Sustainable management of agrobiodiversity and recovery of vulnerable ecosystems in the Andean region of Peru

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Introduction

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the “Sustainable Management of Agrobiodiversity and Recovery of Vulnerable Ecosystems in the Andean Region of Peru through Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)” project aims to conserve in situ and sustainably use agrobiodiversity in Peru, a country recognized for its rich diversity of ecosystems and native crops.

Currently in its final phase, the project has documented the lessons learned during its implementation. The report is organized around the importance of agrobiodiversity and the GIAHS approach, describing the objectives and components of the project. Nine selected cases illustrate activities, achievements and lessons learned. Lessons learned include the need to involve local authorities, train officials in agrobiodiversity-based management and adapt processes to local conditions. Collaboration between public and private entities is essential for the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity.

This document seeks to provide a framework for future initiatives in agrobiodiversity conservation and recovery of vulnerable ecosystems in the Andean region, highlighting the importance of learning from past experiences and of inter-institutional collaboration and community participation.

GIAHS agrobiodiversity project

The project aims to promote in situ conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity through three key components:

• Integrated landscape management and agrobiodiversity conservation in the Andean regions of Peru;
• Development of markets for agrobiodiversity products to support conservation and sustainable use and local rural livelihoods; and
• Institutional and policy strengthening to incorporate agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainable use into the operational frameworks of public institutions.

Its implementation began in January 2019 and it was executed by the Peruvian Ministry of Environment (MINAM), the Peruvian Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) and the Peruvian environmental fund (Profonanpe), with FAO administration. It was carried out in four Andean regions and covered thirteen districts, prioritizing native crops and species. The main beneficiaries were small and medium farmers, mostly belonging to peasant communities who are predominantly indigenous from the Quechua and Aymara ethnic groups and who depend on agrobiodiversity for their food security and livelihoods.

The GIAHS approach seeks to identify and promote traditional farming systems that are essential for the conservation of agricultural diversity and environmental sustainability. For this reason, the project promoted integrated landscape management and agrobiodiversity conservation through a Payment for Environmental Services (PES) strategy, implementing a Rewards for Agrobiodiversity Conservation Services (ReSCA) programme in the four intervention regions. Through this strategy, producers commit to dedicate specific areas of land to plant priority varieties at risk of genetic loss, receiving non-monetary compensation in goods and services defined by themselves, such as agricultural inputs, construction materials and other elements necessary for social life.

The project being in its final phase, it was deemed appropriate to develop a process of analysis of the experience, with the objective of compiling lessons learned from these years of intervention, from the point of view of those directly involved. We pay attention to the factors that have influenced the results, with the aim of improving our practices in the future.

Methodology

The documentation and analysis of lessons learned from the project was carried out through a participatory process to gather the points of view of the various stakeholders involved. This included interviews and field visits to various stakeholders, such as producers and representatives of executing entities. The information gathered was complemented with secondary sources provided by the project. Nine representative cases of the project were selected, analyzing both quantitative and qualitative achievements.

Participants in the lessons learned analysis of the project include project staff, producers, consultants and representatives of the executing agencies. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of collaboration between public and private entities for the success of agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainable use initiatives.

Lessons learned

The project analysis presents nine cases, three per component, with brief descriptions of activities, achievements, lessons learned and recommendations. These cases were selected for their progress and tangible results, both qualitative and quantitative, and were chosen for their potential for replicability in future interventions. Among the lessons learned, the importance of the active participation of local communities in agrobiodiversity conservation stands out.

Experience has shown that capacity building and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices are essential for the resilience of traditional agricultural systems. In addition, the integration of ancestral knowledge with modern approaches has proven to be effective in addressing challenges such as climate change.

Lessons learned during the formulation of Concerted Local Development Plans (CLDPs) highlight the need to involve local authorities, train government officials in agrobiodiversity-based management, and adapt processes to local conditions and priorities. The importance of balancing the inclusion of agrobiodiversity in territorial planning documents and the need to complement CLDPs with an Institutional Strategic Plan and an Institutional Operational Plan for effective municipal management is stressed.

