2018 Nominee
PROJECT INFORMATION
NEW ENTRY
Project Status: November 2018
Location: Chimborazo Province, Ecuador
Contact: Felipe Proano I
Email – Website – Facebook
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
San Juan Sustentable has the general objective of converting Ecuador’s potentially biggest rock climbing area, and gateway to Chimborazo Volcano, into a sustainable recreation area.
This will be done by:
- Cleaning the area
- Creating proper human waste disposable systems
- Building a bridge over the stream
- Minimizing existing campfires
- Creating designated camping places
- Analyzing bird nesting and possible bird closures (ornithology)
- Replanting native trees in impacted areas
- Rebuilding marked trails to minimize hiking impact in the paramo highlands
RELATIONSHIP WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Local communities near San Juan use the water source of the San Juan creek for human use and irrigation for one the most productive land areas in the country. Making sure this water source remains clean is our responsibility, and climbers generate impact, so we have to maintain it sustainable. Local communities are willing to help in this endeavour. However, Ecuador is a country that has scarce economic resources and minorities remain often ignored, so we need to take a proactive approach.
COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES
We collaborate with local communal authorities, they own the land and want sustainability.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR MOUNTAINEERING AND MOUNTAIN-BASED SPORTS
Ecuador is a small country but with huge geographic wonders! However we are going the opposite way for sustainability purposes, this happens in high altitude mountaineering, rock climbing and other activities. Implementing this project will be the change in direction. The national referent to adhere to LNT practices and sustainable development, then to be applied to all the other areas. Mountaineers and climbers are leaders, and we should lead by example in creating sustainable practices for our home Pacha Mama (mother earth).
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The plan consists of three stages:
Pre-Event: Recruitment and information campaign.
Event: Hands-on executive actions on San Juan crag
Post-Event: Press Conference and presentation of the work done
Funding: 30% Crowdfunding on the climbing and mountaineering community,
30% donation of companies that use and make money of San Juan.
30% potential UIAA Award
10% Event sponsors
Funds will be managed by the non profit Fondo de Acceso represented by Felipe Proaño, professional climber, guidebook author and UIAGM aspirant.
Budget: 10.000$
OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS
Our project supports stewardship in mountain region by involving all the components of the climbing industry, these being, guides, associations, users, gear providers, and most important local owners of property. We will invite the community for a “MINGA” – which in Quechua language means to go and work for the wellbeing of the community. Also, all the users of the climbing area can volunteer to help.
HOW WE COMMUNICATE
The communication strategy will be based of our loyal ally WAXA production company, owned and produced by climbers. They will create a marketing campaign and strategy involving a crowdfunding and video to promote the project. The reach of this production will be estimated to reach 100,000 people in the Chimborazo province and the climbing/guiding community.
RETURN TO 2018 UIAA MOUNTAIN PROTECTION AWARD PROJECT PAGE
