Yanapana Peru and Ecoteam´s environmental conservation and education programs:
Ecoteam is a division of Mountain Lodges of Peru that implements a program to promote responsible and environmentally conscious tourism along the Salkantay trail. Thus, Yanapana collaborates with Ecoteam in order to support the creation and execution of ecologically friendly initiatives and projects. All environmental and conservation norms and regulations established by the Peruvian government are strictly adhered to and applied.
Some of the main projects include the following:
THE SOLID WASTE RECYCLING PROJECT:
This project aims to recycle, reuse and reduce all solid wastes that are produced along the Salkantay trail. In order to do this, 25 waste classification bins have been placed along the trail. This allows collected solid wastes to be taken to the city of Cusco for processing and final disposal.
THE FAUNA AND FLORA TRAILS PROJECT:
We have marked certain paths in order to let locals and tourists observe different species of native flora and fauna. This project equally aims to make future scientific exploration of the area easier as access to many previously isolated areas near the trail is now more clearly marked.
At Mountain Lodges of Peru’s Collpapampa Lodge, we are in the process of implementing the Orchid Conservation Project. In addition to the existing orchid garden and trail, we will create an orchid nursery with the largest collection of orchid species of the Machu Picchu region.
-THE REFORESTATION PROJECT:
Native species of every ecological zone along the trail have been catalogued and categorized. This will facilitate the reforestation of the surrounding areas. In concrete terms, native tree species nurseries will be created
At Mountain Lodges of Peru’s Soray Lodge, tourists can help fund the “A tree for Salkantay (ATS)” project. MLP customers may sponsor the planting or care of a tree. Species that have been used in this project are: chachacomo and molle. MLP aims to promote only tree species native to the area. It does not promote covering the area using imported and invasive species such as eucalyptus.
THE DONATION OF CLOTHES DURING PERIODS OF EXTREME COLD (CALLED “FRIAJE” IN LOCAL SPANISH)
Friaje is the severely cold weather in the Andean Highlands following the rainy season. We provide the poorest inhabitants with warm clothes, footwear and blankets.
CANCER PREVENTION, DETECTION AND TREATMENT PROGRAM
We work with Cervicusco (NGO) and the local authorities in order to contribute to the prevention, detection and treatment of breast and cervical cancers. This program also offers general medical attention as well as blood pressure and glucose level exams. The program takes place once or twice a year in Mollepata. We are currently planning to extend it to other towns and communities along the Salkantay trail.
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THE CHILD SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
Yanapana has put in place a child sponsorship program in order to help fund an individual child’s health, food, education and clothing needs. The children that receive this sort of aid are either orphans or have only one parent and usually attend a state school at Manchayhuaycco or Lucmabamba. We are planning to extend this program to other communities.
CATS AND DOGS CAMPAIGN
Once a year, we work together with Vida Digna (NGO), WorldVets (NGO) and the local authorities to provide 15 veterinarians and much needed medical attention to approximately 250 animals. This is a three-day campaign to sterilize, de-worm, examine and treat cats and dogs in the department of Cusco.
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HORSES’ AND MULES’ HEALTH CAMPAIGN
Held in collaboration with Vida Digna (NGO), the Humane Society International (NGO) and the local authorities, this 15-day campaign in the highlands along the Salkantay trail provides veterinary medical attention to more than 600 animals every year. A group of 15 veterinarians perform rabies, tetanus and parasite vaccinations, castrations, dental checkups, etc.
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PROJECTS