Asociación de Trabajadores Autónomos San Rafael, Tres Cruces y Yurac Rumi (ASARATY, Autonomous Workers’ Association of San Rafael, Tres Cruces, and Yurac Rumi) brings together indigenous Quichua-Puruháe (Kichwa) communities in the central Ecuadorian Andes in the sustainable management of 8,000 hectares of montane grassland adjacent to the Sangay National Park. The association represents the local agrarian communities of Guarguallá Chico, Guarguallá Grande, San Rafael, Tres Cruces, and Yurac Rumi, and works to conserve the park's forest and grassland ecosystems by promoting low-impact livelihood activities.

Recognizing that ecosystem degradation was resulting from inappropriate agricultural practices and intensive grazing, ASARATY has promoted innovative and responsible ways to use local resources, including sustainable alpaca-rearing and ecotourism. By generating sustainable income sources for the communities' members, the initiative has helped to conserve this critical grassland reserve and mountain watershed.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2004

Founded: 1999

Location: Chimborazo Province, Ecuador

Beneficiaries: 400 people, 5 communities

Biodiversity: Sangay National Park

 

Case Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find other Winners' Case Studies in our E-Library