Publications

Why the Andes matter

13.06.2012

Policy brief presented at Rio+20

The Andes, covering 33% of the area of the Andean countries, are vital for the livelihoods of the majority of the region’s population and the countries’ economies. However, increasing pressure, fuelled by growing population numbers, changes in land use, unsustainable exploitation of resources, and climate change, could have far-reaching negative impacts on ecosystem goods and services. To achieve sustainable development, policy action is required regarding the protection of water resources, responsible mining practices, adaptation to climate change and mechanisms to generate and use knowledge for sound decision making.

Photo (c) Adriaan Bloem  / Flickr

Download here