Polylepis forests (locally known as Queñoa, Kewiña or Lampaya) are the most threatened ecosystem in the high Andes (Photo: Ruth Marquez)
Polylepis forests are the most threatened high Andean ecosystem. Today these forests survive as small patches mostly restricted to areas of low agricultural importance. However, they are the most important habitat for numerous bird species threatened with extinction like the Royal Cinclodes (Cinclodes aricomae) and the Ash-breasted Tit-tyrant (Anairetes alpinus) in La Paz, and the Cochabamba Mountain-Finch (Poospiza garleppi) in other areas of the central Bolivian Andes
Cochabamba Mountain-Finch (Poospiza garleppi) is a threatened bird that is endemic to Bolivia (Photo: Paul B. Jones)
In 1996, only 10% of Bolivia’s Polylepis forests still existed. Though no thorough estimate has been made recently, there is no doubt these forests continue disappearing. This is also occurring with other Andean ecosystems such as the dry forests of the central Bolivian Andes, locally known as “valles secos”. The metropolitan region of Cochabamba, for example, has completely replaced the dry forest that once covered in this valley. Likewise, most dry forests in the inter Andean dry valleys of central Bolivia have been replaced by agriculture fields
Polylepis saplings produced in the project nursery managed by Armonia/Tiquipaya Municipal Government (Photo: Rodrigo Soria)
For over 15 years Armonia has made efforts to protect these forests and the most threatened bird species that depend on these forests’ future. Armonia conducted numerous educational activities, habitat restoration projects, and research, and today we focus our conservation efforts on protecting the key sites for these threatened ecosystems. Since March 2020 we are working to restore the native forests in the southern slopes of the Tunari national park. Our partners in this initiative are several local communities that inhabit within this protected area, the Tunari national park, the regional government of Cochabamba and the municipal governments of Tiquipaya, Sacaba, Quillacollo and Vinto.
Water reservoir built to storage water that will be key for agriculture and for combating fires during the dry seasons (Photo: Ruth Marquez)
So far, we have planted half million trees in the southern slopes of the Tunari national park. This is by far, the largest restoration program in Bolivia. Our restoration work, however, is not limited to only planting trees. We also undertake a series of actions to guarantee that local communities actively protect the reforested areas and the remaining forests fragments as well. We also support the sustainable development of communities involved (e.g. support to improve irrigation systems, sustainable management of exotic trees and support in agroforestry) and support the management of the protected area.
Pipelines will improve the irrigation systems of families committed with the forest restoration project (Photo: Ruth Marquez)
In 2022 we trained a forest firefighters brigade made up by members of the communities we work with. These brigades had a decisive role combating forest fires that originated in the territory neighboring communities where we do not have presence yet. This shows that communities involved in the restoration of their forests are truly committed with the project, which is a very positive impact. This also shows that it is utterly important to expand our activities to include more communities within the Tunari national park
Forest firefighters’ brigades formed by local communities’ members were formed and equipped (Photo: Rodrigo Soria)
Among the long-term impacts of our project is the protection of watersheds. Today several watersheds that run down the Tunari national park are degraded and are highly vulnerable to landslides/mudslides that might have fatal consequences, just like the mudslides that took place in the Taquiña watershed back in 2018 and 2020. As over 80% of the water consumed by the inhabitants of the Cochabamba valley (around 1 million inhabitants) is originated in the Tunari national park, this protected area is utterly important. Restoring and protecting native forests in this park is important to prevent future disasters and regulate the water cycle in this region of Bolivia. Therefore, it is important for the future of Cochabamba
You can see the videos of our work
Armonía is a member of the Acción Andina initiative:
Our actions are supported by:
Darwin Initiative
Ecoan
Global Forest Generation
