Publications /  Annual Report 1998

The Consortium for the Sustainable Development of the Andean Ecoregion (CONDESAN) brings together Andean and international research institutions, universities, government agencies, NGOs, and other interested parties to seek scientifically sound solutions to the complex problems of integrated rural development in the Andes.

In Colombia, researchers from CIP, International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), University of Caldas, the Eduquemos Foundation, University del Valle, and the NGO COLCIENCIAS have been working to adapt watershed management models to Andean conditions. One goal is to develop methods to identify erosion risks, then estimate the impact of potential interventions on sedimentation and water flow. When linked to economic models, these new methods will allow researchers to evaluate and prioritize different land-use scenarios in both biophysical and economic terms.

In Ecuador, a CONDESAN team led by Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO) and the Quito-based NGO FUNDAGRO has been developing ways to involve the three municipal governments in the Rio El Ángel watershed (Carchi province) in natural resource management. Based on this experience, the Association of Ecuadorean Municipalities (AME) moderated a CONDESAN electronic forum on the issue with over 350 participants from throughout the Andes. With increasing decentralization in many countries, local governments are becoming key players in the development process.

In Peru, scientists from the University of Cajamarca, the Cajamarca-based NGO ASPADERUC, and CIP have been working closely with the local branch of the national soil and water conservation program to develop a methodology for using GIS-derived maps to identify erosion hotspots and select appropriate conservation interventions (e.g., reforestation, terracing, infiltration ditches, live fences, micro irrigation). If the methodology is successful, the team will be invited to introduce it in Cusco and Tarma.

In Bolivia, a CONDESAN team headed by International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and including CIP and the local dairy association ASPROLPA, is working to develop improved land-use and dairy-production systems for small-scale producers on the cool, semi-arid altiplano southeast of La Paz. The challenge is to maintain production costs that are competitive with those of inter-Andean valley and international producers. Work is focusing on feed management, animal genetics, and access to credit.

Many other Consortium initiatives are cross-Andean in scope. These include strengthening M.Sc. programs in natural resource management, promoting private investment in highland areas, conserving agrobiodiversity through the marketing of Andean products, and connecting development workers and researchers through e-mail and the Web.

The Consortium also provides a variety of information services, including regular news bulletins, an Internet web page (www.condesan.org) and a virtual library and bookstore. CONDESAN’s information arm, InfoAndina (Infoandina@cgiar.org), maintains an electronic network of 450 members. InfoAndina also serves as the Latin American node for the Mountain Forum, a Swiss-funded initiative designed to increase communication between institutions involved in the sustainable development of highland areas.