Asociación de Trabajadores Autónomos San Rafael, Tres Cruces y Yurac Rumi (ASARATY, Autonomous Workers’ Association of San Rafael, Tres Cruces, and Yurac Rumi)
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
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Equator Prize 2004
Latin America And The Caribbean
Biodiversity Conservation
Freshwater Management
Drylands Management
Contact Information
Jorge Rivas
Calle Manuela Sáenz, Licto, Chimborazo
Ecuador
Tel: 394 9552
Email: jrivasron@yahoo.com
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