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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
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 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.
CASE STUDY
Huayna Potosi, Bolivia