021

Category

Biodiversity

Background

This project develops large-scale forest ecosystem restoration partnerships with local leaders and communities, which are essential for climate resilience and the protection of biodiversity, water, and livelihoods. The goal of the first multi-country initiative, Acción Andina, is to restore 500,000 ha (1.24 million acres) of high-altitude Andean forests by 2045 while saving the remaining 500,000 ha of vitally important old-growth forests that span seven countries across South America.

Why did we choose this project?

Millions of people across South America depend on the glacial melt and humidity captured and released by Andean forests ecosystems, which build permanent rivers, wetlands, carbon-rich soils and key biodiversity habitats. This area of the globe is of incalculable ecological value, not only to South America, but the entire planet. However, after centuries of deforestation, <10% of high Andean forests exist. This puts the continent at severe water insecurity risks and effects the most vulnerable communities – the people of the high Andes and their indigenous culture.

UN Sustainability Goals

About UN Sustainability Goals

Location

Vilcanota Mountains, Sacred Valley of Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Peru

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Action feed

Tunari programme coordinator Omar Oporto, along with community member Pascuala Nogales. Photo credit: Armonía

A row of kewiña trees along the riverbank in the community of Chiaraje, located on the northern slope of Tunari National Park. Photo credit: Faunagua

One of the nurseries of the Armonía association, where they cultivate kewiña seedlings. Photo credit: Armonía

A forest of kewiña trees on the southern slope of Tunari National Park. Photo credit: Armonía

A Quechua community member, part of the Tunari programme, during a training session on forest fire response. Photo credit: Daniela Aguirre

Quechua women are reforesting Bolivia's Tunari National Park, helping protect one of the region's most important water sources. More than 1.7 million native kewiña trees have been planted, with survival rates exceeding 80%. Photo credit: Faunagua

A literacy class supporting women in community-led restoration in Puna, Argentina. Credit Arbol y Vida

Despite severe intentional fires historically used to clear land, Fundacion Bosquizar has successfully engaged local youth groups like the Arcani Scouts to maintain 68 km of fencing and fire lines. This infrastructure acts as a primary defense, protecting restored forests from the recurring threat of fire.

In Tafi del Valle, community planting days included families who began the project two years ago and returned with their children. Yael, now five, first came to the nursery in his father’s arms; today he plants alongside him.

Queuna Raymi, an annual massive tree-planting festival inspired by ancient Incan traditions of collective work is underway. More than 20 Indigenous communities come together to plant native saplings.

New reservoir in La Aguada, Tunari Park, Bolivia. Credit: Armonia

Reforesting in Santa Catalina in November 2025. Credit: Arbol y Vida

23 beehives were distributed to 20 families in Papachacra, Sala Huayco, and La Tranca communities, creating a new source of income.

Women in Cajamarca carrying fencing materials on horseback. Credit: ECOAN

Teaching materials used in forest fires prevention and management training sessions in Vilcanota, Peru.

Acción Andina primarily focuses on Polylepsis trees. This tree genus is essential to long-term water security for the continent.

Fundación Incana has provided the Cunugyacu community with 500 pressure tubes for an improved drinking water system.

Despite sudden frosts in Yala in Jujuy, Argentina, Acción Andina partner Árbol y Vida has managed to keep seedlings safe and warm in the nursery.

Fundación Bosquizar held its first participatory workshop on environmental and cultural tourism in Jujuy, Argentina.

Acción Andina partner ECOAN links conservation with ecotourism by maintaining and cleaning the scenic Vilcanota Trek routes, helping communities provide tourism services, and generating communal income.