Camelids in the heart of the Andes: Threads of Wool, Memory and Resilience

06/05/2025

In the Andean highlands, where communities face a lack of infrastructure and connectivity, water scarcity and environmental factors such as high altitude, camelid herding has for centuries been an alternative for sustaining local livelihoods.

One example is Diego Fabián, who works with llamas and vicuñas in Argentina and feels deeply connected to this cultural heritage. “My father and my grandfather taught me to respect nature and to care for animals as part of our culture”. In his family, camelid livestock farming is a legacy passed down from generation to generation.

In addition to their economic value, these animals represent an ancestral bond between peoples and their land. They reflect a way of life that has endured for centuries, adapting to the challenges of climate change through traditional management and production techniques.

From the southern regions of Chile and Argentina to the vast Andean plateaus that also extend across Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, the breeding and care of llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas continue to be a fundamental pillar of rural life.

Undoubtedly, their contribution as sources of livelihoods and subsistence is vital for high-Andean communities.

But the camelid sector has additional elements, something that makes their care and preservation unique. This is highlighted by Conrado Blanco Mamani, a Chilean breeder, who sees these animals as a way of preserving the heritage of his culture and his people. At 65 years old, he has devoted his entire life to the care of llamas and alpacas.

“Camelid livestock farming not only feeds us; it is also essential for protecting the environment”. His words go beyond a purely productive approach, integrating the protection of ecosystems that are vital for camelids.

Climate Change Challenges and Resilience

In Peru, Inés Flores, one of more than 92 000 alpaca herders in the country, sees firsthand how extreme climate conditions are affecting camelid rearing. She has witnessed these changes directly, such as droughts and frosts, which have reduced her production capacity. “Sometimes we feel like we can’t go on, but this is our way of life”, explains Inés, who leads her family’s herding activities together with her siblings and husband.

High-Andean wetlands (bofedales) are key ecosystems for the survival of camelids, as they provide water, pasture and nutrient-rich forage. However, due to climate change and unsustainable land management practices, they have become degraded, limiting the ecosystem services they provide for the breeding, reproduction and healthy survival of camelids. This not only endangers the animals, but also the communities that depend on them.

Roberta Rivera, a Bolivian breeder, has also been affected by climate fluctuations, which make llama herding more difficult; yet she continues to move forward. “We have to be resilient, learn new technologies, but never lose our roots”.

Meanwhile, Diego in Argentina has also had to adopt measures to cope with these challenges, using sustainable agricultural practices on his farm, such as growing quinoa and potatoes, which help diversify production and reduce dependence on camelids.

Women Alpaca Herders and Empowerment

One of the most significant legacies of the “International Year of Camelids” has been the fundamental role of women in camelid herding.

Roberta also helps safeguard this tradition and highlights the role women have taken on in the care of these animals. Although her community has undergone transformations, for her raising camelids is a way of life that strongly connects women to the past.

“Before, it was men who worked with llamas, but now women are also a fundamental part of this process”. Roberta has learned to produce charque and other llama-derived products using new technologies, while maintaining a traditional perspective.

In Peru, Inés is also leading change within her family and community. Despite the difficulties, she has managed to position herself as a role model among women alpaca herders. “Our work with alpacas is not only about subsistence, it is a way to keep our traditions alive and to dignify our communities”, she said. This year, Inés was even able to take her creations to Europe after being invited by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as part of the commemoration of the International Year of Camelids, showcasing the cultural and economic value of her work.

An Ecuadorian Brand with Roots in the Andes

Camelids have also found their way into high fashion. Paqocha is an Ecuadorian brand born with the mission of rescuing and promoting the legacy of the country’s alpaca-herding communities. It is dedicated to the production and commercialization of garments made from high-quality alpaca fiber. “Since 2006, I have been working with Andean camelids (alpacas and vicuñas) with communities in Ecuador and Peru. The International Year of Camelids reminded us of the importance of this value chain for sustainable development and the local economy,” said Felipe Segovia, co-founder of Paqocha in Pichincha, Ecuador.

2024: International Year of Camelids

In 2024, FAO declared the International Year of Camelids with the aim of promoting global recognition of the importance of these species for food security, environmental sustainability and the cultural heritage of high-Andean communities and Latin America. Given the success of this celebration, commemorative activities were extended through the first half of 2025.

On May 7, 8 and 9, the city of Antofagasta, in northern Chile, will host the 2nd Regional Meeting on South American Camelids, organized by five countries in the region (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru) together with FAO. Government authorities, academic representatives, producers, herders, artisans, the private sector and cooperation funds will take part in the discussions to continue advancing the strengthening of protection and promotion of the camelid sector.

The stories of Diego, Roberta, Conrado, Inés and Felipe are examples of how camelid herding continues to be a fundamental pillar of livelihoods in the Andes, linking a millennial tradition to the economic well-being of their communities and to the preservation of culture and the environment, while building a future for new generations.