In 1997, a Peruvian NGO called the Center for Research, Education and Development (CIED - Centro de Investigación, Educación y Desarrollo) began its program on the Capachica Peninsula in Lake Titicaca. The program, which they are implementing in four ecoregions in Peru, involves working with small producers and "campesino" families in order to increase their incomes and reduce poverty. As part of this overall strategy to implement sustainable rural development, CIED has started tourist projects in the mainly indigenous communities to supplement local income.

CIED has been working with eleven communities on the Capachica Peninsula, all of Incan descent, whose rich culture of farming and textiles preserve much of their traditional roots. Working with these communities, CIED has helped to develop a system where families supplement their income from agriculture by providing lodging, food and guide services to tourists, and in the process they are able to share their customs, folklore and ancestral culture. Community members therefore act as guides and hosts, sharing with visitors the most beautiful and significant sites on the peninsula, as well as areas where programs on archeological inventory and sustainable agriculture are underway.

Nature of EPF support: Visits are coordinated in connection with JOURNEYS trips in Peru.

For more information or to make a direct contribution contact:

Ana Tsui Chong
Centro de Ivestigacion, Educacion y Desarrollo (CIED)
Av. Buen Retiro 231 - Monterrico Chico - Sucro
Lima, PERU
TEL: 51-1-4342534
FAX: 51-1-4378327
e-mail: ana@cied.org.pe
URL: http://www.cied.org.pe