Andean Polylepis forests and their climate change mitigation capacity

Sanchez Carrión E.L.; Palomino Cadenas E.J. · South sustainability (2025) · DOI: 10.21142/ss-0602-2025-e129

Resumen

In Andean ecosystems, Polylepis forests are essential for carbon regulation. A study conducted in Huascarán National Park, Peru, has shown that both natural conserved and planted Polylepis forests are efficient at storing and capturing carbon within the tree biomass and soil, indicating the need for improved conservation initiatives across all Polylepis forests. This will enable regional and national authorities and local populations to arrive at informed decisions, and to develop public policies for the propagation and conservation of Polylepis species in Andean areas, in order to increase carbon sinks and generate carbon market opportunities, with the aim of reducing the impacts of current climate variation on Peruvian mountain ecosystems. © Los autores, 2025.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Santiago Antúnez de Mayolo