The Majestic Andes and Their Hidden Treasure
Protecting the Andes, one of the world’s most ancient mountain ranges, are home to some of the planet’s most unique wildlife, including the spectacled bear, puma, and the awe-inspiring Andean condor. Beyond its fauna, a lesser-known yet vital ecological gem: the polylepis trees, often called “cloud trees.”
These extraordinary trees thrive at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters, making them the highest-altitude trees in the world. Polylepis trees play a crucial role in sustaining life in the Andes by absorbing and retaining water from clouds and melting glaciers. The water they gather is slowly released through the mossy layers covering the trees, feeding mountain streams that eventually flow into the Amazon River.
A Forest in Decline
Historically, polylepis forests covered vast swaths of the Andes. However, centuries of deforestation and development have reduced their coverage to a mere 500,000 hectares—only 1% to 10% of their original range. This loss has degraded ecosystems, weakened natural defenses against flooding and erosion, and jeopardized the water security of millions living in the Andes foothills.
A Guardian of the Forests
Peruvian biologist Constantino Aucca Chutas, a descendant of the indigenous Quechua people, has made it his mission to restore these ancient forests and protect the communities that depend on them. “I’m proud of being an Inca descendant,” Aucca Chutas says. “Growing up near rivers and nature, I wanted future generations to inherit this beauty.”
In 2018, he co-founded Accion Andina, a collaborative initiative with US nonprofit Global Forest Generation and Peruvian nonprofit Association Ecosystems Andinos. Their ambitious goal is to restore one million hectares of native Andean forest by 2045.
A United Effort for Nature
Acción Andina has already planted more than 10 million trees, thanks to the efforts of thousands of indigenous families across six countries: Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia. Aucca Chutas describes this movement as a historic unification of Andean peoples, akin to their collective spirit during the Inca Empire and the fight for independence. “This is the third time we unite—this time for the polylepis tree,” he says.
A Cultural and Environmental Revival
For the Inca civilization, which ruled the Andes in the 15th and 16th centuries, nature was sacred. They revered “Pachamama,” or Mother Earth, and saw animals like the condor and puma as symbols of harmony between the heavens, Earth, and the afterlife. This respect for nature is the foundation of Acción Andina’s philosophy.
The initiative also revives the Andean principles of Ayni and Minka, which emphasize collective effort for the common good. This ethos is brought to life during Queuña Raymi, an annual tree-growing festival where entire communities participate in planting polylepis saplings. The event is a vibrant celebration of culture and conservation, with traditional dances and rituals honoring Pachamama.
Protecting the Future
Planting trees is only the beginning. Acción Andina erects fences, prevents forest fires, and collaborates with local communities to care for the saplings. Indigenous knowledge plays a vital role, as locals have lived alongside these forests for generations and understand their intricacies better than anyone.
In exchange for their contributions, Acción Andina supports communities by providing medical care, installing solar panels, and helping secure land rights. These efforts ensure that restored forests remain protected from exploitation by industries like mining and timber.
A Global Model for Conservation
Acción Andina’s community-driven approach has gained international recognition. In 2024, it received Prince William’s Earthshot Prize for “Protect and Restore Nature.” Two years earlier, Aucca Chutas was named a UN “Champion of the Earth.”
UN Environment Programme Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Mrema praised the initiative, emphasizing the ecological importance of polylepis forests. These trees prevent soil erosion, capture moisture, and enhance water security.
A Shared Responsibility
Aucca Chutas believes that conserving these “magical trees” requires collective action. “Conservation and the protection of Mother Earth is a responsibility for all of us,” he says. By uniting traditional knowledge, community effort, and global support, the Andes’ cloud forests stand a chance of thriving once more.
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