Contents 3 Editorial 4 National Tourism Year An alternative and sustainable economic 7 activity

Regional 9 development plans Publication funded by the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) through project AD/BOL/99/D69, Articulation of Alternative A tropical paradise for Development with the National Planning System, and published by the Vice-Ministry of Alternative Development (VIMDESALT). 12 enjoying ecotourism • General Coordination: Mónica Portillo Páez

• Front Cover Photograph: Biodiversity, indigenous ethnic groups, Mountains, Jungles and flora and fauna in the • Tropics of Cochabamba and the Yungas of 17 the Amazon Source: National Protected Areas Service and Vice-Ministry of Tourism

• Designed and printed by: Editorial LAVADENZ Calle Gustavo Medinacelli 2220 Tel.: 330358 Training a new generation NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR The views reflected in this issue are not necessarily those of the 20 to work in tourism entities mentioned above. Article content may be reproduced if the source is cited. Free copies are available from the AD/BOL/99/D69 project Av. 14 de Septiembre 5369 Calle 7 – Obrajes Sports E-mail: [email protected] bold69@.undcp.org against Drugs P.O. Box 14973 22 La Paz - Bolivia

24 Micronews Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock AD/BOL/99/D69 Project and Rural Development "Articulation of Alternative Vice-Ministry of Development with the National Alternative Development Planning System" NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR A nd today...

Within the Alternative Development framework, tourism is one of the strategic economic activities to consolidate the gains achieved so far in the fight against drugs, thanks to the efforts made by every Bolivian citizen. Essentially, this is because tourism is one of the most important activities for speeding up regional economic growth. A clear example of this is its potential for generating a large number of related services, whether they are in the production, consumption or service sectors. This immediately brings with it the creation of new jobs and income for families.

The Tropics of Cochabamba and the Yungas of La Paz have exceptionally favourable conditions for tourism development and promotion, especially in ecotourism and adventure tourism, which are currently the areas of the tourism market with the highest demand among both Bolivian and international tourists. These favourable conditions include the high levels of biodiversity, incalculable wealth of plant and animal species, protected areas, the variety of ecological strata and the indigenous ethnic groups who live in these tropical regions.

The Alternative Development Programme is aware of the enormous advantages of turning the Tropics of Cochabamba and the Yungas of La Paz into major tourist destinations. This is why it is currently taking forward important initiatives to support tourism through its different projects. The CONCADE project, for example, is involved in the construction and maintenance of local roads, as well as promoting handicrafts activities. The AD/BOL/00/E07 project is carrying out vocational training and promoting small businesses, while the AD/BOL/97/C23 project is working on the management, conservation and utilisation of forestry resources, and encouraging flower-growing activities. The Alternative Development Programme is also supporting the production and marketing of alternative products, environmental protection, training and extension activities. Together, these initiatives all represent forms of support to the tourism sector.

Nevertheless, there is still a great deal to be done in the areas of road infrastructure, improving access to the attractions, signposting and basic sanitation, setting up tourism circuits, promotion and publicity. These and other requirements need to be addressed efficiently so that the Tropics of Cochabamba and the Yungas of La Paz can speed up growth and make their economies more dynamic. They will be able to achieve this by developing the alternative and sustainable economic activity that tourism represents.

Everyone in Bolivia is hoping these results will be achieved, but they can only come about if the state and society work together. The private sector has a leading role to play by making investments in the tourism sector. The Bolivian government is making a great effort to provide alternatives to the illicit coca- growing economy, in the framework of the Dignity Plan, and tourism promotion forms part of this effort. Tourism has the potential to create new jobs, increase income and improve living conditions for everyone in our country.

WALDO TELLERÍA VICE-MINISTER OF ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

Bolivian Government declares 2001 National Tourism Year

Over 30% of Bolivia’s territory has been designated as national parks and protected areas. This provides the country with exceptionally favourable conditions for developing a tourist industry with an emphasis on ecotourism and adventure tourism.

2001 has been declared National Tourism Year by the Bolivian government under Supreme Decree Nº 26032. Without a doubt, this initiative is an acknowledgement of Bolivia’s enormous tourism potential. It is also a clear demonstration of the government’s determination to promote this little-explored area of the economy, so that it can form part of the country’s productive base in an efficient, effective and professional way.

The government has therefore decided that there is a need to promote and strengthen the tourist Exuberant vegetation in the Tropics of Cochabamba. industry, given its potential for the private sector need to work In addition, a "Strategy for the country’s economic development. together to build the necessary Development of Sustainable The General Economic and Social infrastructure, carry out technical Tourism in Bolivia 2001-2005" has Development Plan 1997-2002, for training and skills development been designed by the Vice-Ministry example, mentions tourism as an programmes, and undertake a of Tourism, a division of the export that should be made large-scale campaign to inform the Ministry of Foreign Trade and available by promoting the public about the enormous Investment. This strategy states country’s tourist attractions. For advantages of turning the country that all the actions to be taken in this to happen, the state and the into a major tourist destination. this area are aimed at developing

Enormous biodiversity on different ecological levels, from snow capped mountains to high valleys and rainforest.

