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In the Andes–the world's longest terrestrial mountain range–cultural and natural resources are inextricably linked, making it a prime broving-ground for concepts of protected landscapes and local community stewardship.

Engaging Citizens in Conservation in Countries of the Andes

This project fosters citizen engagement in conservation by linking local leaders in the U.S with counterparts in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. It aims to strengthen the capacity of local leaders and institutions to engage citizens in stewardship of their natural and cultural resources and foster their participation in related policy development and decision-making.  By creating opportunities for a mutual exchange of ideas, innovations and cutting edge conservation strategies among Americans, Bolivians, Ecuadorians and Peruvians, the project will enable local institutions and their leaders to be more effective in reaching out to communities, encouraging public participation in decisions related to their future, and engaging citizens in stewardship of their natural resources and cultural heritage. It will help to create and support North-South partnerships and collaboration among individuals, institutions and communities, strengthening linkages within and between the participating regions. The project will achieve these aims through a series of mutually reinforcing activities designed to maximize the opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding among American and counterparts from countries of the Andes.

Partners
QLF's primary NGO partners in the three countries are:
Peru - The Mountain Institute (TMI) is an international organization with a mission to advance mountain cultures and preserve mountain environments. The Mountain Institute-Peru, directed and staffed by Peruvians, is based in Huaraz and Lima, and works in partnership with local communities on initiatives aimed at promoting citizen participation in ecosystem conservation and mountain cultures.
Bolivia - The mission of SAVIA, an NGO founded by Bolivian professionals, is to contribute to sustainable development through integrated natural resource management. SAVIA works with diverse communities in rural areas of Bolivia to contribute to improved quality of life and strengthening of local capacity for management and sustainable use of natural resources as a sound basis for rural development.
Ecuador - EcoCiencia works with diverse communities in Ecuador to raise public awareness of natural resource issues, engage communities in developing management plans for surrounding lands, and strengthen the capacity of local governments.

This exchange program will draw on and support two on-going programs of QLF's partners in the Andean region:
La Gran Ruta Inca (Great Inca Road), which ultimately connects six Andean countries, following the traditional routes of the Incans. The program, led by TMI and SAVIA, aims to engage local citizens in establishing a network of protected areas for sustainable development in rural communities, restoration of the trail and associated archaeological sites, establishment of biological corridors, and community-based tourism for local economic development.
The Páramo Project (TMI and EcoCiencias), which works with rural communities in the high Andes to protect specific neotropical high-altitude ecosystems (páramo) that are rich in bio-diversity and important water sources for people living in villages, towns and cities at lower altitudes. Much like temperate grasslands, these habitats are often taken for granted and converted to agriculture.

Upcoming Project Activities
Scoping meeting in the Andes - In December 2007 QLF and partners convened a scoping meeting to develop plans for the project and determine the precise focus and orientation of the inter-related elements of this two-year initiative. The meeting was held in Piura, Peru. Participant included representatives of each partner organization and QLF Fellowship alumni from the project countries.
"Tools for Stewardship" Workshop I in the Andean region (March 2008) - QLF and partners will convene the first of two workshops on engaging citizens in conservation. This first workshop will likely be held in Ecuador and will reach 24 participants from the three project countries. It will focus on citizen engagement in watershed management.
Study-tour in New England (May 2008) - Nine local leaders from Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru will come to New England for a 12-day study-tour on Engaging Citizens in Conservation and Sustainable Development.
Other project elements to take place over the two-year project period include: a group Fellowship program in the United States for NGO leaders and conservation practitioners; a second in-country "Tools for Stewardship" workshop; a Landscape Stewardship Exchange in the Andes; and staff exchanges between US and Andean partner organizations.