Adaptation - Ecosystem based (AbE) and connectivity
Ecosystem based Adaptation(AbE) is defined as the correct use of ecosystem services and biodiversity, as an integral strategy of local producers to face the impacts of climate change (Lhumeau & Cordero, 2012).
In the highlands of Napo, are located three protected areas: Cayambe-Coca National Park, Antisana Ecological Reserve and Sumaco-Napo Galeras National Park. They share a damping area, called Valle del Quijos Conservancy Corridor. High biodiversity and water resources are fundamental for productivity of local farmers (GIZ, 2013).
Local producers deforest the protective forest during agriculture practices and wood extraction. Only 23% of the sub-basin is used in entropic activities. 10% belongs to rivers and their conservation and 13% is destined to agricultural activities (Efficacitas, 2009).
= Conventional agricultural practices
Animal husbandry is the main productive activity of local farmers, also is the main cause of habitat defragmentation and low water quality. Inefficient paddock work, intensive land use and excessive use of agrochemical products are some of main causes (MAGAP, 2009).
The increasing intensive animal husbandry practices, has caused over-grassing, compaction of soil, less water-retain capacity and wind- and water erosion (Estrada 2009).
Masal movements on local farms
Quijos is vulnerable to masal movals (illustration 2). They cause great loses to local farmer. (Diario El Hoy, 2010).
A precipitation climate change scenario (Illustration 3), shown for the year 2069, causes an increase of average precipitation (WorldClim 2010). With instable soils in a mountainous, high precipitations area it is a very high risk to local farmers.
Soil use and management escenarios with SWAT to estimate water and sediment yield
SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) it is an instrument to demonstrate how agricultural practices and land management affects water and sediment yield in sub-basin. Sustainable land & agricultural practices are promoted in local farmers to reduce land movals risk.
Sustainable practices developed in mountainous areas
A change in soil and management practices could be a useful key to maintain the ecosystem services. Practices like pasture management, animal charge, rotations, optimized animal feeding practices, no land use change and agro-forestry are opportune in a good practices program.
Agroforestry is an important instrument in conservation areas for human survival. Endemic bushes and trees with high protein content and high digestibility help to increase milk productivity of local farmers. Also a tree provides shadow, which increases 13% of milk production in Jersey cows (WorldClim 2010).
Escenario 1: Water and Sediment Yield with actual management in climate change
With actual land management, water yield increase in 24% and sediment yield increase in 77% with climate change, mainly in July, August and September. In El Salado micro-basin is located the more increase (Illustration 5). With climate change, the sediment yield in El Salado micro-basin will increase. Deforestation and extensive agriculture increase erosion and masal movals (illustration 6).
