Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
integrated 'people and biosphere' concepts and strategies, for instance in
the Sajama National Park in Bolivia, demonstrate that one might blend, in
a climate of genuine partnership, respect and dialogue, the objectives of
both protecting nature and securing sustainable livelihoods.
With its attractive scenery and environmental and cultural qualities,
the Andes have become a major recreational space for urban populations,
and a destination for national and international tourism. As is the case
in other mountain regions of the world, this can be benefi cial for local
populations and a stimulus for economic development. The massive
infl ux of recreationists and tourists and the ensuing new infrastructures
may, however, also be a disturbing factor for the Andean environments
and societies. Examples for both types of impacts can be observed in the
vicinity of the metropolises of Caracas, Bogotá, Lima or Santiago de Chile;
or in the case of major international tourism fl ows along the Avenida de los
Volcanes in Ecuador, the Cordillera Blanca or the Valle Sagrado in Peru, or on
the shores of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and Peru. On the other hand, 'gentle'
and sustainable forms of tourism and tourism management, involving
and benefi tting local populations, can help rural people without unduly
disturbing the environment and cultural traditions. This potential exists
particularly in various forms of an eco- or agro-tourism, as the example of
the Huaraz region in the Cordillera Blanca demonstrates.
Apart from the economic dimension of resilience and adaptation
measures, but also linked to these, are the social and political components
of coping strategies. A central pillar has to be the active involvement and
participation of all segments of the local civil society, and a mobilization of
the knowledge, experiences and energies of the rural human resources. This
'Local Development and Democratic Participation Model' (Rhoades 2006)
is based on a preparedness to 'listen' to the voices of all local stakeholders
and on a sharing and mutual learning process in coping with the challenges
of a changing Andean environment and society. He argues earlier (Rhoades
2000) that 'local voices and visions' be effectively integrated into the
'Global Mountain Agenda'. An effective participation of local families and
associations requires a genuine 'enablement' and 'empowerment' of all
stakeholders, including the politically underprivileged groups of women,
minorities and isolated and poor people. Participatory forms of planning
and development encompass a wide range of objectives, ranging from
biodiversity conservation (Llambie et al. 2005), to a strengthening of small-
scale agriculture, to education and health improvements, and a fostering of
alternative forms of employment and income generation. Underlying this
approach is the concept of environmental and social justice and the strife
to implement the development postulate of ' El Buen Vivir ', even for the
geographically marginal areas and underprivileged people. The author's
experience shows that this 'listening' and consensus-building approach
Search WWH ::




Custom Search