This is part of our Meet the Organization series–a collection of deep dives into the initiatives receiving larger, dedicated support from Klarna’s 1% pledge, and what they hope to achieve with it. Follow this organization’s impact and progress by following us on Instagram. 

Initiative: Acción Andina

Main focus: Restore forests and other landscapes

UN Sustainable Development Goals: 13 - Climate Action, 15 - Life on Land, 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation

Areas of operation: High Andes of Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia

WHY WE GIVE ONE Powered by Global Forest Generation, Acción Andina is a large-scale, collaborative effort to protect and restore one million hectares of high Andean native forest ecosystems, particularly Polylepis, over twenty-five years. The forests targeted by Acción Andina bring water to everything below them. They are the headwaters of streams that become Amazonian rivers. They create wetlands below that are some of the highest carbon sinks in nature and are reliable critical water resources for life–from biodiversity to people in local communities to major cities. These forests are also home to endangered species. Led by local and Indigenous communities in its conservation efforts, this program also improves livelihoods by generating seasonal and year-round jobs ranging from seed collection to constructing, equipping, and managing nurseries. 

HOW WE GIVE ONE Acción Andina aims to protect 500,000 hectares of standing forests and to restore 500,000 hectares of forest ecosystems, while developing long-term grassroots led natural resources management capacities and comprehensive community opportunities and benefits. Give One will be co-funding this large-scale protection and restoration effort over the next three years.

MEET AN IMPACTER Constantino Aucca is a biologist and a leading community-based conservationist. He coordinates Acción Andina. “My prime objective is not simply to plant trees,” Constantino says. “But to establish fully-functioning high Andean forest ecosystems in strategic landscapes across the Andes. The long-term benefits of Acción Andina include increased water security, protecting biodiversity, storing carbon, enhanced livelihoods and support and protection of cultural and spiritual values.” 

Interested in learning more and contributing to organizations and projects that protect and plant trees? You can donate through our strategic sustainability partner Milkywire.