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Wild orchid in the Tropics of Cochabamba. tourism into a productive economic export activity capable of creating jobs and earning foreign exchange, and thereby contributing to the country’s well- being. The goals pursued by this strategy include attracting at least 700,000 foreign tourists by the year 2006, creating 150,000 jobs incentives for attracting new activities. directly or indirectly related to investments to strengthen other tourism, and obtaining foreign sectors of the economy apart from The importance of tourism in exchange income of about agro-industry. Ethno-ecotourism is Bolivia and in Alternative US$400 million for the country. a good example, since there is Development During the 1990s, there was Similarly, the Alternative great potential in the Tropics of sustained growth in the number of Development policies that form Cochabamba and the Yungas of tourists coming to Bolivia. Last part of the "Bolivian Strategy to La Paz for developing this sector. year was an exception to this, and Combat Drug Trafficking (1998- A priority in these regions is to the reduction was mainly due to 2002)" seek to ensure that increase economic activities that external and internal economic and programmes and projects are will enable them to replace the social factors. 306,297 foreign aimed at creating feasible illicit economy that is based on the visitors came to Bolivia in the year conditions and establishing excess coca crops with legal 2000, and a total of US$160 million in foreign exchange was earned from international tourism.

The domestic tourism demand also grew considerably in the 1990s. In this context, it is worth pointing out that the main cities visited in Bolivia are La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. Together, these three cities account for 81.3% of foreign tourism (visitors arriving from abroad) and 68% of domestic tourism.

The figures presented clearly indicate that tourism is increasing. The numbers of both international visitors and domestic tourists are growing, a trend that bodes well for APRIL 2001 5 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

investment in the sector.

The implementation of a sustainable tourism development policy consequently demands direct and coordinated participation both by the relevant government bodies for the institutional and legal development of the sector, and by the private sector in carrying out investments. It is therefore necessary to join the current decade. The trend in economic growth in the two forces and reach a consensus to terms of income is closely related regions. ensure that policies aimed to the average length of stay and essentially at creating the expenditure made in the country. The figures demonstrate that the tourist industry is becoming an necessary conditions for The tourist industry has had a important sector of the Bolivian developing sustainable tourism are direct impact on the economy, and economy, with huge potential to taken forward. spending by tourists now accounts benefit the population. It is also a In this context, the challenge facing for about 3.8% of Gross Domestic strategic component in the Bolivia is for the state and society Product (GDP). About 60,000 economic and social development to work together to enable tourism people are now working in jobs of regions like the Tropics of to become a productive economic created directly and indirectly by Cochabamba and the Yungas of activity in the export sector, with tourism. Foreign exchange income La Paz. These regions are in need the capacity to generate from international tourism in the of new, legal economic employment and foreign year 2000 is equivalent to 12.2% of opportunities that will push forward exchange, and thereby contribute exports. and help to consolidate the to the country’s development. activities being promoted by the It should be emphasised that these Alternative Development * Information provided by the Vice- figures related to the influx of Programme. Ministry of Tourism, "Strategy for tourists are very important for the the Development of Sustainable development and consolidation of As far as legislation is concerned, Tourism in Bolivia 2001-2005". a new economic alternative within tourism has managed to establish the Alternative Development its regulatory framework as a result framework, both for the Tropics of of the enactment of the General Cochabamba and the Yungas of Tourism Law, the definition of the La Paz. Both regions enjoy National Tourism Development exceptionally privileged and Strategy and the different tourism favourable conditions, mainly regulations. because of their high level of Even so, tourism biodiversity in fauna and flora, still requires protected areas, unusual terrain, greater attention climate diversity, and the from the indigenous ethnic groups living in government, their own habitat. These conditions mainly in the make both regions enormously form of road attractive for developing improvements, ecotourism. They could easily tourism attract tourists visiting other parts promotion and of the country during the year. creating the These tourists would make a major conditions to contribution to speeding up attract Indigenous ethnic groups in the Carrasco National Park. 6 APRIL 2001 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

Ecotourism generates important sources of employment and income for Bolivian people An alternative and sustainable economic activity

Regions such as the Tropics of Cochabamba and the Yungas of La Paz are seen as new and emerging destinations ideal for the development of tourism products and services.

