GDI Area Proposal - Lomas de Asia, A Rocha Peru. 1. Executive Summary Along Peru’s arid coastline lies Lomas de Asia, one of the best preserved and most extensive Lomas ecosystems in the greater Lima area. Known as ‘desert meadows’, these unique and endangered ecosystems form on coastal hills as dense fog blown in on Pacific winds during the wet season condenses, providing moisture for adundant flora to flourish. Due to seasonal variations in humidity, native species exhibit unique morphological and physiological adaptations, as well as rare interactions and dependencies, leading to high levels of endemism. Whilst biodiversity studies of Lomas de Asia are incomplete, a dry season evaluation undertaken when humidity and vegetation cover is at its lowest, finds a high level of biodiversity for the season and size of area assessed (777 hectares). This study, coupled with recorded sightings, finds a total of 33 vascular plant species including naturally regenerating populations of the Mito tree (Vasconcelleacandicans); a species considered Critically Endangered under Peruvian law. Recorded avifauna include nine carnivorous, granivorous and insectivorous species, including the Peruvian endemic Cactus Canastero(Pseudasthenescactorum). Six recorded mammal species include the Andean Fox (Lycalopexculpaeus)and the endemic Northern Vizcacha (Lagidiumperuanum). Two reptile species have been recorded: the Tiger Pacific Iguana (Microlophustigris) and Desert Lancehead Snake (Bothropspictus), considered Near Threatened and Vulnerable under national law respectively, as well as 60 species of terrestrial arthropods. It is however expected that a complete wet season study would reveal much higher levels of biodiversity. Surrounding Lomas de Asia live various communities who benefit from the lomas’ natural resources and are committed to it’s long-term conservation. Since 2011, the Asia rural community has mobilized to restore the area with financial and inkind support from local businesses. To date, 400 native trees have been planted on one hectare of land, irrigated by specially designed ‘fog catchers’. It is estimated that with appropriate support, 30 hectares could be reforested with native species within 5 years, indicating great potential for relatively rapid ecological restoration of the lomas ecosystem. The long-term conservation of the lomas will however also depend upon developing alternative income-generating activities for local communities which sustainably manage the lomas’ natural resources. Great potential and interest exists to develop alternative income-generating activities such as Tara production (Caesalpiniaspinosa; a native species with high commercial value), as well as bee-keeping and eco-tourism, with the latter of particular interest given the area’s easy access and close proximity to Lima and nearby beach resorts. Strong local interest exists to establish Lomas de Asia as a Private Conservation Area, although policy support is needed to ensure that the area acquires this status and is legally protected in the long-run. This protection is also much-needed due to a number of threats.Population growth and beach tourism have led to increased demand for land which may place greater pressure on Lomas de Asia. In addition, the lomas are being degraded by human activities such as overgrazing, logging for construction materials and fuel, hunting, and extraction of clay used for producing ceramics. This has led to a lossof vegetation cover, reducing fogwatercapture and the natural recovery of native species. Meanwhile, invasive species have been introduced and are competing with the lomas’ native species. Environmentaleducation activities are now needed to raise awareness about the importance and vulnerability of the lomas ecosystem among local authorities, businesses and communities. An additional threat to Lomas de Asiais ClimateChange, as an increase in coastal temperatures reduces the formation of coastal fog clouds needed to sustain lomas biodiversity. It is hoped that by registering Lomas de Asia as a GDI Area, greater awareness of this unique ecosystem will be raised at a national and international level. Lastly, despite significant experience from national universities and research teams on the lomas ecosystem, additionalresearch is needed into the biodiversity, land use changes and socio-economic factors that threaten Lomas de Asiato inform the development of future conservation and sustainable natural resource management initiatives in lomas ecosystems along the Peruvian coast. To enable this, A Rocha Peru will design a five-year Area Management Plan using the “Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation” developed by the Conservation Measures