The Central Andes are a primary centre of origin of potatoes. Up to 177 varieties have been domesticated by generations of Aymara and Quechua in the valleys of Cusco and Puno, not far from the famous Macchu Pichu. A long list of cultural and agriculture treasures from the Inca civilization has been carefully preserved and improved over centuries to guarantee living conditions over 4000 meters above sea level.

One of the most amazing features of this heritage is the terracing system used to control land degradation. Terraces allow cultivation in steep slops and different altitudes. From a range of 2800 to 4500 meters, three main agricultural systems can be found: maize is cultivated in the lower areas (2500-3500 m.o.s.l.), potato mainly at medium altitudes (3500-3900 m.o.s.l.). Above 4,000 meters the areas are mostly used as rangeland, but can still be cultivated with high altitude crops as well. In the high plateau, around Lake Titicaca, farmers dig trenches (called "sukakollos") around their fields. These trenches are filled with water, which is warmed by sunlight. When temperatures drop at night, the water gives off warm steam that serves as frost protection for several varieties of potato and other native crops, such as quinoa.

However, a number of socioeconomic and environmental factors, including water contamination, insecure land tenure and fragmentation of the collective property systems, male out-migration in search of earning opportunities and problems with storage and distribution of seeds of native varieties are posing a serious threat to this unique, culturally and biologically rich environment.

The GIAHS project, in coordination with local institutions and the participation of local communities, will help value these ingenious agricultural technologies to guarantee their preservation, while providing sustainable development conditions for present and future generations of Andean peoples.