The Alternative Development include agriculture, livestock small cafés or restaurants to large policies set out in the Bolivian farming, agro-industry, agro- transport companies and huge Strategy to Combat Drug forestry and tourism. In the specific transnationals. Tourism also Trafficking 1998-2002 (Dignity case of tourism, many national and makes it possible to carry out a Plan) include plans, programmes international institutions recognise number of different activities in and projects aimed at achieving that this sector is one of the least other areas such as culture, integrated and sustainable explored and, paradoxically, one of folklore, handicrafts, sport, etc. development in the areas where those with the greatest potential for This obviously means that the risks excess coca crops are being developing the economy of these described above become more eradicated, and minimising the two regions and with real dispersed. adverse economic effects this prospects for success. process brings with it. It is for these and other reasons Tourism will make the regional that most developing countries and As well as improving and economy more dynamic even some developed countries increasing the social and In recent years tourism has been are increasingly encouraging productive infrastructure in the recognised worldwide as a service tourism as part of their range of Tropics of Cochabamba, the sector activity with the potential to productive activities. In this Alternative Development contribute to development. It is well context, tourism represents an Programme is creating solid known that tourism is less area with great potential for economic conditions based on the vulnerable to risk factors such as countries to develop. This is mainly development of production over dependence on international the case for those countries with a systems to replace the coca prices, activities becoming highly small industrial production base or economy. Agriculture, which is the concentrated in just a few for countries such as Bolivia, main sector driving development in companies, fuel price rises and where Alternative Development the Tropics of Cochabamba, is not unemployment, amongst others. policies are being implemented the only focus of these efforts. This is mainly a result of the fact and there is a need to replace the They are also aimed at other that the tourism industry can resist economy based on illicit activities sectors of the economy such as these factors and/or redirect itself with legal activities. These legal ethno-ecotourism, services, in terms of markets and prices activities, such as tourism, will transport and communications, in towards new segments that are on have an immediate multiplier effect order to attract new national and an upward trend instead. It should on the economy. foreign investment. also be taken into account that the The preference for ecotourism variety of companies working in the With this outlook in mind, sectors tourist industry ranges from small and adventure tourism with important economic potential handicrafts to large hotels, from The potential market for tourism in have been identified. These Bolivia amounts to 12 million

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described, regions such as the Tropics of Cochabamba, the Yungas of La Paz and the Amazon region of Bolivia in general can definitely be seen as new and emerging tourist destinations. As such, they are ideal for the development of products and services for tourism. Taken together, the variety of natural and cultural tourist attractions represent the heritage upon which not merely these regions but the Walking along ecological trails. country as a whole can base its visitors in the areas of general Programme, since the tourist aspirations in the field of interest tourism, nature tourism or attractions in Tropics of international tourism. It is ecotourism, adventure tourism and Cochabamba and the Yungas of therefore vitally important to take special interest tours. However, the La Paz have great potential for full advantage of all the market to which the country has attracting both domestic and opportunities for tourism offered access amounts to 3.5 million foreign visitors. This is particularly by these regions, based on the visitors who mainly come from the true in the case of those tourists plans, programmes and projects region and from the United States who are interested in the high level involved in Alternative of America. of biodiversity resulting from the Development policies, so that geographic features of these tourism can become an alternative In terms of preferences, the market regions, which are also the home and sustainable economic activity. divides as follows: of a number of indigenous ethnic • 47% corresponds to general groups (including the Yuquis, interest tourism Yuracarés, T’simanes and Moxeños) who live close to nature • 21.5% corresponds to adventure in these vast tropical lands. tourism Because of these trends in the • Of the remaining 31.5%, 16.5% international tourism market and, corresponds to nature tourism or in particular, the preferences ecotourism and 15% to special interest tourism.

The European market is also very important, and includes countries such as Germany, France, the USA, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the Scandinavian countries. The reason for visitors coming to Bolivia from these countries is essentially tourism, and their preferences are for nature tourism or ecotourism and interaction with local communities.

These tourist preferences are highly encouraging for the Alternative Development Rafting: a major adventure. 8 APRIL 2001 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

Promoting ecotourism in the Alternative Development framework Regional development plans

As a sustainable alternative economic activity, tourism will generate new sources of employment and improve people’s income.