Partnership. In addition, the "Promoting Local Innovations" methodology developed by the Centre for Development and Environment at the University of Bernwill be applied to ensure the participation of key stakeholders and the long-term sustainability of the plan.Baseline studies will be conducted to provide reliable,current information into the importance of, and impact suffered by, the biodiversity in Lomas de Asia. The studies will complement existing information and inform the design of the Area Management Plan and future research.To ensure the sustainability of the project, partnerships will be established with key local, national and international institutions and formalized through the signing of mutual agreements.Overall, the Area Management Plan will deliversignificant biodiversity positive outcomes through five project activities detailed below. 1. Conservation and restoration activities will result inan increase in vegetation cover and fog water capture leading to an overallhealthier lomas ecosystem; an increase inbiodiversity and the protection of key endemic species; improved well-being of local communities and the general public through access to an area of natural beauty for recreation and greateraccess to fresh water; and contribution towardscarbon sequestration throughthe reforestation of native trees. 2. Sustainable development activities will improvethe livelihoods of local communities through the development and support of alternative incomegenerating activities that sustainably use the lomas’ natural resources (e.g. eco-tourism, bee-keeping and Tara production). 3. Policy support will enable the establishment of Lomas de Asia as a Private Conservation Area(or similar legal scheme ensuring its long-term protection). 4. Environmental education activities will lead to greater awareness about the importance and vulnerability of lomas ecosystems among local stakeholders, policy makers and the wider community. 5. Applied research will enable greater knowledge on lomas biodiversity, land use changes and socio-economic factors that threaten the area, helping to protect it and inform the development of future conservation initiatives. 2. Area Characteristics Lomas de Asia is located along Peru´s arid coastline in the Asia district of Cañete province andis one of the best preserved and most extensive Lomasin greater Lima. Covering 777 hectares, it lies in the Atacama-Sechura Deserts ecoregion at latitude 12°47'10.01"S and longitude 76°28'59.54"W. Known as ‘desert meadows’,Lomas ecosystems formon coastal hills as dense fog blown in on Pacific winds during the wet season condenses, providing moisture for unique and adundantbiodiversity to flourish. Due to seasonal variations in humidity, native species such astheCriticallyEndangeredMito tree (Vasconcelleacandicans), Cactus Canastero bird (Pseudasthenescactorum),Near Threatened Tiger Pacific Iguana (Microlophustigris), and Andean Fox (Lycalopexculpaeus)exhibit unique morphological and physiological adaptations, as well as rare interactions and dependencies. Alongside arich biodiversity, the area includes 7 preHispanicarchaeological sites and a 30m² restroom facility building. 3. Area Manager The Lomas de Asia area will be managed by A Rocha Peru, in close collaboration with the rural community of Asia who owns the land. A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed by the time of registration between the two parties, naming the National Project Coordinator of A Rocha Peru, Ramón CasanaAraujo, as the Area Manager. A Letter of Commitment for Inter-Institutional Cooperationdemonstrating the established relationship between A Rocha Peru and the Asia rural community can be found in Annex 1. A Rocha Peru is a Christian, non-profit Peruvian organisation committed to the environment, and a member of the global family of A Rocha International (www.arocha.org/peru). We work with local partners to carry out activities in conservation, environmental education, and applied research, and aim to restore harmony between people and nature and ensure the well-being of all creation by enabling a responsible relationship with the environment.A Rocha Peru takes a holistic approach, linking the objectives of conservation and ecological restoration with improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of local populations. Projects arealways highly participatory, developed in partnership with local stakeholders, and long-sighted, to ensure their sustainability. Since 2009, A Rocha Peru has implemented a successful community reforestation project in the dry forests of Ica, along the southern coast, where it has reforested 26,000 native trees. We are currently replicating this success with an ecological restoration