About this project
This innovative project integrates participatory mapping of water resources with plastic pollution mapping for the first time in our high-Andean community, combining ancestral knowledge, citizen science, and youth leadership. The approach delivers tangible results, such as the restoration of bofedales and Polylepis forests, and the visible reduction of plastic waste in water sources, as well as strategic outcomes, including community maps that support local decision-making and environmental education. By training young people and women and providing them with the necessary tools, the project ensures that its impact extends beyond its duration, strengthening climate resilience and long-term water security. Furthermore, it offers a replicable model for other Andean communities, promoting the conservation of mountain ecosystems and sustainable water management.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of the project is to protect high-Andean water sources, restore degraded ecosystems, reduce plastic pollution, and empower youth and women to actively manage natural resources in their community. The project seeks to achieve several objectives, including training 100 students and young community members, with at least 60% women, in participatory mapping, water management, and plastic reduction strategies. It aims to develop community maps that identify water sources, recharge areas, and plastic pollution hotspots, implement ecosystem restoration activities such as reforesting Polylepis forests and recovering bofedales, organize community clean-up campaigns, and run workshops on recycling and circular economy practices. Additionally, the project will produce educational materials such as a community guide, posters, and short videos to raise awareness and encourage replication.
The intended beneficiaries are primarily the 100 students and young people involved in the training activities, chosen to ensure youth leadership, creativity, and sustainability of outcomes. Indirectly, approximately 800 community members, local institutions, and regional environmental networks will benefit from improved water quality, healthier ecosystems, and increased community engagement. The direct participants are expected to gain technical knowledge, practical skills, and a sense of environmental stewardship, while the broader community will experience tangible improvements in local water resources and ecosystem health.
The impacts of the project will be sustained after its conclusion by leaving tools, maps, and trained youth within the community to continue monitoring water resources, carrying out restoration activities, and promoting plastic reduction. The methodology is adaptable and low-cost, combining participatory mapping, citizen science, ecosystem restoration, and plastic management, making it replicable in other high-Andean communities facing similar challenges. Educational resources and a documented approach ensure that the project can be scaled to other micro-watersheds and mountain ecosystems throughout the region.
Expected result
- The project is expected to deliver tangible and measurable outcomes that improve water management, restore ecosystems, and reduce plastic pollution in high-Andean communities. The first expected result is the creation of at least three community maps identifying water sources, recharge areas, and plastic pollution hotspots. These maps will be developed using participatory mapping tools such as OpenStreetMap and Geo Tracker, validated by community members, and delivered by month six. They provide a practical tool for local decision-making and environmental education.
- The second result is the restoration of high-Andean ecosystems, including the reforestation of Polylepis forests and recovery of bofedales. At least 300 plantings and the restoration of one hectare of bofedales are planned between months six and twelve. This action directly improves water infiltration, storage capacity, and ecosystem health, contributing to climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
- The third result is the visible reduction of plastic pollution in water sources. Two community clean-up campaigns will collect at least 500 kilograms of plastic waste, scheduled in months four and ten. These activities will be complemented by workshops on recycling and circular economy practices, including the production of plastic-based materials, increasing local awareness and promoting sustainable behaviors.
- The fourth result is the strengthening of youth and women’s capacities in participatory mapping, water management, and plastic reduction. At least 100 young participants (60% women) will be trained through three workshops conducted between months two and five. Success will be measured by attendance, skills demonstrated during field exercises, and participants’ ability to lead follow-up activities in their communities.
- The fifth result is enhanced community awareness and knowledge dissemination, achieved through the production of one community guide, posters, and two short videos shared locally and through social media. These materials will document the project’s process and outcomes, reaching an estimated 5,000 community members by the end of month twelve.
Monitoring of results will be conducted through quarterly evaluations by a community-led committee with support from project facilitators. Indicators include the number of maps produced, hectares restored, kilograms of plastic collected, participants trained, and materials disseminated. Both quantitative data and qualitative observations, such as participant engagement and community adoption of practices, will be tracked to ensure results are achieved and sustained.
About me / organisation
Lizet Mayli Mejia Penadillo
Lizet Mejía (26), from Huaraz, Peru, is an environmental engineer and Andean climate activist dedicated to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation. She co-founded Qinti Perú, a grassroots initiative focused on restoring high-Andean ecosystems such as wetlands and queñual forests, emphasizing water security and community-led conservation. With more than five years of volunteer experience, she has collaborated with networks such as YPARD Perú, Red de Jóvenes Líderes en Áreas Protegidas de LAC, and Peru Women Birders – Áncash, leading projects on citizen science, bird monitoring, and environmental education.
She represented Peruvian youth at COP16 on Biodiversity and was recognized by the FAO as a Young Forest Champion, strengthening her expertise in forest governance and restoration. Lizet is committed to advancing intergenerational and gender-inclusive approaches in conservation and climate action.
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