Origin
It originates from the inclusion of the Waru Waru Agricultural Fields in the Watch program of the World Monuments Fund (WMF), proposed for this program by the Suma Yapu Association.
What are the Waru Waru?
The Waru Waru are agricultural fields located at an altitude of more than 3800 meters above sea level, designed with ancient engineering. The pre-Hispanic techniques applied in their construction and management allow for efficient use of water and soil, while also mitigating extreme climatic conditions, such as frosts and droughts.
How do they work?
Using ancestral techniques, farmers build raised platforms of various shapes and surround them with water channels. In these fields, quinoa, cañihua, native potatoes, and broad beans are grown. The height of the platforms and the arrangement of the channels promote efficient drainage and create a microclimate that protects the crops from extreme cold. Similarly, the channels allow for the retention of rainwater to maintain humidity during dry periods.
Who do we work with?
The project is being developed in collaboration with the Suma Yapu Association, led by Aymara women dedicated to sustainable development projects and the recovery and transmission of ancestral knowledge; and in partnership with the World Monuments Fund (WMF), an international organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage worldwide.