project in the dry forests of Trujillo, in northern Peru. Both projects have involved the design and implementation of conservation plans, and have been managed by prospective Area Manager, Ramón CasanaAraujo. In addition, we have conducted a comprehensive base-line study into the biodiversity and socioeconomic context of the Lomas ecosystems in the greater Lima area, and forged strong alliances withkey local stakeholders including Peruvian universities and the Asia rural community, which will provide a strong basis for developing an Area Management Plan. Ramón CasanaAraujohas been A Rocha Peru´s National Project Coordinator since 2010, and an active member of the organisation since 2006.Trained as a Biologist, with Masters Studies in Environmental Management, Ramon has designed and managed a number of successful community-based conservation projects along the Peruvian coast and has directed regional conservation groups, such as Grupo Aves delPerú. Ramon has significant experience in leading research, conservation and communityengagement activities. Since 2011, the Asia rural communityhas mobilized to restore Lomas de Asia, with financial and in-kind support from local businesses and community members. To date, 400 trees have been planted on one hectare of land, irrigated by ‘fog catchers’ specially designed to mimic the trees’ ability to capture water. Plans are underway to increase reforestation activities; however anintegratedArea Management Plan, informed and supported by necessarybase-line studies and institutional partnerships, is now needed to ensure that Lomas de Asiais sustainably managed and protected, andimproves the well-being of surrounding local communities in the long-term. To facilitate this process, A Rocha Peru will designan area-based Biodiversity Management Plan using the “Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation”developed by the Conservation Measures Partnership. In addition, the "Promoting Local Innovations" methodology developed by the Centre for Development and Environment at the University of Bern, Switzerland, will be applied to identify and support, jointly with relevant stakeholders and local community members, alternative income-generating activities that sustainably manage the Lomas’ natural resources. 4. Rapid Biodiversity Assessment In March andApril 2012, a Rapid Biodiversity Assessment of Lomas de Asia was conducted by the Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology (CEBIO) at the University of La Molina in Lima. Despite being undertaken in the dry-season, when humidity and therefore vegetation cover is at its lowest, the study found a high level of biodiversity for the season and size of area assessed. A wet-season study is now needed to complete this assessment, and can reasonably be expected to reveal a much higher level of biodiversity. Below is a preliminary list of registered plant species recorded in the dry season at Lomas de Asia.Overall, the study findsabundant and diverse florawiththe presence of 26 vascular plant species, including 15 herbaceous species, 6 shrubs, 2 cacti, and 3 tree species including Caesalpiniaspinosa(Tara),Acacia aff. macracantha and Vasconcelleacandicans(Mito). The latter Mito tree, a species considered Critically Endangered under national law,has since been found to be naturally regenerating in Lomas de Asia. Puyasp.andCaesalpiniaspinosawere also found to be in good condition in the higher, rocky areas of Lomas de Asia, and in better condition than in other lomas. Family 1. Acanthaceae 2. Amaranthaceae 3. Amaranthaceae 4. Apiaceae 5. Asteraceae 6. Asteraceae 7. Asteraceae 8. Asteraceae 9. Asteraceae 10. Boraginaceae 11. Bromeliaceae 12. Cactaceae 13. Cactaceae 14. Caricaceae 15. Euphorbiaceae 16. Euphorbiaceae 17. Euphorbiaceae 18. Fabaceae 19. Fabaceae 20. Lamiaceae 21. Papaveraceae 22. Piperaceae 23. Sapindaceae 24. Scrophulariaceae 25. Solanaceae 26. Solanaceae ScientificName Diclipterasp. Alternantherasp. Amaranthussp. Cyclospermussp. Ageratinasp. Asteraceaesp. Gamochaetasp. Ophryosporussp. Trixisaff. cacalioides Heliotropiumsp. Puya sp. Armatocereussp. Cactaceaesp. Vasconcelleacandicans Chamaesycesp. Crotonalnifolius Euphorbiasp. Acacia aff. macracantha Caesalpiniaspinosa Salvia sp. Argemone sp. Peperomiasp. Serjaniasp. Linariaaff. canadensis Nicotianapaniculata Solanumsp. Form of growth HerbaceousPlant HerbaceousPlant Shrub HerbaceousPlant Shrub Shrub HerbaceousPlant Shrub Shrub HerbaceousPlant HerbaceousPlant Cactus Cactus Tree(Mito) HerbaceousPlant Shrub HerbaceousPlant Tree Tree(Tara) HerbaceousPlant HerbaceousPlant HerbaceousPlant HerbaceousPlant HerbaceousPlant HerbaceousPlant HerbaceousPlant In addition to the 26 plants recorded during the dry season, 