Mainstreaming Ecosystem-based Adaptation into Public Policy and the territorial plans of Andean communities in Cusco, Peru

Implemented by Asociación para la Conservación para la Cuenca Amazónica

The project seeks to improve the effectiveness of climate change management in Cusco, Perú highlighting the importance and necessity of undertaking territorial management based on conserving biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, recognizing and validating traditional knowledge, which has been practiced for millennia. It will offer the ecosystem-based adaptation approach as a new strategy for regional climate change management in an area that is already experiencing significant impacts, such as glacial retreat and wetland degradation. The project uses a multi-level approach to ensure the generation of new skills and learning for both the local community and regional government officials. 

The project will work with local communities, who are the caretakers as well as beneficiaries of this vulnerable landscape, with whom the organisation has worked with previously and who are already concerned about glacial retreat and what can be done about it. To this end, this project will provide them with information and training regarding climate change and the EbA methodology and support them in developing and implementing their communal territorial plans and replicate a successful project of degraded wetland restoration to recover their vital ecosystem services including water provision not only for local use but also downstream to the city of Cusco. 

Cohort: 2nd (September 2021 cutoff)

Award: US$248,237

Header Image: © Walter Wust / Gregory Piper; Footer Image: Jean Vella © Unsplash