Since its inception, Acción Andina has been at the forefront of large-scale ecosystem restoration in the Andes, driven by deep community engagement and cultural values. As part of our commitment to environmental conservation, Dots.eco has partnered with Acción Andina to support their mission of protecting these critical ecosystems. In this conversation, we delve into the origins, challenges, and transformative impact of this vital work. In this interview, we explore the incredible work of Acción Andina, a pioneering initiative dedicated to restoring and preserving the Andean forests.
How was Acción Andina created? What’s its origin story?
Abby and Kathleen: Launched in 2018 by Global Forest Generation and the Peruvian conservation nonprofit Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN), Acción Andina is our first locally-led, large-scale initiative to revive lost forests and preserve regional communities’ way of life. However, its roots are much deeper. Acción Andina builds on a 30-year community-led reforestation model developed by Constantino Aucca Chutas, an Indigenous Peruvian conservation leader and the President of ECOAN. This initiative has grown into the largest ecosystem restoration initiative in South America, uniting tens of thousands of people to regenerate landscapes, secure water for future generations, and protect ancestral knowledge. Over the next two decades, Acción Andina aims to protect and restore one million hectares of critical high Andean Polylepis forest ecosystems across the seven Andean countries.
What is one of the most interesting components of Acción Andina?
Abby and Kathleen: The real game-changer for Acción Andina isn’t technical, but cultural. Acción Andina is powered by the spirit of community. Across diverse cultures, a profound sense of reciprocity unites people of all ages and backgrounds in a common goal: reforesting for the greater good. This initiative breathes new life into ancient Inca principles of “Ayni and Minka,” embodying a timeless commitment to collective effort that once built an empire.
From the ground up, local and Indigenous communities in the five countries where we work set their own restoration priorities. They team up with vetted local conservation NGOs, which provide essential infrastructure and support as part of a broader coalition. These communities are deeply invested in the work, fully aware that planting trees today ensures water for tomorrow. The extraordinary efforts of Constantino have been crucial in building trusted partnerships and engaging communities.
What challenges do you face when trying to protect and restore habitats in the Andes?
Abby and Kathleen: Working across diverse cultures, languages, and countries is both an exciting and challenging space. Balancing the alignment of our overarching mission with the autonomy of our partner organizations often requires a delicate touch. On the ground, we navigate a variety of challenges, from political and social unrest to competing interests from private companies, such as mining corporations with vested interests in the land. Political and social upheaval can disrupt progress, requiring us to adapt quickly and find innovative solutions to maintain momentum. These dynamics add complexity to our work, necessitating flexibility and resilience.
Despite these challenges, the excitement of working in such a dynamic environment fuels our determination. The collaboration between diverse groups, united by a common vision, creates a rich tapestry of knowledge, experience, and passion. This synergy not only strengthens our efforts, but also fosters a deeper understanding and respect for the unique contributions each partner brings to the table.
Tell us about the people from the ground. What is the role of each stakeholder?
Abby and Kathleen: Communities are at the heart of these tree-planting initiatives, bringing invaluable knowledge about the local forests, including their medicinal and cultural significance. Their deep connection to the land enriches the conservation efforts, ensuring that the reforestation work respects and integrates traditional wisdom. Today, 50 dedicated local conservation leaders from 14 organizations are spearheading 23 projects across five countries. These efforts engage 105 local and Indigenous communities, involving around 30,000 people in transformative conservation work. Local Acción Andina partners provide essential technical guidance on growing trees, protecting water resources, identifying local species, and other vital conservation topics.
Global Forest Generation plays a vital strategic role, supporting the implementation of new tools and technologies to enhance monitoring and operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. We provide sustainable funding to drive long-term success and elevate Acción Andina’s work to the global stage, raising awareness and support. By bridging local expertise with global resources, we create a powerful synergy that amplifies our collective impact, strengthens ecosystem resilience, and fosters unity among diverse communities, advancing our mission of large-scale ecosystem restoration and conservation.