7furtherplant species are regularly sighted during the wet season(see the‘Flora’ section of theLomas de Asia leafletin Annex 2). These plants include two species of Begonia (Begonia geraniifolia and Begonia octopetala), two species of Nettle (Nasa urens and Loasa nitida); the Slipper flower (Calceolaria pinnata);Malva (Urocarpidium peruvianum) and the emblematic Flower of Amancaes (Ismeneamancaes) depicted below. Whilst this increases the total of sighted plant species to 33, it is expected that a complete wet season study would reveal a much greater diversity of flora. The dry season evaluation also records a high level of of vertebrate species for the size of area assessed, which again would be expected to be much higher with complete base-line study investigations. The preliminary assessment of avifauna recorded a total of eightbird species belonging to six families fromthree orders. Passeriformes were the most represented order, with five species from four families, followed by Falconiformes with two species from one family, and Strigiformes with one species. The most representedspecies in the areaincludedthe Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalusrubinus), the Thick-billed Miner (Geosittacrassirostris), the Bandedtailed Sierra Finch (Phrygilusalaudinus), the AplomadoFalcon (Falco femoralis) and the Burrowing Owl (Athenecunicularia). The birds recorded include carnivorous, granivorous and insectivorous species, making the bird community fundamental to the maintenance of the area’s ecosystem.An additional falcon species (Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus) is often sighted in the area, (see ‘Fauna section’ in Annex 2) but was not recorded in the dry season study, and increases the total of sighted bird species to nine. In total, the dry season study recordedfour species of mammals fromtwo orders and threefamilies; which is average for the time of yearand high for the size of area assessed.Three of these species are from the Rodentiaorder, with two Phyllotisspecies found, including the Friendly Leaf-eared Mouse(Phyllotis amicus). The Andean Fox (Lycalopexculpaeus), the largest Lycalopex species, is vulnerable to unregulated hunting for their pelts, and perceived as a threat to livestock. The Northern Vizcacha (Lagidiumperuanum),a member of the chinchilla family, was considered endemic to Peru until it was sightedby Werner and colleagues (2006) inEcuador’s Loja province in 2005. Other mammals not recorded in the study, but sighted in the area include the Near Threatened Coastal fox (Pseudolopexsechurae)depicted below, and the Near Threatened felid Colocolo (Oncifelis colocolo), increasing the total of sighted mammal species to six. Of the two reptile species recorded, both the Tiger Pacific Iguana (Microlophustigris),and the Desert Lancehead Snake (Bothropspictus) are protected by national law, with the former considered Near Threatened and the latter listed as Vulnerable.Below is a preliminary list of all registered vertebrate species (birds, mammals and reptiles) recorded in the dry season. Order Family Falconiformes Falconidae Furnariidae Passeriformes Strigiformes Carnivora Rodentia Serpentes Squamata Troglodytidae Thraupidae Tyrannidae Strigidae Canidae Cricetidae Chinchillidae Viperidae Tropiduridae Scientific Name Common Name Falco femoralis Falco sparverius Geosittacrassirostris Pseudasthenescactorum Troglodytesaedon Phrygilus alaudinus Pyrocephalusrubinus Athenecunicularia Lycalopexculpaeus Phyllotissp. Phyllotisamicus Lagidiumperuanum Bothropspictus Microlophustigris Aplomado Falcon American Kestrel Thick-billedMiner Cactus Canastero HouseWren Banded-tailed Sierra Finch VermilionFlycatcher BurrowingOwl Andean Fox Mouse FriendlyLeaf-eared Mouse Northern Vizcacha DesertLancehead Snake Tiger Pacific Iguana In addition to these vertebrate species, a total of 60terrestrial arthropod species are recorded, revealing a veryhigh species level given the low vegetation cover and resource scarcity in the dry season. In particular, the study identifies the following groups, with number of species recorded in parentheses: Lepidoptera (9), Cicadellidae (2), Aphididae (1), Nabidae (1), Delphacidae (1), Psyllidae (1), Cerambycidae (1), Coccinellidae (1), Bostrichdae (1), Carabidae (1), Mordellidae (1), Chrysomelidae (1), Tenebrionidae (1), Diptera (4), Terevidae (1), Tachinidae (2), Asilidae (1), Gryllidae (3), Vespoidae (5), Formicidae (6), Microavispa (1), Araneae (10), Scorpionida (1), Thysanura (1), Isopoda (1), and Others (2). BioSWOTAnaylsis STRENGTHS: - One of the best preserved and most extensive Lomas ecosystems within thegreater Lima area. Significant endemic biodiversity, withcritical populations of certainendangered