Textile and Conservation Leaders Unite to Restore Forests and Water in Peru’s Chincha Valley

CHINCHA, PERU – Reforestation initiative Acción Andina and sustainable textile leader Textil del Valle are joining forces to plant 30,000 native trees and restore wetlands in Peru’s Chincha Valley—an effort that will enhance water security for thousands of families and protect fragile Andean ecosystems. The project, implemented by lead Acción Andina partner Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN) and supported by global apparel brands Patagonia and Lacoste (in partnership with Lacoste Foundation), combines community engagement, ecological restoration and green infrastructure.

Located on the southern coast of Peru, the Chincha Valley is a highland ecosystem that regulates regional water flow. It is home to vital native wildlife, including white-bellied cinclodes, black-fronted ground-tyrants and vicuñas—one of the two wild South American camelids.

The project includes the construction of a tree nursery with a capacity of 50,000 seedlings, educational workshops for local communities, and the implementation of green infrastructure to help revitalize degraded wetlands. The initiative will directly support approximately 2,000 highland residents and has the potential to improve water security for over 250,000 people in the region.

"Securing water and protecting forests in these arid ecosystems is a challenge, so it's vital that everyone works together, just as the Incas did after experiencing severe climate change over a thousand years ago," said Constantino Aucca Chutas, president of Acción Andina and ECOAN. "Today, partnerships like this one with Textil del Valle allow us to unite ancestral knowledge with modern restoration efforts, protecting nature and securing water for the future of our people and the planet."

Florent Kaiser, Acción Andina co-lead and CEO of Global Forest Generation, emphasized the importance of the project for water security, especially in the face of record droughts in South America. “The Andes are the origin of the Amazon River and play a vital role in the water security of the entire continent. This partnership demonstrates how the private sector can be a powerful ally in restoring lost forests and preserving water for generations to come.”

For Textil del Valle, co-leading the Chincha Valley project reflects its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, a value woven into every stage of its operations, from raw material sourcing to finished garments. The company continuously innovates to reduce water use in the production process. By the end of 2025, it will be recycling more than 70% of its wastewater.

“Our commitment to sustainability and supporting initiatives like Acción Andina isn’t just about corporate responsibility—it’s about conviction,” said Javier Landazuri Barclay, CSO & strategic projects at Textil del Valle. “If there’s no water, there’s no life. We’re proud to model what integrated sustainability looks like and hope to inspire other companies to join efforts that restore nature and safeguard the future.”

Beyond the environmental gains, the project brings important social benefits. Local communities will play an active role in planning and decision-making, helping develop long-term strategies for sustainable land and water use. The tree nursery and wetland restoration efforts will also generate employment and capacity-building opportunities for residents, strengthening community resilience.

For Patagonia and Lacoste—two clients of Textil del Valle and supporters of the Chincha Valley project—investing in local communities and ecological restoration aligns closely with their values.

“The partnership between Acción Andina and Textil del Valle will foster long-term environmental and community resilience,” said Wendy Savage, senior director of social impact and transparency at Patagonia. “We’re excited to join forces with these organizations on projects that will restore forest areas and water sources, while also supporting workers and indigenous communities.” 

“Environmental and social sustainability go hand in hand,” added Bernard Derrien, executive vice president of operations at Lacoste. “We are proud to support this project that not only restores ecosystems but empowers the people who depend on them.”

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