Successful experiences of sustainable land use in hyperarid, arid and semiarid zones from Peru

Three case studies of successful measures of sustainable use of and coastal and semiarid Andean mountain ecosystems from Peru are presented. The first case study is on agroforestry and silvo-herding systems located in the northern arid coast (Piura), where El Nino events, especially the 97/98 (December to May) one, had impacted the productivity of these systems. The second case study focused on in situ conservation of Andean crops and their wild parents in northern (Piura and Cajamarca) and central (Huanuco and Huancavelica) Andean mountain ecosystems of Peru. In this case study, not only the crop areas and the conservancy culture of the traditional farmers were addressed, but also their natural environment ie., the soils, fauna and plant communities (pastures, bushes and forests) that surround them. This guarantees the continuity of the conservancy activity of the Andean cultures and, therefore, of the northern and central Andean mountain semiarid ecosystems of Peru. The third case study is located in the southern coastal desert from Peru, on an oases ecosystem locally called as: "Lomas", which is inhabited by the Atiquipa peasant community. During the winter seasons (June-October), the Atiquipa Lomas support a strong presence of fog water, which is being "harvested" through "atrapanieblas" ("fog catcher") that permit fog water to precipitate with a noticeable increase in volume. This harvested water is used for reforestation of the community high zones for livestock and human consumption, as well as for food crops that contribute to the food security of the community. So, the bases for a sustainable use of the desert resources of the southern coast from Peru are being established. These three case studies show the successful measures for the sustainable land use in the arid coast and semiarid Andean mountains of Peru.