What is a struggle you see repeating when planting trees for the people on the ground?
Abby and Kathleen: One of the recurring challenges when planting trees on the ground is dealing with the harsh landscape. Planting at high altitudes during less-than-ideal conditions is tough, and nurseries are constantly striving to optimize the right growing environments for the young trees. Despite these challenges, the actual tree-planting ceremonies and events are incredibly inspiring.
People of all ages come together to plant tens of thousands of trees in a single day, creating a powerful sense of community and shared purpose. These events are not just about planting trees—they’re about planting hope and rejuvenation for the land and the people. As Acción Andina President Tino Aucca Chutas beautifully puts it, “We are planting happiness.” This collective effort fosters a deep connection to the land, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual significance of the forests and the act of restoration. Each tree planted symbolizes a step towards a healthier ecosystem and a brighter future for the communities involved.
What’s one tip you would give to anyone wanting to add their seed?
Abby and Kathleen: Without community, there is no true conservation. While our efforts are focused on working with nature, it’s the people who collectively and ultimately drive the regeneration of our planet. Building strong, inclusive communities is essential—everyone must feel represented, empowered, and heard. At Global Forest Generation, we see our role as a strategic partner dedicated to understanding and responding to the needs of local communities and organizations. By actively listening and adapting to their unique perspectives, we strengthen our collective impact and foster meaningful, sustainable change.
If you could recommend a book to people wanting to get informed about sustainability, which book would it be?
Abby and Kathleen: We recommend reading “Climate Optimism: Celebrating Systemic Change Around the World” by Zahra Biabani. This book offers a hopeful perspective on the climate crisis by showcasing promising climate solutions and encouraging environmental trends. It provides practical advice for shifting our mindset and highlights inspiring efforts from around the globe.
What is a rare fact about our ecosystems you’d like to share with the world?
Abby and Kathleen: Polylepis trees, native to the Andes, are the highest growing forests in the world! These trees thrive in the páramos, a unique high-altitude ecosystem found only in the Andes mountains, a truly unique and vital ecosystem. The páramos are home to the world’s most diverse high-altitude ecosystems, with an estimated 5,000 species—many of which live nowhere else on Earth.
The high Andes are crucial for the entire South American continent. Meltwater from ancient glaciers in the Andes flows all the way to the Amazon, providing freshwater for millions of communities downstream. The linkages between trees and water are profound and far-reaching. Tree restoration in the Amazon, for example, can affect rainfall in Europe and Eastern Asia. Mountain-born waters in the forested Andes recharge the Amazon. The Andes and the Amazon, while worlds apart, are deeply interconnected. They are two halves of South America’s heart. While much attention has focused on deforestation and staggering biodiversity losses in the Amazon, few restoration efforts address continental-scale conservation and the many ways that the high-Andean ecosystem sustains water, wildlife, and livelihoods throughout South America.
How can people find out more about Acción Andina?
Abby and Kathleen: To learn more about Acción Andina’s impactful work in ecosystem restoration and conservation across the Andes, visit their official website. There, you’ll find detailed information about their projects, initiatives, and the communities they serve.
For regular updates and insights, follow Acción Andina on social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Their social media channels provide updates on ongoing projects, success stories, and opportunities for engagement.
Additionally, subscribe to the quarterly newsletter for the latest news and special updates directly in your inbox. By staying connected, you can follow their progress, learn how you can get involved, and support their mission to restore and protect the vital ecosystems of the Andes.
Acción Andina’s dedication to restoring Andean ecosystems serves as an inspiring example of how community-driven conservation can lead to meaningful and lasting change. With the support of partners like Dots.eco, this initiative continues to make strides in protecting vital landscapes and preserving the cultural heritage of the Andean people. As Acción Andina moves forward in its mission, it offers a hopeful vision for the future of conservation in South America and beyond.
Special thanks to Isabella Orgel for her contribution to the editing and input on this blog.
