The community of Tomas and the Mountain Institute implemented an Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measure in partnership with the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve and IUCN. Our adaptation solution combined local and scientific knowledge and had four components: (1) Strengthening community organization, (2) Strengthening local capacities and knowledge, (3) Green-gray infrastructure, and (4) Livelihoods.

The AbE measure in Tomas responds to a community priority: improving management of the vicuña, a South American camelid whose fiber is highly valued and which is better adapted than exotic livestock to current and future climatic conditions in the area. The community has fenced off 241 hectares of native pastureland that it will manage sustainably for raising vicuñas. Thus, the AbE measure contributes to improving local livelihoods and increasing the resilience of the population and ecosystems to climate change.