Tourism in the Development Plan for the Tropics of Cochabamba There are enormous advantages in turning Bolivia into a major tourist destination. The Bolivian Government’s Vice-Ministry of Alternative Development (a division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Farming and Rural Development), the Prefecture of the Department of Cochabamba, and the Cochabamba Business Federation are all aware of this. Together with national organizations and institutions and international organizations committed to the development of the Tropics of Cochabamba, and within the framework of Alternative Development policies, they are seeking to promote tourism in the form of one of the sector’s specialist areas most in demand at the moment: ecotourism. The promotion The main asphalt road providing access to the Tropics of Cochabamba. of ecotourism is aimed at taking advantage of this region’s potential in terms of natural and The Plan also provides for other activities such as environmental resources, as set out in the July 1999 promotion work and national and international Development Plan for the Tropics of Cochabamba. information systems for tourism, involving the implementation of mechanisms and systems for the This Plan states that tourism is one of the socio- promotion and marketing of ecotourism packages. economic aspects that have been studied, in addition These will provide links between private companies to others of equal or greater importance such as and communities of small farmers and indigenous population, migration, carrying capacity, economic peoples. performance, poverty levels and gender, amongst others. Within the area of economic development, it To achieve these goals there is a need to make therefore provides for a Tourism and Handicrafts progress in overcoming the problems of insecurity, Programme to promote the sector. This seeks to stigma, and local people’s lack of knowledge of how to ensure that the economic benefits reach a larger take advantage of tourism and provide the services number of people, including entrepreneurs, hotel and tourists require. It will also be necessary to reinforce restaurant owners, transport operators and, above all, the leading role clearly identified for the municipalities communities of small farmers and indigenous peoples in the Tropics of Cochabamba. who can work in handicrafts activities.

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AD/BOL/99/D69, "Linking Alternative Development to the National Planning System". This departmental development plan provides for a Tourism Development Programme. The strategic objective of this is to promote the development of tourism in order to generate a greater influx of visitors and strengthen the sector over the next five years. The central requirement for achieving this objective is to improve the services and infrastructure for tourism that currently exist in the Department and the Yungas of La Paz. Amongst other tasks, this implies:

• Developing projects to promote and publicise ethno-

Handicrafts carved from balsa wood. cultural, ecological and adventure tourism routes. In general terms, the Tourism and Handicrafts • Structuring tourism circuits. Programme for the Tropics of Cochabamba proposes to extend the benefits of tourism and handicrafts to a • Encouraging private investment by providing basic larger number of people. Amongst other conditions services and improving roads. required to achieve this, it will be necessary to: • Awarding certification to the tourist services in the • Implement a large-scale information system for region by means of a process to re-categorise them. domestic and international tourism • Developing projects to sensitise people and raise • Have an efficient transport system suitable for their awareness about tourism and to promote the tourism Department and the region as tourist destinations.

• Identify and develop tourism circuits • Upgrading the region’s tourist attractions to provide a better service to visitors and improve what is on offer • Promote handicrafts activities that complement to tourists. tourism. Planning and Organization Tourism in the Development Plan for the Yungas The Alternative Development Programme works in a of La Paz coordinated way with international organizations Within the Alternative Development framework, (UNDCP, ILO, USAID/CONCADE, FAO, Spanish government authorities have defined short- and Cooperation Agency) and government bodies. medium-term actions to encourage tourism. This is Together, these organizations are taking forward because it is an economic activity that speeds up important initiatives to develop tourism in these development, mainly thanks to its multiplier effect on regions: construction and maintenance of local roads, productive activities that generates direct and indirect employment. It is also an effective way of protecting the environment, nature and indigenous peoples. Tourism is already a very important industry in the Yungas, which is one of the main tourist destinations in the Department of La Paz, not just in terms of domestic tourists but for foreign tourists as well.

It is in this context that the December 2000 Economic and Social Development Plan for the Department of La Paz was drawn up by the Departmental Prefecture, with the involvement of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and the Environment’s Strategic Planning Unit and the support of the Vice- Ministry of Alternative Development through Project Panoramic view of the Yungas of La Paz. 10 APRIL 2001 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

support for the production and marketing of alternative security and regulations protecting domestic and products, training and extension activities, and foreign private investors need to be clearly defined in environmental protection, amongst others that are the policies relating to tourism in Bolivia, so that every equally relevant. However, there are other aspects investor will feel secure that their investments are well such as the ease safeguarded in of access to the country. tourist attractions, the In this way, with design of service a joint effort infrastructure in between the general, social Bolivian stability and government, the security, the international establishment of community and tourism circuits the private and a network of sector, it will be operators, possible to promotion and encourage and publicity. These consolidate the are included development of among the tasks an alternative set out in the economic development activity with plans for the good prospects Tropics of that is also Cochabamba Improving local roads with Alternative Development Programme support. capable of and the Yungas of La Paz. They need to be addressed creating jobs, improving people’s income from legal as quickly as possible, in the framework of existing activities and projecting a new image of the Tropics of policies for the development of sustainable tourism in Cochabamba and the Yungas of La Paz. In short, it these regions. will be possible to continue making progress towards the consolidation of everything the Alternative Of course, these tasks demand coordinated planning Development Programme has achieved so far, thanks and organization to prevent negative impacts, and to the efforts made by each and every person in they also require high levels of investment. The private Bolivia. sector could easily make this investment, since it has repeatedly expressed its interest in investing in the development of these regions. At the same time, however, there is a need for incentives to make investments viable. Support for bank loans, legal

Exploring the jungle and the tropics. There are more than 200 varieties of orchids in these tropical regions. APRIL 2001 11 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

The Tropics of Cochabamba: A tropical paradise for enjoying ecotourism The conservation of biodiversity, ecosystems and protected areas means that Bolivia is one of the most important ecological reserves in the world.

