Land use in the northern and Ecuadorian Andes under the influence of climate change

Understanding of natural-social-scientific and local knowledge about past and present landscape dynamics

First research stay: 22-Aug - 11-Sep 2024

As part of the DFG project, an exchange took place with the Ecuadorian university partners. During a joint workshop, research perspectives and cooperation interests were identified in order to plan joint research and research-oriented teaching. As a basis for further research, six lakes in the páramo and coniferous forest zones were sampled and the properties of water and lake sediments were investigated. A further 21 water and 14 surface sediment samples as well as six sediment cores were taken for this purpose. Furthermore, the forest composition was mapped and data on the spatial distribution of vegetation elements was collected.

Further information in the expedition report hier

IMAG6042

Foto: E. Dietze

DFG project description

Anthropogenic climate change and biodiversity loss are key challenges for land management, manifested for example by soil degradation, deforestation and freshwater depletion. These threats are closely linked to threshold-dependent dynamics that affect both ecosystem functions and societal well-being, including soil erosion, changes in water quality and altered fire regimes, as well as their perception and incorporation into land-use decisions. Such landscape dynamics affect tropical high mountain regions, which are hotspots of biodiversity and habitat for millions of people, including socio-economically disadvantaged groups. To address these challenges, it is essential to understand both scientific and local knowledge systems, empower local communities and incorporate their traditional knowledge into land management. This pilot study aims to provide initial insights into the complex interplay of natural and human factors that shape cultural landscapes in the northern Andes of Ecuador. Given the close interconnectedness of ecosystems and societies, we will analyze scientific (physical and human geographic) and local knowledge systems together with Ecuadorian and German scientists and local stakeholders to identify areas for future research. In three study areas between 3000 and 4000 m above sea level around the Ecuadorian capital Quito, we will promote co-learning activities with local communities and NGOs, characterize modern landscape dynamics through field mapping, and explore lake sediment archives to reconstruct past dynamics. Scientific analyses will focus on lake catchments in the water- and carbon-rich páramo grasslands, but will also explore agricultural areas and montane cloud forests. The integration of local knowledge and interests with initial data on ongoing and past landscape dynamics will initiate a lasting knowledge production process to restore the functions of cultural landscapes and contribute to adaptation to the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.