Implementation of EbA measures in the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve
Summary
A pilot was implemented to underpin the incorporation of an EbA approach into the planning tools for natural protected areas. The necessary methodologies and tools were developed, the vulnerability assessment was completed, the specific areas and the measures to be implemented were identified, including the communal management of native grasslands, vicuñas management (a wild relative of the llama), the expansion and conservation of wetlands and the restoration of water infrastructure.
Classifications
Region
Scale of implementation
Ecosystem
Theme
Challenges
Sustainable development goals
Aichi targets
Sendai Framework
Challenges
- Integrate and maintain local knowledge and cultural values, generating benefits at a temporal and spatial level.
- Ensure the participation and involvement of local and regional actors.
- Incorporate the EbA approach into the planning instruments of the protected areas as part of climate change mainstreaming.
- Incorporate the EbA approach into regional strategies for climate change in Junín and Lima as part of the adaptation strategies for regional conservation areas.
- Generate the necessary sound scientific foundation for the implementation of EbA actions through the development of a vulnerability and impact study.
Beneficiaries
- Main beneficiaries: SERNANP/landscape reserve team and the local population of Canchayllo, Tanta, Miraflores and Tomas.
- Indirect beneficiaries: Authorities, other communities of the landscape reserve.
Building blocks
How do the building blocks interact?
Three building blocks (BB) form part of the foundation of the EbA measure. The vulnerability and impact study (BB1) is needed for a sound assessment and the development of solid arguments on the vulnerability of the ecosystems to climate change and other current pressures (agricultural practices, mining). It also facilitates the identification of a range of EbA alternatives that could contribute to increase the resilience of these ecosystems and to reduce the vulnerability of human populations.
In order to prioritize among these alternative measures, a list of criteria for the selection of EbA measures was defined in BB2. The criteria helped to ensure that the measures were aligned, contributing to the landscape reserve´s management plan, and that they targeted ecosystem services that were important to the community.
BB1 and BB2 lay the foundation for BB3 – the implementation of EbA measures. Likewise, if the EbA measures have been designed on a sound basis, they should be robust and help ecosystems and populations to adapt to climate change.
Impacts
The project has led to improved management of water from the upper watershed, reducing its scarcity and improving the quality of the pastures. Wetlands were recovered, reducing vulnerability to climate change. At the same time, the local population has more information on climate change and adaptation processes and is organized into interest groups, research groups and also specific committees. Many community members have decided to devote time and effort to make these groups work and to implement the activities proposed by the project. The landscape reserve´s master plan includes for the first-time ecosystem-based adaptation strategies. The participation of the different actors has been strengthened, contributing to the sustainability of the project. Specific standards have been developed, such as grassland and water management plans and regional and national climate change strategies.
Story
The project aimed at a better understanding of EbA through the implementing of a pilot measure in a mountain area. The objective was to learn and at the same time generate the necessary information to support the incorporation of the EbA approach into the planning tools of natural protected areas as part of climate change mainstreaming. The project also aimed for a coordinated work between the different actors according to the institutional objectives and according to the existing experience. Alliances were established in order to accompany or facilitate processes.
The objectives were achieved by implementing a set of interrelated activities, grouped around four components. The first component consisted in the assessment and alignment of the project approach and in the process of developing methodologies and tools necessary for the subsequent activities.
As part of the second component, a vulnerability study was completed and the specific areas where to work within the landscape reserve were identified, as well as the measures to be implemented in each case. By this means it was decided that the measures would include the communal management of native grasslands through cattle ranching and associated activities, the vicuñas management for the use of fibre and the expansion and conservation of wetlands and restoration of water infrastructure for the sustainable management of water in the puna (Andean plateau).
The activities of the third component focused on the implementation of measures, and the development of specific guidelines at the level of the landscape reserve and regional governments. The fourth component was to promote the EbA approach outside the landscape reserve and to incorporate it into national policy guidelines, as well as public funding mechanisms.
In addition, activities were carried out to disseminate (information about) the project, seeking to generate impact to enhance sustainability.
A major challenge was the generation of information for the vulnerability and impact study that was indispensable for EbA. The team did not have previous experience with this type of studies, so an external expert was hired to conduct the study. The lack of information made this analysis take longer than planned and the implementation of actions in the field were delayed since the scientific foundation for the implementation of specific measures was missing.
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