Five Lessons In Building a Continent-wide Restoration Movement
Just over five years ago, Acción Andina began as an ambitious idea—a vision to restore the native forests of the Andes and protect vital ecosystems by empowering local communities. Today, we proudly work in six countries. Thanks to the international recognition we’ve received, we’ve been able to make tangible progress toward restoring the Andes. The heart of our story is rooted in the partnerships and shared leadership that have made this journey possible.
At the core of Acción Andina is the vital collaboration between Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN) and Global Forest Generation (GFG), the two founding organizations. ECOAN founder, Constantino (Tino) Aucca, had a vision for restoring the entire Andean region, igniting our joint efforts. Over time, we have built a friendship grounded in trust, mutual respect, and a unified vision for healing our planet. This partnership has been strengthened by dedicated co-founders, teams, and steadfast supporters from both GFG and ECOAN. Together, these organizations have transformed Acción Andina into a movement that harmoniously blends ancestral wisdom with modern conservation practices. Here are five key lessons that have shaped our journey.
1. Partner with Extraordinary Leaders with a Powerful Dream
The foundation of Acción Andina has always been local leadership. Tino and I knew that meaningful change could only come from working closely with the experts who understand the land better than anyone else. The success of this initiative stems from those partnerships, understanding that each person brings unique strengths to the table. Simultaneously, we aligned our own leadership strengths. Tino’s vision, combined with the global resources and strategic planning that we bring through GFG, has created a dynamic, complementary partnership. Our shared successes are all thanks to the support and dedication of many collaborators who have stood with us every step of the way.
2. Develop a Replicable Model Grounded in Local Culture
Acción Andina works because it’s rooted in the rich cultural traditions of the Andes. Tino has always emphasized the importance of ancestral wisdom, and together, we’ve built a model that honors those traditions while using modern conservation tools to scale our impact. The principles of reciprocity (Ayni) and collective work (Minka) are at the core of our approach, ensuring that our work is not just about restoration, but also nourishing the cultural connections that sustain these ecosystems. As we’ve expanded Acción Andina, that cultural foundation has remained intact, while also ensuring that our model is adaptable and scalable to other regions.
3. Grow from a Project, to a Program, to a Movement
We’re most excited about creating something regionally successful yet also replicable in other parts of the world. Our initial goal was never to create a small project—it was to build a movement. What started as a focused reforestation effort has grown into a comprehensive initiative involving thousands of people across six countries. We’ve built strong regional partnerships, fostered cross-border cooperation, and continually expanded our reach. As we continue to scale our success, our priority is to remain rooted in the values and principles that make Acción Andina unique.
4. Make it Regionally Sustainable and Self-Sustaining
We are currently in the process of launching a major initiative called Yaku Ñan (meaning, the path of water), designed to build long-term sustainability for Acción Andina. This initiative represents our bold vision to create a regional fund for the Andes, assemble a coalition of donors and investors, and elevate the Andes on the global stage. The Andes are vital for water security in the region, and their protection will be crucial for the resilience of both ecosystems and communities in the coming decades. Through Yaku Ñan, we aim to highlight this importance to decision-makers, civil society, and the international community. This embodies the true value of GFG—creating connections, building recognition and financial support, and establishing systems and procedures that make restoration not just possible, but successful at the necessary scale for long-term impact. As we continue to refine and develop this initiative, it will help secure the financial and institutional support needed to ensure that Acción Andina thrives for generations to come.
5. Tell the Story to the World to Build a Legacy
An essential lesson we’ve learned on this journey is the power of storytelling. Tino and I have always believed that stories of people and communities at the heart of restoration will inspire real, lasting change. It’s these stories that have connected our work with global audiences, inspired donors to support our mission, and brought policymakers to the table. The international recognition of Acción Andina—from the Earthshot Prize to being named a UN World Restoration Flagship—was the result of this storytelling. While we’re honored by these recognitions, we’re focused more on building a legacy that will inspire others to take up the work of restoration. That’s what drives us every day.
A Call to Action for Unprecedented Collaboration
What we’ve built together through Acción Andina is not just a successful restoration initiative—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when ancestral wisdom and modern innovation come together. Our partnership, built on trust, respect, and a shared vision, is exactly the kind of collaboration the world needs to heal and restore itself. But we can’t do it alone. What we need from you is unprecedented collaboration and service to the world. It’s time for all of us to unite and make healing and restoring the Earth a priority. Together, we can build a movement that will span continents, cross generations, and leave a lasting legacy for the planet.