In ancient Andean mythology, potatoes are the gift of the Earth Mother Pachamama. In exchange, she demanded from people to take care of the soils and the environment. Lasting for millennia, this pledge is in peril today. Peru, home to more than 5,000 of potatoes, is facing severe challenges due to climate change, global warming, pests, and diseases. These factors threaten the rich agricultural heritage and the sustainable practices that have sustained the Andean community for generations.
This is also true for the village of Vista Alegre, where Elmer and his wife Esperanza Chávez joined hundreds of potato guardians to save the remaining native potatoes. Over 25 years, the couple is a member of AGUAPAN, a Peruvian farmer’s association determined to protect this natural legacy. This work does not only guarantee their survival. Native potatoes are crucial for the future of agriculture globally as they hold the key to developing varieties that can withstand the adversities of a heating world.