As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, ANDES would like to thank everyone who has contributed to institutional development, collaborative research and knowledge sharing. We appreciate the encouragement of partners along the way and look forward to continuing our partnerships as we move forward with the implementation of Yachay Kuychi Pluriversity. There are too many people to name here, but we have chosen to highlight 25 influencers from ANDES's 25-year history.
Alejandro Argumedo and Cesar Argumedo grew up in the center of the Andes in Peru with their 4 brothers. After high school, Alejandro studied agronomy at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and Cesar studied zootechnology at the San Antonio Abad University of Cusco, Peru. In 1995, Alejandro and Cesar registered the Association for Nature and Sustainable Development (ANDES) in Cusco. During the first years, the organization operated with funds very limited and understaffed. However, during this period important relationships were formed that led to the establishment of the iconic Potato Park by 6 indigenous communities with guidance from ANDES. This continues to provide important lessons and a model for most of the current work in the organization.