In the Tropical Andes millions of people depend upon the use of wild and domesticated
biodiversity for their livelihoods, but the complex interactions between the
ecological and social components of the region’s ecosystems remain poorly understood.
Better knowledge of these interactions can help provide solutions to reduce
poverty in this region. The joint international laboratory on Biodiversity in Natural
and Cultivated phytosystems of the Tropical Andes (BIO_INCA) aims to fill crucial
gaps in knowledge by advancing research at the interface between biology, ecology,
agronomy, social and human science, and economics, which will not only help address
the challenge of ecologically sustainable agriculture, but also contribute to United
Nations sustainable development goals on Zero hunger and Life on land.