To launch our upcoming plans involving ecotourism in Piedritas, EcoSwell attended a Piedritas town meeting on April 11. The EcoSwell team was the first to arrive to the meeting, excited to make our proposals to the committee. As we sat down and got settled in a small room encircled by chairs, Piedritas citizens began to file in and fill the seats. By the start of the meeting, there was not an empty seat, and the windows were filled with onlookers as well. We soon realized that the 6 maps we had printed to display our plans to establish three hiking trails would have to be shared by five people at least, much more than we had anticipated. There did not seem to be a lack of enthusiasm among the citizens of Piedritas to participate in the inner workings of town.
The meeting began with an invitation from the mayor to express any concerns that the attendees might have. After some discussion about various topics including the future plans of the nearby petroleum company SAPET, Mothers Day plans, and some recent fires that had burned down fences in the area, EcoSwell, had our chance to discuss our hopes and plans for Piedritas.
Our first item on the agenda was to find a second person to train as a trail guide for the trails we plan to build. We already had one trainee secured, but hoped to find one more. Alejandro explained the opportunity, which involved a 5 day all-expenses-covered trip to the Chaparri dry forest to receive the training. There was not a big response at first, mainly because it was unrealistic for many people to take 5 days off of work, but we soon had two parents suggesting their kids for the opportunity. Next we handed out our trail maps, which were quickly approved by everyone present. Finally, Alejandro introduced the idea of building an information center about the dry forest and the trails, which was also approved. After this meeting, things are looking hopeful as EcoSwell moves forward in Piedritas. If all goes according to plan, we hope to provide another way for Piedritas residents to make an income, which does not involve illegal chopping of the native Algarrobo tree, which is important to the survival of the Cortarrama Peruana.
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