International Institute for Environment and Development 
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| International Institute for Environment and Development |
|
|||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
IIED Links: |
|
December 07, 2004 |
|
Related Links: |
|
|
IIED Supports Kechua Communities in Launching First Natural Sacred Site in PeruDecember 07, 2004 (London, UK) -– Kechua communities of Q'eros and Ausangate, from Cusco, Perú, launched the Vilcanota Spiritual Park on the 6 th of December 2004. This is the first Natural Sacred Site in Peru, a model which recognizes and promotes Kechua values and principles in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This community led initiative is being implemented with technical support from Peruvian governmental organizations such as CONAM and INRENA, and international organizations including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and the "Sustaining Local Food Systems, Agricultural Biodiversity and Livelihoods Programme" (see www.diversefoodsystems.org) of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) from England. The Vilcanota region includes the second most important glacier system in Peru. The mountain range is dominated by the snow-capped peak of Ausangate (6,372m), which is considered the main Apu of the Southern Andes. This site includes great ecological diversity due to the different Andean altitudinal and climatic zones. It is recognized as a hot-spot of biodiversity, a critical ecosystem, and one of the main centres of genetic diversity of important Andean crops. The traditional peoples such as the Q'eros who live in this area, demonstrate the vitality and continuity of the ancient Kechua culture. The Q'eros are known as holders and transmitters of principles and practices of environmental sustainability which are being proposed as the basis of a modern ethic of conservation. For them, mountains or Apus are sacred beings that represent the most important expression of human aspirations. "Because of restricted access to some areas with voluntary protection measures exercised by the local population, Natural Sacred Sites conserve local ecosystems and their unique biodiversity in an effective and efficient way, so they could serve as repositories of critical biological resources for the rehabilitation of depleted Andean landscapes", says Alejandro Argumedo, (Director of the Asociación Kechua Aymara para Comunidades Sustentables, ANDES). Additionally, the area is a prime tourist destination in high demand due to its beautiful mountain landscapes. "Although local people have not benefited from tourism, they do experience the biological and socioeconomic impacts produced by this industry", according to Santos Quispe Mayhua, Mayor of T'inki and President of the Pro-Vilcanota Spiritual Park Committee. The Vilcanota Spiritual Park is being implemented as a Community-Conservation Area, a concept based on community-based landscape management, integrating traditional models with modern ones. Internationally, it is considered a unique and innovative proposal that could serve as a model for the establishment of other special conservation areas in the Peruvian Andes. “This community led initiative is an inspiring example of how international policy instruments, like the CBD, can be used to affirm the rights of indigenous peoples’ to self determination and territorial control. A breakthrough for policy and practice,” said Dr. Michel Pimbert of the International Institute for Environment and Development, IIED. Contacts: Dr. Michel Pimbert, IIED, michel.pimbert@iied.org, Tel: + 44 20 7388-2117 (London) and/or Sol Cuellar, Asociación ANDES, andes@andes.org.pe, Tel: 0051 84 245021 (Peru). Copyright © 2005 International Institute for Environment and Development. |
|
||
|