The Tropics of Cochabamba is three of rivers, hours away from the city of streams and Cochabamba and four hours from national parks Santa Cruz de la Sierra. It is one of the of exceptional regions with the highest level of natural beauty. The Tropics of Cochabamba has a large variety of fish species. biodiversity in the world, and represents For those who an important ecological reserve. It enjoy coming Bolivia and abroad. offers several attractions for different into direct contact with nature and with forms of tourism, but mainly for ethnic groups or native cultures living in Those who enjoy ecotourism can se ecotourism and adventure tourism their own habitat, these features make out on treks along ecological paths, visi activities, thanks to its tropical climate the region a genuine tropical paradise. the Carrasco National Park to admire and unusual terrain with a large number its diversity of flora and fauna, swim Villa Tunari is the first town on the way peacefully in pools of crystal clea to the Bolivian Amazon water, enjoy the extraordinary scenery, region in the Tropics of or watch the large number of animals Cochabamba. At the living in their natural habitat. These are foot of the Andes activities to delight even the most mountain range demanding of tourists. between the high valleys and the Amazonian The tropical forest is another plains, nestling between important tourist attraction. It is home the San Mateo and to a number of communities working Espíritu Santo rivers, in a variety of farming, forestry, agro- this town offers a variety industrial and handicrafts activities. of attractions and Most of these are the result of the activities to tourists from support provided by the Alternative The "Reina del Enin" Flotel cruises along the Ichilo and Mamoré rivers. Development Programme for 12 APRIL 2001 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

away from Villa Tunari. It provides direct access to indigenous communities living in their own habitat and also to the Isiboro-Sécure National Park along the Chipiriri and Isiboro rivers.

• PUERTO AURORA 90 minutes away from Villa Tunari, Puerto Aurora preserves the traditional features of a tropical river port. Here tourists can also visit indigenous communities such production, marketing and extension. unique and unforgettable experience. as the Yuracaré. et For those who prefer adventure Tourist Attractions • Puerto Villarroel it tourism, canoe trips to the forests in There are a large number of tourist Two hours away from Villa Tunari, e the north of the region, fishing in the attractions in the Tropics of this is one of the largest river ports m numerous heavenly rivers, or rafting Cochabamba. The ones described in Bolivia. From here tourists can r on turbulent waters offer the visitor a below are some of the most board boats or barges going to , outstanding. Trinidad (capital of the Beni s Department) and enjoy the • CANOE TRIPS AND RIVER e pleasant journey along the Ichilo EXCURSIONS t and Mamoré rivers. It is also This is one of the most possible to visit the indigenous fascinating ways to reserve of the Yuqui people. r watch numerous species e of birds, river dolphins or • MACHIA ECOTOURISM PARK g the daily life of the This ecological park in Villa Tunari - families living in the stretches over an area of 36 . Tropics of Cochabamba. hectares of tropical forest. It is e home to a wide diversity of plants e • PUERTO SAN FRANCISCO (more than 120 tree species) and r This port is one hour The "Miriam del Río" boat leaves from Puerto Villarroel. animals (three species of monkeys APRIL 2001 13 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

• ISIBORO-SÉCURE NATIONAL PARK AND INDIGENOUS TERRITORY This park straddles the departments of Beni (Moxos Province) and Cochabamba (Chapare Province). It is a protected area of exceptional scenic beauty, both in the unexplored mountainous region and on the plains. It has exuberant vegetation, rivers and lakes, an unusual wealth of wildlife (714 species, more than 600 different birds), a huge diversity of flora (3,000 species of larger plants) with an extraordinary abundance of flowers, and archaeological Machía Park is a project to rescue animals so that they can live in their natural habitat. sites, as well as being the home of living in their natural habitat). rivers, waterfalls and exuberant the Moxeño, Yuracaré and vegetation. It is also characterised T’simane ethnic groups. These • LA JUNGLA by a high level of biodiversity. More features mean that it has This is a small recreational than 3,000 species of larger plants exceptional potential for the adventure park built by a local and a wealth of flora native to the development of ecotourism. inhabitant. Tourists can walk region can be found in the park. along hanging bridges, enjoying Hotel services spectacular views in direct This area has been awarded the Villa Tunari is the main centre for contact with nature. category of National Park and hotel services, offering a variety of Sanctuary. Other attractions in the hotels, guesthouses and Protected Areas park include the "Cavernas de restaurants. These have very These are nature reserves with or Repechón" Wildlife Sanctuary with special attractions to surprise and without human intervention that its guácharos (nocturnal birds which delight both Bolivian and foreign have been legally declared as live in caves), the Incachaca Inca visitors to the Tropics of special areas under the protection ruins, pre-columbian trails, and Cochabamba. This section of the state. The aim of this is to picturesque villages with colonial describes some of the hotels that protect and conserve wild flora and architecture such as Totora. fauna, genetic resources, natural ecosystems, river basins and assets of scientific, aesthetic, historical, economic and social interest, thereby conserving and preserving the country’s natural and cultural heritage. (Technical information on the National System of Protected Areas, SERNAP, 2000).

