From Vision to Expansion
Acción Andina’s Collective Journey to Restore and Protect the Andes
By Stephanie Arellano, GFG Conservation Program Officer
Since its inception, Acción Andina has achieved many milestones in restoring and conserving high-Andean ecosystems, becoming a regional initiative that inspires society through local leaders, organizations, and committed donors. What began as a shared dream has evolved into a robust nature restoration effort that connects local efforts under a shared vision with global impact.
Since the launch of Acción Andina in 2018—what have we learned? How are we continuing to support our initial vision of restoring high-Andean landscapes while expanding into water security? And how are we addressing the challenges of verifying our impact and financing Acción Andina in the long-term? Read on to discover.
Lessons from Phase 1: Building the Foundations for Strategic Growth
Co-founded by Global Forest Generation (GFG) and ECOAN, Acción Andina established a joint model that integrates ecosystem restoration and conservation with community leaders. It currently includes 26 projects across Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina, implemented in collaboration with 16 local partners who work directly with communities in the field.
The initial planning phase laid the groundwork for governance, forged key alliances, and proved that it is possible to mobilize significant resources to restore high-value ecological landscapes. This process was not without challenges; it also revealed the need to improve institutional clarity, strengthen monitoring and verification mechanisms, and deepen local participation.
Moving Toward Phase 2: A Renewed and Ambitious Vision
Building on the lessons learned from Phase 1, Acción Andina has now moved into its second phase (2025–2030) with more ambitious goals and a refined strategy. This next stage seeks to further scale restoration efforts, strengthen regional collaboration, and create a more decentralized and efficient institutional structure.
The new Strategic Plan prioritizes an improved Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system to assess impacts on connectivity, water, and communities, while also providing greater clarity on landscape-level interventions to support more strategic planning. At the same time, it introduces a financial sustainability strategy based on a blended finance model that combines philanthropic funding, public funds, private capital, and impact investment mechanisms.
This vision will enable diverse funding sources and long-term technical and financial sustainability for Acción Andina.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
Even with a new vision in place, Acción Andina faces several challenges, such as maintaining the active and sustained engagement of local partners, ensuring their involvement in monitoring implementation, and strengthening the monitoring framework for co-benefits, especially water-related ecosystem services.
Another key priority is ensuring our MRV system is both credible and transparent for all stakeholders and donors. Additionally, advancing innovative financing strategies remains essential to secure stable and funding.
Yet, these challenges also represent major opportunities to innovate, build local capacities, and solidify a regional movement that transcends borders, inspires trust, and ensures a lasting impact on both Andean ecosystems and the well-being of the communities who depend on them.
Inspiring Tomorrow
Acción Andina’s mission goes beyond restoring and conserving hectares of native ecosystems—it also seeks to restore hope, promote climate resilience, and improve the quality of life for Andean communities. Its purpose is to forge long-term alliances and demonstrate that a shared vision can transform landscapes and empower people.
Ultimately, Phase 2 symbolizes a renewed commitment, turning lessons learned into actionable strategies and aspirations into tangible results capable of inspiring a new generation of environmental leaders. In this new chapter, Acción Andina reaffirms that the future of the Andes is built through strategic vision and profound respect for nature and those who protect it.