species. Natural regeneration of the Critically Endangered Mito tree(Vasconcelleacandicans). High levels of community engagementin local conservation activities. Locally-led reforestation and restoration activities are already underway. Fog catchers to help capture water and enable the restoration of the lomas biodiversity are already installed. Some research studies already carried out by Peruvian universities. WEAKNESSES: - Inappropriate use of renewablenaturalresources by local communities through overgrazing, illegal logging for construction materials and fuel, and hunting. Resulting loss of vegetation cover has reduced the natural capture of fog water. Remaining cover is predominantly herbaceous andinsufficient to allow natural recovery of all species. Insufficientand incomplete research conducted to date, including a lack of information on wet-season biodiversity; the role of vegetation in fog water harvesting;alternative local water sources; and the socio-economic context. Insufficient technological mechanisms in placeto support ecological restoration. OPPORTUNITIES: - Interest from the Asia rural community in establishing the Lomas de Asia as a formal Private Conservation Area(or similar legal scheme ensuring its long-term protection). Great potential for a relatively quick ecological restoration of the lomas ecosystem through the planting of native trees and shrubs, and installation of fog catchers. Great potential tosustainably manage and protect the lomas biodiversity through the development of alternative income-generating activities for local communities, such as from eco-tourism, beekeeping and Tara (Caesalpiniaspinosa)production. - High potential for eco-tourism development due to easy access and close proximity to Lima (only 103km south of Lima) and nearby beach resorts (8km west of resorts). Opportunity to provide an alternative source of tourism during the wet season, when visitors to Asia’s beaches are at their lowest. Local reforestation activities have focused on planting Tara trees whose pods and round black seeds can be processed to make environmentally friendly tannins used in furniture leather, and gum used in convenience foods. Great potential for local private sector funding. Great experience of Peruvian universities and research teams in the lomas ecosystem. THREATS: - Unsustainable use of the lomasnatural resources by local communities: overgrazing, illegal logging for construction materials and fuel, and hunting. Extraction of non-metallic materials, such as clay for producing ceramics by local private companies. Introduction of invasive species. Local population growth is placing greater pressure on Lomas de Asia, as demand for land and natural resources to construct new houses increases. Increased value and demand for land belonging to the Asia rural community for beach tourism may place greater pressure on Lomas de Asia for other land uses. Climate Changeleads to an increase in coastal temperatures, the reduction of the formation of coastal fog clouds and therefore the reduction of the available fog water needed to sustain lomas biodiversity. 5. Work Plan for Planning & Registration 1. BASE-LINE STUDIES Baseline studies will provide current information into the importance of, and impact suffered by, the biodiversity in Lomas de Asia. Diverse experts will be contracted to conduct reliable studies that complement existing information and inform the design of the Area Management Plan and future research. Base-line studies will involve the following: a) Compilation and review of existing current and historical information onLomas de Asia. b) Complete biodiversity assessment of flora, fauna and vegetation cover in all seasons; c) Evaluation of economic value ofnatural resources and environmental services available in Lomas de Asia for potential use in the project; d) Socioeconomic assessment of the surrounding local communities in Asia and analysis of relevant stakeholders. e) Assessment of land use changes in Lomas de Asia and its surrounding areas and design of future scenarios on the lomas ecosystem with and without the implementation of the proposed project (aerial photos, remote sensing, GIS); 2. ORGANISE, PLAN AND DESIGN AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN The Area Management Plan will be designed using the ‘Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation’ developed by the Conservation Measures Partnership, and accompanying MIRADI software. In addition, A Rocha Peru will apply the "Promoting Local Innovations" methodology developed by the Centre for Development and Environment at the University of Bern, Switzerland, ensuring the participation of key local stakeholders and the long-term sustainability of the