Guardians of the Páramo: In the Antisana with Runawana, Bklear and Seguros BUPA

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Restoring habitats for emblematic species

On the heights of the majestic Antisana, where the wind whispers through the grasslands and the Andean condor reigns supreme, a new chapter of hope was written for our ecosystems.

Under a sky that alternated between intense blue and passing clouds, 50 volunteers of all ages gathered in the Tambo Condor sector for a transcendental mission: to bring life back to the páramo.

The goal was ambitious: 640 trees, shrubs and native plants would find a new home in lands once dominated by cattle ranching.

Species such as achupalla, polylepis, quishuar, chilca de páramo, escobilla, samil, chachacomo and pumamaqui, fundamental to the Andean ecosystem, were planted with dedication by large and small hands, all united for the same purpose.

The road to the Antisana volcano presented its challenges. Roads in poor condition delayed the start of the journey, but even this could not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants.

Entire families, committed young people and conscious adults began the work with renewed energy, demonstrating that when the will is strong, obstacles become mere anecdotes.

Youth for the Planet

We have organized many reforestation/habitat restoration days in this area, but we had never faced such intense wind, it was a good reminder of the extreme conditions facing the páramo's biodiversity.

Among the faces of the volunteers was the presence of young people, increasingly aware of their responsibility to the environment. They are part of the change, every tree counts in the fight against global warming.

This new generation, armed with shovels and hope, works with the certainty that their actions today will define the world of tomorrow.

Their commitment is the best testimony that the future can be green if we all do our bit..

Magic Mountain Encounters

Halfway through the day, a well-deserved rest allowed the volunteers to recover their strength with a delicious snack, while the radiant sun and the strong Andean winds reminded everyone of the imposing nature that surrounded them.

But the most emotional moment was yet to come. As if to bless the human effort, a majestic Andean condor flew over the area.

And as if this were not enough, the unmistakable silhouette of a spectacled bear was seen in the distance, provoking exclamations of astonishment and joy.

“These encounters are a reminder of why we are here,” expressed one of the organizers. “We work to ensure that these iconic species continue to have a home.”

The day ran longer than planned, but no one complained. Each participant returned home with a heart full of satisfaction for having contributed to a cause greater than themselves.

From the Foundation we extend our most sincere thanks to each volunteer who made this day possible, to Runawana for their tireless work and commitment to nature, to BUPA Insurance for believing in our projects, to BKLear, an American company committed to the planet, on behalf of its directors, who were visiting the country, we planted 40 trees, we also thank Diego and Daniel Cruz from Antisana Condor Observatory for opening the doors of this natural sanctuary.

Each tree planted is a promise of life, one more step towards the restoration of our ecosystems and a future where humans and nature coexist in harmony.

TOGETHER WE ARE PART OF THE SOLUTION

"Every tree you plant makes a difference", Jane Goodall.