PARTNERS OF EARTHLY BEINGS FOUNDATION

For more than three decades, Asociación ANDES has worked hand in hand with Indigenous communities throughout Peru to protect ancestral knowledge, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen the connection between culture and nature through the concept of biocultural heritage territories. Their innovative approach empowers local communities to safeguard traditional agricultural practices, native seeds, sacred landscapes, and cultural traditions for future generations.

One of ANDES' most celebrated achievements is the creation and ongoing support of Parque de la Papa (Potato Park) near Cusco, Peru. This extraordinary Indigenous-managed conservation area is home to more than 1,300 varieties of native potatoes and serves as a living model of sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and cultural preservation. Managed collectively by six Quechua communities, the park demonstrates how traditional Indigenous knowledge can successfully protect biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods and food security.

Through the International Network of Mountain Indigenous Peoples (INMIP), ANDES has shared the Potato Park model with Indigenous communities across the globe. Learning exchanges have inspired similar biocultural conservation initiatives in countries including Kenya, India, Kyrgyzstan, and others, helping communities adapt traditional knowledge to modern environmental challenges while preserving their unique cultural identities.

Today, ANDES continues to be an international leader in Indigenous conservation, proving that protecting biodiversity and honoring Indigenous wisdom are essential to building a more sustainable future for our planet.