Promoting the recovery of traditional knowledge related to agrobiodiversity, such as seed and crop management, sustainable agricultural practices, and understanding of local ecosystems, not only strengthened the cultural identity of communities, but also ensured the transmission of valuable knowledge to new generations, integrating it into local education systems. This ensures that local development policies not only respect, but also take advantage of this ancestral knowledge, fostering truly sustainable and culturally relevant territorial management.

The contribution of the Yachachiqs or rural talents highlights the importance of having legitimate community leaders to transmit knowledge and promote community participation in conservation initiatives. The vital role of these local leaders in mobilizing activities and transmitting knowledge in rural contexts is recognized, especially during situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where virtual interaction was necessary. Finally, general conclusions are presented based on the experiences gathered.

Regarding seed recovery mechanisms and retributions for Agrobiodiversity Conservation (ABD), it was learned that, although retributions encourage conservation, community priorities include food, cultural values and the nutritional potential of varieties. Cross-cultural technical assistance is key to extending ancestral knowledge, and it is essential that the community identifies its cultivars at risk and proposes recovery mechanisms, with the project acting as a facilitator. In addition, the sustainability of conservation actions requires a system of recognition for conservationists, supported by public policies.

In the experience with seed banks, it was learned that family organization is the most efficient for their management, since community banks tend to become disarticulated. Seed banks are crucial for the conservation and protection of local varieties, and are vital in situations of agricultural crisis. The creation of conservationist committees in the community to supervise the banks ensures their proper functioning and encourages active community participation in their conservation.

In the case of ecosystem restoration, grassland recovery and protection of wetlands and springs, the importance of informing and sensitizing the community was emphasized, valuing local knowledge to achieve effective and sustainable management of conservation areas. In addition, it is crucial to establish collective agreements that ensure the participation and commitment of stakeholders, with state or private support, to maintain conservation actions over time. It is also essential to have accurate information on the delimitation and registration of communities before initiating conservation projects to avoid conflicts and optimize resources.

In the commercial articulation of agrobiodiversity products (ABD), it was learned that a market strategy that generates income from the sale of these products can counteract monoculture and promote diversification. In addition, the marketing of ABD products is aimed at a niche market of consumers interested in the origin and special characteristics of the products, who are willing to pay a fair price, which requires identifying and entering marketing channels that are appropriate for this profile.

In the methodology for identifying value chains for agrobiodiversity products (ABD), it was noted that value chain analysis is a crucial tool for identifying linkage opportunities with companies, although it does not automatically guarantee better commercial conditions. It provides a valuable diagnostic that helps to address challenges. In addition, it is essential to raise awareness and educate consumers to value ABD products, constantly promoting their importance and the benefits of their consumption.

In value chain governance, it was learned that advocacy is not enough to get local government involved; it is necessary to strengthen its management capacities. Effective governance requires the local government to act as an inter-institutional articulator, especially in its area of local economic development, since it cannot do it alone. This is a medium to long term process, due to the limited capacities, developing connectivity, incipient organizations and multiple territorial challenges faced by local governments, with short time frames of four years.

Recommendations for the management of similar projects

The document concludes with recommendations for the management of similar projects:

• It is essential that the local community supports and monitors the practices implemented from the beginning to the end of the project to ensure its continuity.
• Conservation and sustainable development approaches must be integrated into project planning and implementation.
• Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms must be established to learn from experience and adjust strategies as needed.
• State laws and ordinances are needed to encourage agrobiodiversity conservation.
• The valorization and commercialization of agrobiodiversity products must be promoted to improve the livelihoods of local communities.
• The sustainability of conservation practices depends on supporting the transmission of traditional knowledge through rural schools.
• It is essential that the project is adapted to the needs and initiatives of the population, seeking methodological strategies that respect the local culture without departing from the project goals.

These recommendations are key to ensuring the sustainability of projects that seek to conserve agrobiodiversity and strengthen the livelihoods of rural communities in the Andean region.

Suggested citation

Ana Tumi. (2023). GIAHS Project Systematization Document: Sustainable Management of Agrobiodiversity and Recovery of Vulnerable Ecosystems in the Andean Region of Peru through the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems – GIAHS Approach. Edited by Profonanpe.