Laguna Tembladera sits in the Tropical Andes hotspot, the world’s richest zone for biodiversity and endemism. Its basin spans roughly 10 km² of montane habitat ranging from about 3,350 to 3,850 meters in elevation【50†】. The core is a 5–6 hectare permanent lagoon cupped in a glacial valley.  Around its shores grow cushion plants and jalca grasslands – high-altitude wetlands that stay waterlogged year-round.  The area’s soils and vegetation act like a sponge, capturing rain and mist. This freshwater puna ecosystem provides clean water to communities downstream even in dry months. Bofedales (peat bogs) and paramo shrubs flank the lagoon, creating habitats for specialized life. Despite harsh weather (torrential rain and hail fall frequently), the site is a lush refuge in an otherwise semi-arid region. Geologically, it rests near ancient volcanic formations and mineral-rich highlands. A natural outlet stream drains the lagoon, carving a clear creek that officially marks the birth of the La Leche River. This humble stream will eventually irrigate fields of rice, fruit, and pasture in warmer valleys far below. In Laguna Tembladera’s calm, windswept scenery, one can truly appreciate the Andes’ water towers at work – a landscape as critical as it is beautiful.

Though remote and small, Laguna Tembladera harbors extraordinary species found nowhere else on Earth. Most notably, its clear waters are home to a critically endangered aquatic plant, Isoetes dispora, a quillwort known only from this single lagoon. This ancient fern-relative grows submerged along the lake bed and was first described here in 1985【34†. The entire global population of Isoetes dispora survives in Tembladera’s waters, making the site irreplaceable for this species’ persistence 【50†. On the surrounding páramo, scientists have also discovered new endemic plants – for example, a rare Loasaceae flower (Nasa angeldiazioides, CR) was recently found in nearby forest patches. Such findings highlight the biological treasure trove of these northern Andes relic habitats.

Fauna, too, find sanctuary here. Flocks of wild Andean ducks paddle on the lagoon’s surface, and their calls echo in the thin air. Locals report seeing Andean coots and teals feeding in the marshy fringes. In the wet grasslands, one might spot an Andean fox or the hoof prints of a wandering spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus, VU) – iconic highland wildlife that still roam this area. Overhead, Andean condors and hawks occasionally soar on thermal drafts coming off the ridges. Beneath the water’s surface, the community introduced rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) decades ago. These trout now dart swiftly through the outlet stream. While not native, they have become part of the local livelihood (and a reminder of how alpine lakes are sensitive to species introductions). The lagoon’s bogs likely hide secretive amphibians and aquatic invertebrates yet to be studied. Every species here – from tiny quillwort to majestic condor – contributes to the web of life that makes Tembladera special. This concentration of endemic and threatened species is precisely why the site has been recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area.

Laguna Tembladera is not only a biodiversity haven but also a lifeline for local communities. High-altitude villages like Marayhuaca and Incahuasi depend on the lagoon’s waters, which feed into streams and irrigation canals downstream. The lake is essentially a natural reservoir, ensuring water supply for drinking, livestock, and crops in drier seasons. At the lagoon itself, one can often see cattle and sheep from nearby hamlets grazing the páramo and drinking from the clear shores. This traditional use has sustained pastoral families for generations. The outflow creek is ingeniously used for fishing: villagers have arranged small stone weirs at the lagoon’s mouth to catch trout by hand. Such sustainable fishing methods provide protein and income without the need for intensive infrastructure.

The community’s connection to Tembladera also has a cultural and creative side. Embracing the beauty and mystique of the site, local people have begun ecotourism and voluntourism initiatives in recent years. The Marayhuaca community keeps a simple boat at the lagoon’s edge to offer visitors scenic rides on the water. Adventurous travelers, scientists, and volunteers trek hours up the mountains to reach this untouched spot – and are rewarded with an immersive experience of nature and culture. Storytelling and legends about the lagoon abound, from tales of its icy “trembling” waters to respect for the apus (mountain spirits) believed to watch over it. The lake and its surroundings are also a living outdoor laboratory for researchers and a source of inspiration for artists or photographers drawn to its raw beauty. By engaging scientists, explorers, creatives, and voluntourists, the community hopes to foster stewardship and generate sustainable livelihoods. In return, visitors gain an authentic connection with Andean life and help monitor and protect this fragile ecosystem. Laguna Tembladera thus exemplifies how people and nature coexist, with local knowledge and sustainable practices playing a key role in conservation.

Despite its isolation, Laguna Tembladera faces growing threats that demand urgent attention. One major concern is the looming impact of large-scale mining in the region. Just a few kilometers away in the Cañaris district lies the proposed Cañariaco copper mine – one of the world’s biggest undeveloped copper deposits. If developed, this open-pit mine could bring road construction, pollution, and habitat disturbance to the greater Tembladera watershed. Acid drainage or metal contamination from mining operations would be disastrous for the lagoon’s pristine waters and endemic species. Local communities have voiced fears that their water sources and livelihoods could be irreversibly affected. For now, the project remains under review, but the threat of mining underscores the need for permanent protection of this KBA.

