Árbol y Vida

Organization leader

Agronomist D. Ezequiel Medina

Organization type

Environmental organization focused on ecological restoration, conservation of Andean ecosystems, and community environmental education

Accion Andina project

Proyecto Puna and Proyecto Yala – High-Andean Forest Restoration in Jujuy

Project Start Year

2021-2025 (cumulative)

Geographic Project Location

Jujuy Province, Argentina
Proyecto Puna: Communities of Santa Catalina and El Aguilar
Proyecto Yala: Potrero de Yala Provincial Park
Description of the Project with Acción Andina

Proyecto Puna focuses on the conservation and restoration of Polylepis tomentella and Polylepis tarapacana in collaboration with the indigenous communities of Santa Catalina and El Aguilar, through joint work, strategic alliances, and knowledge synergy. They initiated trials with Polylepis tarapacana and water harvesting.

Proyecto Yala develops similar actions in Jujuy’s first protected area, the Potrero de Yala Provincial Park, working with technicians from different institutions, park rangers, and rural residents to recover Polylepis australis forests.

impact map

Explore our restoration work across the Andes with Árbol y Vida

This map shows the communities and landscapes where we’re growing native trees, restoring ecosystems, and strengthening local stewardship through Acción Andina.

Project leaders

Meet the Leaders and Communities Behind the Change

Discover the dedicated local leaders who drive our projects forward and the community members whose knowledge, hands, and hearts make restoration possible. Together, they are the true guardians of the Andean forests.

Ezequiel Medina

President and General Coordinator

My approach combines applied science with participatory planning tools, ecological monitoring, and community strengthening, aimed at the recovery of degraded landscapes, adaptation and mitigation to climate change, and the generation of sustainable livelihoods. I also work as a private consultant, providing technical advice on restoration and conservation projects. My professional commitment is oriented towards building bridges between scientific knowledge, local wisdom, and effective territorial management, with a comprehensive view that promotes the resilience of ecosystems and the communities that inhabit them.

Implementing Team

All our succes is because our technical team on field.

Amina Suarez
Financial Coordinator

Nicolas Leaño
Sub-coordinator Proyecto Yala

Agustina Valdiviezo
Sub-coordinator Proyecto Puna

Nicolás Lazarte
Head of dissemination and communication

Gastón Aprile
Promoter of Proyecto Yala

Elena Vázquez
Community Promoter of Proyecto Puna

project gallery

Best Photos of the Project: Our Story in Images

Discover the heart of our work through these powerful moments: from hands planting native trees to vibrant restored landscapes and the resilient communities leading the way.

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