• CARRASCO NATIONAL PARK This park is in the mountainous and sub-Andean region in the east of the Department of Cochabamba. It is an area of great scenic beauty, with mountains divided by deep canyons and valleys, fast-flowing The Protected Areas are home to a large number and variety of animal species. 14 APRIL 2001 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

that offers the most advantages for the region’s development, they are making a creative and decisive contribution to the consolidation of the Alternative Development Programme’s achievements.

SURUBÍ TOURIST COMPLEX This is an interesting option for tourists who prefer to stay near Villa Tunari. The complex includes areas that are ideal for those with an adventurous spirit who enjoy camping, since they can camp on the grounds of the hotel itself. Those who enjoy treks and expeditions can walk through the plantations of The wealth of nature can be enjoyed along ecological trails. different crops being promoted by Nature’s marvels in Carrasco Park. the Alternative Development in one way or another provide Programme, including palm hearts, protected areas and expeditions evidence of genuine initiatives to bananas, pineapple, passion fruit to the Ichilo river and Puerto contribute to the development of and star fruit. They are accompanied Villarroel. These are fascinating tourism in the region, trusting in its on these walks by tourist guides who experiences for tourists with an great potential for ecotourism. provide them with all the information adventurous spirit who enjoy They are the fruit of the ongoing they need. This is something more exploring. investments made by tourism than just an interesting alternative. entrepreneurs in both economic A special feature of El Puente is that it has set aside 20 hectares and human resources terms. EL PUENTE HOTEL exclusively for cultural and These entrepreneurs are El Puente Hotel can be found at ecological tourism activities. An constantly seeking to innovate, the heart of 40 hectares of indigenous family lives in the offering increasingly attractive pristine forest, 4 km away from grounds of the hotel and is products to enhance the prospects Villa Tunari and at an altitude of involved in the forest for tourism and thereby overcome 300 metres. Visitors who enjoy management and indigenous the adverse situation they must ethno-ecotourism can delight in tourism project called "Chiripe confront when conflicts arise with panoramic viewpoints, ecological Jirano". The family takes tourists regard to the eradication of excess trails and natural pools. The hotel on walks along ecological trails coca crops. Convinced that also offers guided tours in the so that they can learn more about tourism is the economic alternative Tropics of Cochabamba’s the culture of the indigenous

Villa Tunari offers a variety of hotels, guest houses and restaurants. Natural pools with crystal-clear water. APRIL 2001 15 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

tourists who expect the highest standards.

It is envisaged that the Chapare Tropical Resort will be completed by the end of this year. It will represent a strategic asset for promoting the integrated development of this attractive region. It will create about 2,000 new jobs directly or indirectly related to the tourism sector and considerably increase the influx of tourists, thereby generating an average income of about US$12 million a year. Hotels offer delicious local dishes to tempt the palate of visitors. ethnic groups who live in the international standards, the The special features of this hotel Tropics of Cochabamba. Chapare Tropical Resort will are real evidence of the private support the development of sector’s interest in promoting the LOS TUCANES ecotourism in the heart of the development of sustainable COUNTRY HOUSE majestic Amazon region of tourism in the region and the Los Tucanes Country House is Bolivia, with its marvellous efforts invested to speed up the surrounded by rainforest on the natural scenery, rivers and development of a legal economy Panamerican highway, one of the exceptional wealth of flora and in the Tropics of Cochabamba. It most important roads in the fauna. is also undoubtedly a clear country. This complex supports demonstration of the business ecotourism in the region in a Although the third phase of confidence that exists and the special way, having set up a construction is yet to be fact that investments in Bolivia handicraft workshop in the completed, it is already possible are well safeguarded. grounds of the hotel. As well as to speak of a hotel that will having the opportunity to provide all the comforts that can exchange experiences with a be found in the best resorts in the family of Trinitario origin (one of world. Thanks to the significant the region’s indigenous ethnic investment that has been made, groups), tourists can also admire this hotel will certainly be able to the handicrafts they make by meet the needs and requirements carving masks from balsa wood. of both domestic and foreign

In common with the other hotels, Los Tucanes organises tours to the protected areas and the different tourist attractions in this tropical region. Ecotourism activities are always organised in a way that protects the wealth of biodiversity in the Tropics of Cochabamba.

