Andean Paramo Ecosystems

The paramo ecosystems of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela are unique, yet little appreciated and visible, resource for the nations of the Andean region. These wet, high altitude tropical grasslands comprise an intricate hydrological system for numerous mountain communities and an indispensable habitat for a distinct variety of flora and fauna. Because of their high biodiversity, the high grade of endemism and the attractiveness of the landscape, some paramo areas are included in Andean countries’ Protected Area systems. Additionally, paramos form an important agricultural and livestock area for indigenous farming communities. Unfortunately, population growth and inappropriate land use have resulted in high pressure on the natural and hydrological values of the paramo. Moreover, insufficient resources and the loss of land to erosion create stressed, impoverished living conditions for the paramo inhabitants. In Northern Peru and Ecuador expansion of mining exploration and farming production in these fragile ecosystems is expanding in recent years, creating threats to their conservation and sustainable development.

The achievements of Andean Paramo Ecosystems initiative implemented since 1997 with our partners Ecociencia and University of Amsterdam in Ecuador include:

• Strategic assessment of the ecosystem and long term action plan for developed;
• Proven and well-documented sustainable management techniques validated;
• Twelve (12) demonstration sites with long term paramo sustainable use management plans;
• A robust scientific database to promote conservation and sustainable uses through best practices;
• Policies adopted by the Ecuadorian government and international conventions like RAMSAR to conserve the ecosystem;
• Increased national and international awareness of the importance of this ecosystem; and;
• Expansion of the program to Northern Peru, Piura and Cajamarca in alliance with partners in Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela.

Program Objective

The overarching program objective is to improve the conservation of the paramo ecosystem in the Andes with equity to local inhabitants. Staring in 2003, TMI Andes will focus its work in Northern and North Eastern Peru.

To meet this objective, the Paramo Project in Ecuador (1999-2002) used a combination of Participatory Action Research and Mapping tools, and validation of alternative land uses with active participation of the direct users of the paramos. The project worked closely with government agencies and a network of other projects, municipal governments, local NGOs, indigenous federations and community-based organizations. The project in Ecuador included a strong gender approach through cooperation with Randi Randi, an NGO specialized in this approach. Based on the Ecuador learning, TMI is now replicating these validated methodologies and strategies in Peru.

Collaboration and Participation

The Paramo Project initially started in Ecuador in 1997 as a partnership between Ecociencia and The Mountain Institute, expanding into a larger project in 1999 thanks to a partnership with University of Amsterdam. This partnership grew in September 2003 to Venezuela (Universidad de Los Andes), Colombia (Instituto von Humboldt) and University of Wisconsin as part of a larger effort coordinated by CONDESAN. Initial work was funded through a grant from The Netherlands Embassy in Ecuador (1997 and 1999-2002). Starting in September 2003 this effort is carried out thanks to a grant from the Global Environmental Facility GEF through the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Inter American Development Bank (IADB).

Partners in Peru include CONDESAN, Grupo Paramo Piura, Grupo Jalca Cajamarca and a network of stakeholders interested in Puna and Jalca ecosystems, CONAM, INRENA, CONACS, FONAM, among others.