CONSERVATION AND EROSION DEGRADATION IN HIGH ANDEAN ECOSYSTEMS: HEADWATERS OF THE LURIN BASIN-PERU

Onocuica Quiroz S.; Pizarro Carcausto S.; Huanuqueño-Murillo J.; Tito-Quispe D.; Pino-Vargas E.; Ramos-Fernández L. · Proceedings of the IAHR World Congress (2025) · DOI: 10.64697/978-90-835589-7-4_41wc-p2048-cd

Resumen

Ecosystems in the high Andes often face degradation, especially in Peru, a nation particularly vulnerable to climate change, which impacts their natural functions and ability to deliver goods and services. Consequently, this study aims to assess the conservation status of high Andean ecosystems and the extent of erosion to pinpoint degraded areas in the headwaters of the high Andean Lurin watershed. To accomplish this, twelve 100-meter transects were established to assess the attributes of 10 conservation indicators in the field, and the USPED model was utilized to predict erosion and deposition rates. The study identified sixteen ecosystems, with shrublands being the most common, followed by grasslands. The dense shrubland was found to be in "Very good" and "Good" condition, covering areas of 215.56 hectares and 127.91 hectares, respectively. The sparse shrubland was categorized as "Regular" with an area of 393.98 hectares. Additionally, the study revealed erosion and deposition areas of 1,092 hectares and 278 hectares, respectively. These results emphasize the critical need for conservation and sustainable management practices in these degraded regions.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina; Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann