7 Communities Respond to Glacier Loss in Peru

Dear Donors,

We are excited to share the latest progress of our project, "7 Communities Respond to Glacier Loss in Peru."

During the period covered by this report (November–December 2024), we made significant strides in restoring ancestral water management technologies:

1. Cleaning and Maintenance of the Anta Canal, Carania

• Community Engagement: On December 14, 2024, 38 community members (14 women and 24 men) participated in a communal work session to clean and maintain 5 km of the Anta Canal. Despite rainy weather and challenging terrain, the community successfully completed this important task, showcasing their dedication and teamwork.
• Agricultural Impact: The Anta Canal’s restoration will benefit essential Andean crops, including maize, beans, and potatoes, while ensuring water access for livestock and other uses critical to the community's resilience.

2. Strengthening Ancestral Practices

This initiative is part of the RETAMA project, which revitalizes pre-Columbian water management techniques to address climate change impacts. By preserving and restoring these infrastructures, we contribute to sustainable, nature-based solutions that enhance the resilience of mountain communities.

3. Supporting the Restoration of the Weetacocha Dam in Pamparomas

As mentioned in our previous report, we continue to support the work of Kevin Lane, an archaeologist affiliated with the Instituto de Montaña. He is leading the restoration of the ancestral Weetacocha dam in Pamparomas, Ancash. This Archaeological Research Project for Conservation and Valorization is funded by Rotary Club International and the Instituto de Montaña through GlobalGiving. The full report can be downloaded below.

4. Ongoing and Future Activities

• Planned Maintenance: At least six additional communal work sessions are required to fully rehabilitate the Anta canal. Continued technical guidance and logistical support are essential to achieving this goal.
• Community Leadership: The collaboration between local authorities and community members remains a cornerstone of this effort, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their cultural heritage.
• Cooperative Planning: In 2025, we will continue working closely with the authorities of the communities participating in the RETAMA initiative. Together, we will identify key actions and collaboratively plan the next steps to ensure the project's ongoing success and long-term sustainability.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support, which allows us to preserve cultural heritage while addressing critical challenges posed by climate change. Your generosity enables us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Andean communities.

• INFORME_FINAL_PIA_WEETACOCHA_2024__02.01.2025.pdf (PDF)