Another challenge is climate change and its effects on high-altitude wetlands. The Tropical Andes are warming, and altered rainfall patterns risk drying out peat bogs and reducing water flow from Tembladera. Increased frequency of droughts or unseasonal frosts could degrade the surrounding grasslands. The paramo ecosystem here is delicate – even slight shifts in climate can lead to loss of habitat for moisture-dependent plants like Isoetes. Likewise, more frequent wildfires in the region’s alpine grasslands (sometimes linked to extended dry spells) threaten to devastate the slow-growing vegetation. Close to the lagoon, past reforestation programs planted non-native pines on the slopes. While providing some economic value (and even wild mushrooms for harvest ), these pines could alter soil water retention and compete with native flora. Finding a balance between restoration and preserving native páramo cover is a current need.

Overgrazing and unmanaged resource use also pose local threats. Cattle and sheep, if not rotated properly, can trample wetlands and contaminate water. There are signs of erosion on trails and lakeshores where animals congregate. The introduced trout, while beneficial to people, may prey on or out-compete native frogs and aquatic life (whose status in the lagoon is still poorly studied). No formal protected area currently safeguards Laguna Tembladera – it remains outside national parks or reserves. This lack of legal protection leaves it vulnerable to land-use change or outside exploitation.

Addressing these threats will require a concerted conservation effort. Key needs include working with local authorities to designate Tembladera as a protected area or community reserve, ensuring any mining proposals are rigorously assessed (with biodiversity values in mind), and implementing climate adaptation measures (like wetland restoration to maintain water storage). Supporting the community in sustainable grazing practices and ecotourism can help reduce pressure on the habitat. Scientific research and monitoring are also crucial, from surveying amphibians and water quality to tracking the health of the Isoetes population. With funding and collaboration, conservation groups and local people can build capacity for patrolling the area and educating youth about its importance. Overall, the goal is to strengthen the resilience of this alpine ecosystem against environmental change, so that Laguna Tembladera continues to thrive for generations to come.

Laguna Tembladera is recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) because it is critical to the global persistence of species. The site’s KBA status was confirmed in 2023 under the highest criteria (A1) for threatened biodiversity【50†】. KBA Criterion A1 means a site holds species that are at high risk of extinction globally, in significant numbers. Tembladera meets this test emphatically – it conserves one of the last refuges (and in some cases the only refuge) of several endangered species. The most compelling example is Isoetes dispora, the critically endangered quillwort found solely in this lagoon’s waters. By harboring 100% of this species’ known population, Laguna Tembladera contributes irreplaceably to its survival. In KBA terms, the lagoon is a “trigger” site: without it, Isoetes dispora would likely vanish from the wild.

Beyond the quillwort, the area’s role as a biodiversity hotspot within a hotspot reinforces its KBA significance. The Tropical Andes hotspot already has more unique species than any other region, and Tembladera’s micro-ecosystem encapsulates that richness on a small scale. The presence of additional threatened or endemic species (from rare flowering plants to high-Andean fauna) adds weight to its qualification as a KBA. Importantly, the site also provides ecosystem services – clean water, carbon-rich peatlands, and genetic resources – which connect biodiversity to human well-being. While ecosystem services are not a formal KBA criterion, they underscore why conserving Tembladera yields broad benefits.

Designating Laguna Tembladera as a KBA helps rally attention and resources to protect it. It signals to conservationists, researchers, and policymakers that this is a priority site of global importance. For potential collaborators of TAES and other partners, the KBA status is an invitation to engage. Scientists can embark on groundbreaking research in taxonomy, ecology, and climate resilience here. Explorers and creatives can help document and share Tembladera’s story with the world, raising awareness through photography, film, and art. Voluntourists and citizen scientists are welcome to assist in monitoring species, planting native vegetation, or improving trails, immersing themselves in hands-on conservation. All these efforts align with the KBA’s objectives: to ensure that the unique biodiversity of Laguna Tembladera persists into the future.

In summary, Laguna Tembladera qualifies as a KBA because it is a rare haven for life that would be irreplaceable if lost. Its high-altitude waters and meadows sustain critically endangered species, support local communities, and inspire everyone who visits. By maintaining the health of this small but mighty ecosystem, we safeguard a piece of our planet’s natural heritage. Laguna Tembladera’s designation as a Key Biodiversity Area is both a recognition of its value and a call to action – a call that the global conservation community, including scientists, explorers, creatives, and voluntourists, is heeding with passion and hope. Together, we can ensure that this “trembling” lagoon in the Andes continues to shine as a vibrant cradle of biodiversity for generations to come.

Sources: Laguna Tembladera KBA data【50†】; Ramsar/El Oro (Ecuador) context; BirdLife Data; León (2014) local account; Lambayeque Regional Plan; IFC/Alta Copper report; Henning et al. (2019); JSTOR plant records.