7 Communities Respond to Glacier Loss in Peru

Dear friends,

Over the past months, our work has entered a quieter but equally important phase. While have limited new field activities, this period has been essential to consolidate, reflect, and sustain the long-term impact of the work you have made possible.

Today, we want to share not only what has happened recently, but also the broader journey we are building together.

What we have achieved together so far

Thanks to your support, this project has helped mountain communities in Peru respond to one of the most urgent challenges of our time: the rapid loss of glaciers and increasing water insecurity.

Working hand-in-hand with communities, we have:

• Strengthened participatory processes so communities identify their own priorities and solutions
• Promoted the restoration of ancestral water systems, such as wetlands, dams, canals, and infiltration systems in 4 of the 7 communities that are part of this initiative
• Helped recover and validate indigenous knowledge as a climate solution
• Contributed to positioning these practices as cost-effective, nature-based adaptation strategies

These efforts are not isolated. They are part of a broader approach that combines local knowledge and science to build resilient mountain ecosystems and livelihoods.

Why this work matters

Mountain communities are on the frontlines of climate change. As glaciers disappear:

• Water availability becomes unpredictable
• Glacier Lakes Outburst Floods risks increase
• Acid Rock Drainage worsens, contaminating water and damaging pastures and crops
• Agriculture and livestock are severely affected
• Entire ways of life are at risk

At the same time, these communities hold centuries-old knowledge that offers solutions not only for the Andes, but for mountain regions around the world.

Our role is not to impose solutions, but to support communities in revitalizing and scaling what already works, ensuring these practices continue to benefit both people and ecosystems.

What happened during this period

Although we were not able to implement new field interventions at the expected scale we focused on:

• Maintaining relationships with partner communities
• Preparing the next phase of interventions
• Continuing to share knowledge and raise awareness about mountain solutions

This groundwork is critical. It ensures that when resources are available, we can act quickly, effectively, and with stronger foundations.

The challenge ahead

We are currently at a pivotal moment.

Thanks to your generosity, we have raised $35,258 of our $50,000 goal. This is a significant milestone—but we are not there yet.

With your support:

• Communities can restore key water systems before the next dry seasons intensify
• More young people can engage in local climate solutions
• Proven approaches can be replicated in new communities

How you can help

Every contribution brings us closer to closing the gap.

Help us reach the remaining goal and turn plans into action.
Donate or share this project with your network.

Looking forward

We remain committed to working alongside mountain communities with a long-term vision: that they can thrive in healthy ecosystems, with sustainable livelihoods, and with their cultural heritage strengthened.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude,
Instituto de Montaña team