San Mateo Scenic Viewpoints Cleanup and Reforestation Program: Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Risk Reduction

General information

Project name:

San Mateo Scenic Viewpoints Cleanup and Reforestation Program: Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Risk Reduction

Executor:

Asociación Preservando

Role in the organization:

Project Lead

Project timeline:

August – October 2024

Beneficiaries:

4,245 residents of San Mateo de Huanchor

Additional data:

  • Financier: Government of Peru – Legislative Decree 1566
  • Estimated total cost: PEN 13,260
  • Main allies: Municipality of San Mateo de Huanchor, Peasant Communities, SINAVOL, Preservando Lab

Additional data:

  • Financier: Government of Peru – Legislative Decree 1566
  • Estimated total cost: PEN 13,260
  • Main allies: Municipality of San Mateo de Huanchor, Peasant Communities, SINAVOL, Preservando Lab

Executive summary

The San Mateo Cleanup and Reforestation Program was designed as a preventive climate adaptation intervention to reduce landslide and flood risks associated with El Niño events.

Implemented in critical high-Andean viewpoints of San Mateo de Huanchor, the program integrated waste removal, reforestation with native species, and community training as natural protective infrastructure.

Led by Asociación Preservando, the initiative aligned local government, peasant communities, and volunteer systems using Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and PMBOK-based project management.

The intervention protected key transport infrastructure, reduced climate-related risk, and strengthened local capacities, demonstrating the effectiveness of nature-based solutions when co-designed with the territory.

Context and challenge

100 %

Indigenous and rural population exposed to extreme climate events in San Mateo de Huanchor.

1

Single access route (Central Highway) vulnerable to landslides and flooding.

0 %

Previous preventive interventions in critical scenic viewpoints.

High

Climate risk level during El Niño events.

Design challenge

How might we design a low-cost, community-driven intervention that reduces climate disaster risk while strengthening local prevention capacity?

Beneficiaries

Indigenous rural population exposed to landslides, road disruption, and water contamination during extreme climate events.

Local population: 4,245 people

Volunteers and community members: 20 participants

Design process

(Methodology: Design Thinking + Lean Startup)

Empathize

1
Community risk diagnosis.

Community workshops and participatory mapping were conducted with local authorities and community members to identify landslide-prone viewpoints.

Mapping of critical areas.
Initial fieldwork.
2

Define

Problem definition.

Environmental cleanup was reframed as natural infrastructure for climate risk mitigation.

Risk analysis.

Ideate

3
Intervention design.

An integrated solution was co-created combining cleanup, reforestation, and community training.

Participatory planning.
4

Prototype

Pilot reforestation.

A pilot reforestation intervention using native species was implemented on critical slopes to stabilize soils.

Land preparation.
Planting native species.
Living green infrastructure.

Test

5
On-site monitoring.

Safety, logistics, and participation were monitored during implementation, adjusting protocols in real time.

Risk evaluation.
Operational follow-up.
6

Iterate

Operational improvements.

Volunteer onboarding and safety protocols were refined considering altitude, access, and climate conditions.

Logistics optimization.
Lessons integrated.

Implemented solution

Format:

4 in-person workshops + Digital network of women entrepreneurs

Key topics:

  • Female leadership and self-esteem
  • Finance for women entrepreneurs
  • Digital marketing
  • Management of local ventures

Highlighted innovations:

  • Creation of the first Women’s Network with Sustainable Enterprises in the province.

  • Replicable model based on Australian experiences (Women’s Business 2nd Chance).

  • Training adapted to the rural context and Andean worldview.

Measurable impact

Indicator Results
Area intervened 2,408 m² cleaned
Native trees planted 350
People trained on El Niño risk 250
Budget deviation <5%
Volunteer onboarding time reduction −90%
Participant satisfaction 93% activities / 86% training
San Mateo Scenic Viewpoints Cleanup and Reforestation Program: Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Risk Reduction
Municipality of San Mateo de Huanchor
SINAVOL
Preservando Lab

Alliances and ecosystem

Design learnings

Territorial co-design is essential: Nature-based solutions are effective only when designed with local actors.

Digital tools improve safety: Digital management reduces operational risk in remote geographies.

Prevention is cost-effective: Preventive design reduces human and economic losses.

Next steps

Replication in other high-Andean districts

Scale the model to transport corridors exposed to El Niño.

Community climate monitoring

Integrate participatory monitoring of slopes and vegetation cover.

Materials

Space for presenting visual and documentary evidence:

Native plant species: Selected trees for slope stabilization.
Cleanup tools: Manual equipment for waste removal.
Safety protocols: Mountain work and risk prevention guidelines.
Digital platforms: Monday and Jotform for monitoring and reporting.