Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Tropical Andes mountains

CASE STUDY

on glaciers and water resources. The predominant ecosystem in these areas is páramo, which through its characteristic soil, flora and fauna, has an extraordinary capacity for storage and regulation of water. However, the páramos are also particularly sensitive to natural or anthropogenic pressures, such as overgrazing and climate change. Accelerated Impact of Glacier Retreat in the Tropical Andes (PRAA)

The PRAA project, implemented in parallel in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru between August 2008 and March 2014, was a pioneering initiative to adapt to the effects of climate change in tropical glaciers and other fragile high mountain ecosystems, especially for local economies dependent on the water and conditions historically provided by glaciers. The project aimed to monitor glacial melting and its effects on the local environment and communities as well as to develop local adaptation measures, such as improving hydrological infrastructure and restoring páramos. The project was financed by the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) with the World Bank as the implementing agency; the General Secretariat of the Andean Community (CAN General Secretariat) acted as the administrator of the resources, and each country’s national environmental authority lead and coordinated its implementation in each country. In Ecuador, the Ministry of Environment carried out this function through the National Office for Adaptation to Climate Change of the Undersecretary of Climate Change. The PRAA in Ecuador implements pilot measures in neighbouring watersheds: Antisana and Papallacta on the Amazonian side of the continental watershed (Napo River basin) and Pita on the pacific slope (Esmeraldas river basin). These areas are important because they supply water for about 3 million Ecuadorians living in the Metropolitan District of Quito and the surrounding area. The areas also constitute a natural laboratory for applied research on the impacts of climate change

The most direct beneficiaries of the pilot measures in Ecuador were the residents and members of the community of Tambo Valley, the Cooperativa San Jose del Tablon Alto, and the community of Papallacta. The high Andean ecosystems in which restoration has begun have also benefitted directly. In addition, institutions were also strengthened with equipment, training, research and capacity building. This includes the GADs (Decentralized Autonomous Governments) Papallacta, Napo and Quijos; National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI); The Quito Water Fund (FONAG); Metropolitan Public Company of Water Supply and Sanitation (EPMAPS) and the Ministry of Environment of Ecuador. At the end of PRAA-Ecuador, there was a change in people’s attitude to climate problems and the opportunities available for adaptation; a significant amount of information was also gathered, not only on the climate, glacier dynamics and vulnerability to climate change for specific communities, but mainly on the potential of initiatives such as those undertaken by the project. This data and experiences is stored and used by institutions such as INAMHI, EPMAPS, FONAG and local GADs. The latter have prepared climate change plans and incorporated climate change considerations into their PDOTs (Plan for Territorial Development and Organization), even before the issuance of the new guidelines of the Ministry of Environment or the latest provisions of SENPLADES. The PDOT for Papallacta in particular is known for its scope, thoroughness and for its pioneering character.

Huayna Potosi, Bolivia

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