Climate Action Peru Project #64011

Preserve Culture & Environment for Alpaca Herders

by The Chijnaya Foundation, Inc.

Project Report | Jul 13, 2026
Bofedales Restoration and Alpaca Development

By Makensie Brown | Senior Director of Operations

The Bofedales Restoration and Alpaca Development Project continues to make meaningful progress toward improving livelihoods for alpaca-herding families while protecting the fragile high-Andean wetlands that sustain their communities.

During this phase of the project, participating communities have strengthened their capacity to restore and manage their bofedales through coordinated conservation efforts and community engagement. Restoration activities are helping improve water retention and forage availability, creating healthier grazing areas for alpacas and contributing to the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems.

At the same time, the project has advanced efforts to strengthen alpaca production. Participating families have begun preparing for the introduction of high-quality, naturally colored breeding alpacas that will improve herd genetics and increase the value of their fiber. Technical training has also been provided in areas including fiber classification, shearing techniques, and traditional spinning methods, helping producers improve both the quality and marketability of their products.

Looking ahead, the project will continue building on this momentum by expanding technical training, supporting digital marketing initiatives, and strengthening the Hilos Wichay association so it can access new markets and generate greater income for participating families. Through these combined efforts, the project is creating lasting environmental, economic, and cultural benefits for the communities of the Peruvian Altiplano.

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Mar 23, 2026
New Year, New Progress

By Makensie Brown | Senior Director of Operations

Creating handicrafts from alpaca fur

To date, we have already begun implementing a coordinated set of actions aimed at strengthening the sustainability, quality, and market access of alpaca-fiber producers in our partner communities. Initial efforts have focused on advancing genetic improvement by initiating the acquisition of selected colored male breeding alpacas. This step is already contributing to the enhancement of herd genetics, improving fiber quality, and increasing the availability of naturally colored fibers, which will ultimately expand product diversity and income opportunities.

At the same time, we have launched activities to support community-based artisans in improving the production of handmade alpaca yarns. Early-stage trainings and infrastructure enhancements are underway, with a strong emphasis on preserving ancestral spinning and dyeing techniques. These efforts are helping to maintain cultural traditions while also improving efficiency, quality, and consistency across artisanal processes.

Progress has also been made in environmental conservation efforts critical to alpaca production. Families have begun expanding protective fencing in high-elevation wetlands (bofedales) to prevent overgrazing, alongside the planting of native grasses and seeds to restore soil moisture and forage availability. These actions reflect a continued community commitment to safeguarding ecosystems that are vital to both livelihoods and cultural heritage.

In parallel, we have started addressing gaps in digital access and market connectivity. Initial steps include the development of a functional website and the rollout of training in digital literacy and online marketing. Together, these early actions are laying the groundwork for improved market access, stronger production systems, and enhanced long-term resilience for participating communities.

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Dec 1, 2025
Planning for the New Year

By Makensie Brown | Director of Operations

Alpaca herders work with wool to create products.

As we close out 2025, we are making plans for 2026 on how to continue to support the aplaca-herding families.

The next step of this process is to strengthen the sustainability, quality, and market access of alpaca-fiber producers in our partner communities through coordinated actions in genetic improvement, traditional fiber production, and digital capacity-building. The first component addresses the scarcity of high-quality colored alpaca fiber, which limits product diversity and income opportunities. To solve this, we will acquire selected colored male breeding alpacas to refresh herd genetics, improve fiber quality, and increase the availability of natural colors. This genetic improvement will enable producers to access higher-value markets and reduce dependence on external fiber sources.

The second component supports community-based artisans in enhancing the production of handmade alpaca yarns. Beneficiaries will receive practical training and improved infrastructure to strengthen each stage of their artisanal processes. All capacity-building activities will prioritize the preservation of ancestral spinning and dyeing techniques, ensuring cultural continuity while increasing efficiency, quality, and consistency.

Additionally, the project recognizes that healthy high-elevation wetlands (bofedales) are essential for sustaining alpaca herds and cultural traditions. Families will continue long-standing conservation practices by expanding protective fencing to prevent overgrazing and by planting native wetland grasses and seeds that restore soil moisture and forage availability. Each family is committed to preserving these landscapes, understanding that bofedales safeguard environmental integrity and cultural heritage.

Finally, the project will address limited access to digital tools and online markets by supporting the creation of a functional website and providing training in digital literacy and online marketing. Through these integrated components, we anticipate stronger genetic resources, improved artisanal systems, restored ecosystems, enhanced cultural resilience, and greater market access.

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