Peruvian women in Arequipa defend ancestral lands and alpacas against climate change
In Chalhuanca, Arequipa, women are spearheading an age-old tradition of safeguarding wetlands, known as bofedales, and alpacas. This vital work takes place within an ecosystem increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change. As many men from the community depart to seek employment elsewhere, these women are maintaining a traditional way of life. Their efforts are crucial not only for the survival of the alpacas and the unique bofedal ecosystem but also for the preservation of water resources. These water sources are essential for the sustenance of thousands of people across Peru. The women's dedication ensures the continuity of their cultural heritage and the ecological balance of their challenging environment.
This situation highlights the resilience of traditional practices in the face of environmental degradation and socioeconomic pressures. The migration of men underscores the economic challenges in rural areas, leading women to assume critical roles in resource management and cultural preservation. The protection of bofedales is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between local ecosystems and broader water security for downstream populations. As climate change intensifies, the sustainability of these ancestral methods will increasingly depend on external support, policy recognition, and adaptation strategies that integrate traditional knowledge with modern conservation science to secure livelihoods and ecological integrity for the next decade and beyond.
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