The high altitude Polylepis forests of Peru

Polylepis trees grow exceptionally slow, growing just 0.1mm per annum in diameter, and are found at the highest altitude of any type of forest in the world. Rainforest Concern is working with ECOAN , a local conservation organisation, providing much needed funding for conservation and reforestation in Vilcanota Mountain, Peru. This includes the Quechua communities in the southern Cuzco region.

The community projects include the setting up of nurseries and the planting of Polylepis saplings in deforested areas, as well as the establishment of a small eucalyptus plantation, in order to supply the urgent demand for firewood which is currently met by the threatened Polylepis trees.

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