Winner of the Equator Prize 2025 The Andenes de Cuyocuyo Agrobiodiversity Zone (ZABDAC) is Peru’s first officially recognized agrobiodiversity zone. The initiative is led by six Quechua communities: Puna Ayllu, Ura Ayllu, Cojene Rotojoni, Puna Laqueque, Huancasayani Cumani and Ñacoreque. Located in Cuyocuyo in the province of Sandia, Puno, the territory is home to more than 3,000 people and contains one of the largest and most intricate systems of ancient agricultural terraces in the southern Andes. Year established: 2019 Location: Cuyocuyo, Sandia, Peru Area protected: More than 6,555 hectares Native crop diversity: 1,281 varieties Ecosystems: Agricultural and mountain ecosystems Thematic areas: Biodiversity conservation, community-based adaptation to climate change, ecoagriculture and food security Through collective stewardship, the communities protect native crop diversity, maintain sustainable agricultural practices and pass ancestral knowledge to future generations. View the Equator Prize 2025 winner profile Source: UNDP Equator Initiative.