The lomas in Peru are rare and unique ecosystems. Lomas are fog deserts where it seldom rains. Plants use the moisture of the fog rolling in from the Pacific to grow. These plants are related to many common vegetables including potato and tomato, and may well be the source of our future food, allowing us to grow food in harsh desert conditions. Scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London have been on a mission to protect a part of this desert area for many years.
In June 2024 they were finally successful, helped by the results of a paramotoring mission. The Peruvian Government have formally conserved the dry desert site ‘Lomas Amara y Ullujaya’ on the coast of Peru.

This article was published in full in Cross Country magazine 254, December 2024.