UNESCO Geopark

Quelccaya Glacier and meeting with members of INAIGEM

I am excited to share an announcement with you in today’s post!

If you have been following along, you may have noticed that I have been focusing my attention on cultural aspects of the high elevation regions surrounding the glaciers, specifically the Vilcanota Range. While doing so, I have been working with communities in the area and scientists from INAIGEM (the National Institute for Research on Glaciers and Mountain Ecosystems).

I will be working even more closely with them moving forward as I collaborate with them along with a consortium of other institutions under the umbrella of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture as they seek to have the region designated as a UNESCO Geopark. The ordinance the consortium is officially known as is the Quelccaya Geopark. 

A vicuña grazing below the glaciers

If you are unfamiliar with UNESCO, it is the United Nations organization that promotes cooperation in education, science, culture and communication to foster understanding and cooperation worldwide. A UNESCO Geopark is a designation given to a unique and unified geographical area, that in conjunction with the area’s biological diversity and distinct cutlural heritage make it of international significance. 

The goal of a UNESCO Geopark is to bring awareness and understanding to key issues facing society such as the use of the Earth’s finite resources and adapting to the changing climate, which this important region most certainly is. 

Over the next year or so, I will be working with the consortium to photograph the unique cultural and geographical aspects of the Quelccaya Glacier area which straddles the departments (similar to a province or state) of Cusco and Puno. This collaboration will be mutually beneficial as the consortium will assist me in accessing the areas and communities we will be working. In return, I will provide them with photos they require to for their UNESCO Geopark proposal. 

Map showing the area of the proposed UNESCO Geopark

The assistance they provide wll be invaluable as these areas are remote and difficult to access. The introductions are also essetial in building relationships in these regions, which are an important part of the culture.

It is also a key aspect of a UNESCO Geopark mandate to work from the ground up, to empower the communities within the Geopark. They are the ones dealing with the immediate consequences of the melting glaciers and the impacts of our changing climate. It is important for them to be closely involved in determining how to move forward and decide what they want for their future. 

Giving reverence to the Sinakara Glacier during the pilgrimage of Qoyllur Rit’i

I had orignally hoped to share this announcement with everyone last week. However, my ongoing visa situation has required so much time and energy (not to mention money) that it wasn’t possible. I am happy to share it with you now though and I look forward to sharing photos and stories from the region with you soon.

With gratitude,

MB