Cultural Revaluation for the Conservation of High Andean Forests
Location:
Aquia Community, Peru
Art Medium:
Mask Making, Video, Theater, Photography
Partner:
Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos - ECOAN
Artist:
Brayan Rupa Flores
The Challenge
Queuña trees are indigenous to the high Andes and serve critical ecological functions - regulating water, preventing erosion, and providing home and nutrients for insects, lichens, and birds. Despite being crucial to the ecology of the high Andes, they are endangered due to deforestation which is driven by the need for grazing land.
Additionally, globalization has been eroding indigenous culture which has eroded the valuing of natural resources and conservation practices. This is particularly true for youth.
The Action
ECOAN, together with Creative Action Institute, worked with youth to reignite young people’s interest in indigenous cultural and appreciation conservation of Andean forests. To learn more about the importance of protecting the high Andean forests, the youth participants engaged in intergenerational dialogue, learning about the important role of the queuña forests. The youth learned to use a wide range of mediums - mask making, theatre, photography, videography - that harnessed their creativity and deepened their interest and commitment to conservation.
Combining their knowledge of the queuña trees and the highland ecosystems, the youth harnessed a number of art forms to engage their community. They handcrafted masks, representing animals that rely on the forests. They learned more about photography and videography, learning to use cameras, microphones, and light reflectors. They used the masks for a theatrical performance as well as in stunning images in a photography exhibit to engage their community. The youth also produced a video that serves as an educational tool, giving voice and presence to these youth committed to conservation.
As a result of the community event, the mayor pledged to support initiatives that enhance the capacity of Aquia's youth in their commitment to conservation. The community president committed to seeking funds for the continuation of this project, envisioning the creation of more videos and a radio program that harnesses technology to increase connection and awareness of culture, conservation, and indigenous knowledge.
The Impact
• This project strengthened local commitment to protecting these vital ecosystems.
• 100% of youth participants developed a strengthened connection to the area’s biodiversity.
• The educational community established a formal space within the school curriculum to continue these environmental education activities and continue to promote a connection to the region’s biodiversity and its conservation.
• The masks created by the youth are permanently exhibited in the community hall.
• The video continues to be used as an educational tool.
"I appreciated everything. Above all, it made me reflect on the animals, who are facing a severe extinction in various ways within their ecosystems."