CHAPARE TROPICAL RESORT HOTEL A hotel complex designed to meet The opening of the Chapare Tropical Resort will be a driving force behind tourism development in the region.

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In the Yungas of La Paz tourist attractions are directly related to the region’s high biodiversity, unusual terrain and varied climate Mountains, Jungles and the Amazon A panoramic tour, taking in everything from the majestic snow capped mountains of the Eastern Range of the Andes to the tropical forests and jungles of the Bolivian Amazon region, makes the Yungas of La Paz one of the department’s main tourist destinations.

Children from the African-Bolivian communities of the Yungas. The Yungas region is in the Department of La Paz. This down from the high mountains, and northeast of the Department of La privileged position is a result of its the culture of the African-Bolivian Paz. It descends from the slopes of abundant vegetation and communities of the Yungas, the Eastern Mountain Range of the subtropical and tropical climate. especially in and Andes to join the plains and Apart from the region’s agricultural . These tourist tropical jungles of the Amazon wealth, the Yungas of La Paz also attractions are highly valued by basin. offers a wide variety and quantity of visitors who enjoy ecotourism, rural flora and fauna, imposing scenery tourism and adventure tourism. This region is characterised by of great aesthetic and natural being one of the most productive value, fast-flowing rivers rushing Tourist Attractions agricultural areas in the

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• PRE-HISPANIC INCA TRAIL encouraging, developing and Inca Trail, the Choro Trail and the This pre-columbian trail starts on consolidating tourism as a strategic Chuspipata-Chobacollo Trail. The the slopes of the majestic alternative economic activity, the aim of this is to improve the mountain and ends in . Departmental Prefecture is also infrastructure and services This is a magnificent option for carrying out activities to support provided to tourists along these those who enjoy adventure, the tourism sector, giving priority to trails. exploring and trekking. The two- the following tasks: day trek starts high in the • Completion of the "Signposts for mountains and takes in cold lakes, • Setting up tourism promotion and Tourism" project. In its first phase exuberant vegetation and scenery guidance centres in provincial sub- this project covered the whole of with great aesthetic value. prefectures. the high plateau region. In its second phase it will be extended to • Consolidation of strategic • CHUSPIPATA the tropical regions of the alliances between the state, the CHOBACOLLO TRAIL Department of La Paz, providing private sector and civil society to This pre-columbian trail will be set tourists with information about road promote and establish sustainable up exclusively for cyclists and routes so that they can locate tourism in the Yungas of La Paz, in walkers who enjoy coming into important monuments, historical order to benefit the region’s direct contact with nature. sites and communication services development. more easily. This ecological trail is already • Contracting out three ecotourism popular with trekkers, but tourists Protected Areas routes to the private sector: the will soon have access to a variety of • COTAPATA services that will make their stay more comfortable. The Departmental Prefecture of La Paz is leading an initiative to set up camping and rest areas with electric light provided by solar panels, build ecological viewpoints, increase security by means of 24-hour guard patrols, and provide toilets and washroom services, amongst other improvements.

In keeping with the objective of

Walking along the pre-hispanic Inca and Chuspipata-Chobacollo trails is a good way to see the variety of ecological levels.

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of genetic resources.

Hotel Services , the capital of North Yungas Province, is where the largest number of hotel services is to be found. This range from economic guesthouses and hostels to hotels and tourist complexes. Together, they offer the conditions needed to satisfy the most demanding of tourists.

The Gloria Coroico Hotel is in the village itself, while El Quijote, El Viejo The main square in Coroico, capital of North Yungas Province. Molino and La Finca are at a distance Cotapata is an area to the addition, the area is highly valued of 700 metres, 2km and 8 km northeast of the city of La Paz. It since it has long been the home of respectively. These are some of the starts on the road to the Yungas (La several indigenous cultures from the hotels that offer tourists a variety of Cumbre – Sacramento) and is T’simane, Moseten, Tacana, ecotourism and adventure tourism characterised by its exceptional Reyesano and Esse Eja ethnic activities such as rafting or fishing, natural beauty, including huge groups. This makes it an ideal walks along ecological or pre- snow capped mountains such as destination for tourists who enjoy columbian trails, and trips to explore , high Andean glaciers and spending time with different rural the rainforest. All these activities lakes, fast-flowing rivers and cultures. The area has 978 animal enable tourists to enjoy the marvellous waterfalls. It has a species and it is estimated that there spectacular scenery admired by diversity of ecosystems, from high are 2,500 species of larger plants. anyone who appreciates direct mountain ranges and snowfields to contact with nature. They are an ideal valleys and rainforests. The pre- Pilon Lajas has been designated way to contemplate the natural beauty columbian Chucura or Choro trail as a Biosphere Reserve, a of birds and flowers typical of this runs through the area and attracts category similar to a Natural Area region that links up with the Bolivian a large number of tourists. It also under Integrated Management, Amazon. has archaeological and historical and also as an Indigenous ruins and caves with rock paintings. Community Territory. It is 820 species of plants have been undoubtedly an important nature recorded in this area and it is reserve with an enormous diversity estimated that there are 1,800 species of larger plants, as well as 204-recorded animal species.

