Andean Trails is helping to tackle the problem head on.
We’ve paid for the provision of 3,500 native polylepis trees to replant in the high Valleys of the Peruvian Andes. Local organisers and volunteers head, each year, to the local mountain range to plant locally grown polylepis saplings.
This brings great benefits to the community. The project is run locally by ECOAN (Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos), all money stays in the local economy and valleys are reforested.
There are 19 species of Polylepis native to the Peruvian Andes. They are found at altitude between 1800 and 5100 m. The mountains have suffered deforestation for firewood and industry, leaving seriously depleted ecosystems. This woodland is vital for biodiversity, carbon sink and to highland ecosystems for water regulation and soil conservation.
In 2018, ECOAN (Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos) and GFC (Global Forest Generation) came together to found Acción Andina. Together they have facilitated over 20 separate projects in the high Andes. This has involved over 25,000 local people in reforesting over 5,000 hectares with Andean woodlands and protecting over 11,250 hectares of existing forest.
Over 200 local communities in the high Andes of the Cusco area have benefited. Economic prospects have improved as a result of activities such as: reforestation, forest preservation, establishment of micro-businesses, access to healthcare, installation of water collection systems, adoption of clean-burning clay stoves, use of solar panels, and formalisation of land titles.
In 2023, Acción Andina was awarded the prestigious Earthshot Prize. This award, initiated by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, recognises their efforts in addressing the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
In Peru, deforestation of the Andes and the Amazon and the loss of most of the major glaciers pose a risk of a serious shortage of water.
By working to reforest areas, Andean Trails and ECOAN hope to be able to be part of a sustainable tourism movement.
Hopefully, this will show that tourism in Peru can be run in as sustainable a way possible to ensure the amazing places we travel through can be enjoyed for many generations to come.
As important is that the local communities genuinely get to benefit from our travelling through their backyards.
Please contact us if you would like more information about how to get involved.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in Touch
+44 (0)131 378 5593
+44 (0)131 554 6025
info@andeantrails.co.uk
Corinne Finn, UK, Tailor-made Ecuador, Chile and Argentina, Sep-Nov 2023 ‘During our extended trip in South America from September to November, my husband Kevin and I explored the breathtaking landscapes and cultures of Ecuador, Argentina, and Chile." "In Ecuador, we climbed volcanoes over 4000 meters high, explored the Amazon and cloud forests, and snorkelled with penguins in the Galapagos Islands." "We visited Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth, the Chilean fjords and hiked through the iconic peaks and lakes of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. Finally, we enjoyed the remarkable landscapes of the Atacama Desert." "This unforgettable journey was amazingly and professionally organized by Kathy and team from Andean Trails, who took the time to understand our needs and requirements. After extensive discussions, they tailored the trip to ensure it was everything we hoped for and more. We would highly recommend them for anyone planning a similar adventure. The experience enriched us both, leaving us with lifelong memories"
Corinne Finn
"Everything went together seamlessly. The accommodations that I had were very nice, clean, and good locations. "Transfers worked great. Argentina worked out fine and found people to hike with. "Chile was perfect as well, but the guide was the one who made the trip. And, of course, Easter Island again was fantastic. "Thank you for all your hard work. It paid off. I am a very happy customer."
Karla B, USA » Guided or Self-guided Torres del Paine W Trek