plan. Steps taken in this process will include: a) Application of the ‘Promoting Local Innovations’ methodology to identify and support alternative income-generating activities that sustainablyuse lomas’ natural resources. b) Market analysis and business plan development into natural resource products that could potentially provide alternative income for local communities; c) Team training in the ‘Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation’ and use of MIRADI software; d) Design of Area Management Plan: stakeholder and BioSWOT analysis;designofa Conceptual Model;evaluation and prioritization of threats and opportunities;definition of the general objective, specific objectives, activities and expected results;identification of risks and assumptions; e) Development of a plan for monitoring, evaluation and communication of results and best practices; 3. BUILDING INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS To ensure the sustainability of the project, partnerships will be established with different national and private institutions, local businesses and international partners that strengthen the project objectives. Partnerships will be formalized through the signing of mutual agreements in order to ensure the participation and cooperation of all stakeholders. Activities for this will include: a) Strengthening of existing and/or development of community groups and associations that will be involved in the conservation, sustainable management, and economic valuation of Lomas de Asia; b) Establishing strategic alliances with local, private and state institutions; c) Engaging with Peruvian and foreign universities and research groups; d) Identifying potential additional national and international partners for the project. Budget Amount Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 in US$ 1. BASE-LINE STUDIES Biodiversitystudies 6000 Economicvaluationstudies 3000 Socio-economicstudies 3000 Land use change studies and scenarios 5000 Contingencies 1190 Sub-total (1) 18190 2. DESIGN OF AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN Application of 'Promoting Local Innovations' methodology 7000 Market analysis and business plan 5000 Planning and development of the Area Management Plan 5500 Contingencies 1225 Sub-total (2) 18725 3. BUILDING INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Development of partneragreements 1500 Communicationscosts and materials 1000 Contingencies Sub-total (3) 175 2675 4. OPERATING EXPENSES Project Coordinator 8130 Executive Director 2846 Communications and DevelopmentOfficer 4136 Accountancy and Administration 3270 Scientific and operational support from A Rocha International 7000 Contingencies 1777 Sub-total (4) 27159 SUB-TOTAL (1-4) 66749 Overheads (10% of Sub-total 1-4) Monitoring (4% of Sub-total 1-4) TOTAL 6675 2670 76094 6. Biodiversity-Positive Outcomes Overall, the Area Management Plan will deliversignificant biodiversity positive outcomes through five project activities detailed below. 1) Conservation and restoration activities will result inan increase in vegetation cover and fog water capture leading to an overallhealthier lomas ecosystem; an increase inbiodiversity and the protection of key endemic species; improved well-being of local communities and the general public through access to an area of natural beauty for recreation and greater access to fresh water; and contribution towardscarbon sequestration throughthe reforestation of native trees. 2) Sustainable development activities will improvethe livelihoods of local communities through the development and support of alternative incomegenerating activities that sustainably use the lomas’ natural resources (e.g. eco-tourism, bee-keeping and Tara production). 3) Policy support will enable the establishment of Lomas de Asia as a Private Conservation Area(or similar legal scheme ensuring its long-term protection). 4) Environmental education activities will lead to greater awareness about the importance and vulnerability of lomas ecosystems among local stakeholders, policy makers and the wider community. 5) Applied research will enable greater knowledge on lomas biodiversity, land use changes and socio-economic factors that threaten the area, helping to protect it and inform the development of future conservation initiatives. 7. Letter of Support 8. Area Photos (1) An aerial view of Lomas de Asia (2) The Lomas de Asialandscape (3) The Flower of Amancae (Ismeneamancaes) (4) The Near Threatened Coastal Fox (Pseudolopex sechurae) Annex 1:Letter of Commitment forInter-institutional Cooperation between A Rocha Peru and the Asia rural community (La ComunidadCampesina de Asia). Annex 2: Lomas de Asia leaflet produced by the Asia rural community.