Weeks 3 & 4

The Quechua people of Southern Peru are direct descendants of the Incas

“We became very close to the local community, who couldn't have welcomed us with more hospitality and warmth.”

Annabel Buchan, 2005.

“For me, the project was probably my favourite part of the whole trip. It was such a unique, non-touristy, non-gringo experience that I never could have organised on my own.”

Susannah Cramer-Greenbaum, 2003

ECOAN: our project partner in Peru.

ECOAN is a Peruvian NGO that conducts research, conservation and community development activities in the high Andean region at Cordillera Vilcabamba, above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is staffed by local scientists, several of whom have been trained in the USA.

Aims:

Conserve and survey the remaining Polylepis forests
Reforest selected areas with new Polylepis seedlings
Undertake community development activities and building projects

Beneficiaries:

The Quechua population living in the Andes of Southern Peru, who are the direct descendants of the Incas.
Endangered high Andean Flora and Fauna.

Project Objectives

Salon Cimmunals - a building project in progress 1. Salon Communals:

The project offers a unique opportunity to work with the local Quechua communities. These remote Andean communities live beyond the reach of wheeled vehicles; in fact, apart from our wheelbarrows, there are no wheels at all in the villages! Since 2002 we have been working alongside the Quechua to build community centres (salon communals). Before this project started there were no houses in the villages large enough to accommodate the population. This made village meetings rather tricky, and dependant upon good weather, so discussing such things as a community initiative to protect the environment was a real challenge. A salon communal allows everyone to come together and make a plan, regardless of what the rain gods are doing!

We start from scratch with the salon communal: task one is to bring rocks and stones from the nearby streams to the site. Cement is mixed with local soil, so that it blends with the surroundings and the finished building looks as if it has grown from the ground. The roof is made from timbers imported from the lowlands, grown from renewable resources, using naturalised Australia gum trees. This is a practical role. There is a maestro (“teacher”) on site to show you how to mix cement, dig foundations, build with local stone, set timbers and join roof beams. It’s not difficult work, but it does require a hands-on attitude and willing mindset. By the end of the project, you will be an accomplished “bush-builder”

The Polypesis Tree - Ecoan and VentureCo volunteers are focused on the replantation of denuded forest cover 2. Polylepis Tree Conservation:

The second objective of the project is to replant areas that have been denuded of forest cover. The local communities are responsible for gathering Polylepis tree seeds in late summer and propagating them. Following a meeting in the salon communal, most of the village, ECOAN staff and Venturers will join forces and focus on one hillside. The seedling trees are planted straight into the mountain-side using an adze (cross between an axe and a spade). And with a work force of about 100 willing hands, it’s amazing how much land can be covered!

3. Wildlife Surveys:

The final project objective, which is related to the reforestation, is the wildlife and birdlife surveys. This involves working under the direction of local botanists and takes place in one of the few remaining mature groves of Polylepis (so you will be able to see what your reforestation work will look like in 20 years time). We hang mist-nets between trees, and leave them overnight. First thing the next morning the nets are revisited and the species caught are ringed, weighed and recorded. One of the rarest birds, the ash-breasted tit tyrant, is making a dramatic come-back since this project started in 2002. It is the symbol of ECOAN.

Project Funding

Funding for the development project comes directly from the VentureCo Trust. For each person that joins a Venture, we as a company, donate $400 to the Trust. 100% of the money the Trust receives is spent on projects. To date, the Trust has funded 63 development projects to the tune of over £152,000.

For more information on the VentureCo Trust and the projects it supports, click here.

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