• PILON LAJAS This protected area extends over the eastern central part of the Department of La Paz and the southwest of the Department of Beni. This region’s strength is the scenery formed by its ridges of mountains. One of the most powerfully attractive scenic areas is the mysterious Blue Lagoon, due to its outstanding beauty and the fascinating legends that have grown up around it. It has also been reported that there are archaeological ruins and rock paintings here. In The exceptional biodiversity that characterises the Yungas of La Paz. APRIL 2001 19 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

"Vocational Training and Promotion of Micro-Enterprises in the Cochabamba Tropics" Project, AD/BOL/00/E07: Training a new generation to work in tourism A new generation trained and qualified in specific skills, with a new entrepreneurial spirit, means human resources potential capable of creating new development opportunities to benefit themselves, their families and the region.

The AD/BOL/00/E07 project’s main production and/or services, bearing objectives are to provide vocational in mind that the aim is to promote training and qualifications and economic and social development promote micro-enterprises in the in the region based on legal Tropics of Cochabamba, in activities. accordance with the region’s economic potential. The project therefore aims to provide young people with technical Jorge Cabrera, the project’s Chief training designed to suit their own Technical Adviser, explains that needs and the demands they young people in the Tropics of themselves express. These Cochabamba will be able to join the obviously respond to the employment market with better development needs of the region as prospects after they have been a whole. trained to work in areas that have potential in the region, such as As a result of the studies carried agriculture, agro-forestry, agro- out, tourism was identified as a industry and especially tourism, strategic activity for the region’s amongst others. Handicrafts are a complement to tourism. development. The project therefore for young people to be trained and runs training courses in different For the region to develop, it learn skills in specific areas with a activities related to hotel services undoubtedly requires skilled and demand in the local market, and to (attending to the public, transport well-qualified human resources who develop an entrepreneurial spirit. services, restaurant work, laundry, are able to contribute and take on According to Cabrera, this is the gardening, etc). It has also board the challenges arising from only way they will obtain the means commissioned a study that will the Alternative Development that will enable them to devote enable the attractions or resources process. That is why it is important themselves to new activities in that exist in the Tropics of

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Cochabamba to be identified. The study will also produce valuable information on the services currently available, the ease of physical access to them, and a description of the strengths that will enable them to become viable products for tourism. All these aspects are part of a plan for the sustainable use of natural resources that also recognises the value of ethnic and local cultural features.

This initiative is a response to the fact that the region’s tourist attractions are scattered and have Sculptures made in rural communities. not been fully identified. That is why thanks to the new employment • An inventory and analysis of the there is a need to undertake a study opportunities created. tourist attractions or resources that of this nature. The identification, exist in the Tropics of Cochabamba. knowledge and promotion of the This study also represents a first Amongst other aspects, the analysis tourist attractions in the Tropics of step towards putting together an will take into account their geographic Cochabamba will result in important inventory of the region’s wealth of location, ease of access, intrinsic or benefits for the region’s inhabitants, resources for tourism. It is already symbolic value, quality and thanks to the development of well known that it has exceptional development potential. products for tourism. These will biodiversity, areas of scenic beauty, • Information based on verifiable and encourage the emergence of new and an extremely rich diversity of businesses or the expansion of comparable assessment criteria that flora and fauna. existing ones, thereby creating new rates tourism resources according to jobs for local people and their The study will therefore gather their quality and their potential for families. In addition, it will promote valuable information related to becoming a "tourist industry product". equal participation of women in tourism. More specifically, it will • A set of options to be taken economic activities and help to produce: forward as a priority in order to bring reduce migration by young people these attractions into a tourism circuit and subsequently include them in the local tourism development plan.

The project is convinced that in the medium term tourism activities will become the driving force behind development in this tropical region. With initiatives like these, and with a joint effort between the government and international cooperation, progress will continue to be made towards the consolidation of sustainable tourism development in the region.

Visitors in the heart of the tropical forest. APRIL 2001 21 NUEVO GRAN ANGULAR

26 June – International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking Sports against Drugs The problem of drug abuse affects more than 180 million people around the world. This reason alone is more than enough to push forward the momentum again on this international day, and re-assess goals, priorities and the progress achieved.

The Declaration of the International Conference This year the slogan is "Sports against on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is signed on Drugs", and is was publicised and broadcast 26 June 1987. The Comprehensive by the media together with messages for the Multidisciplinary Outline of Future Activities in day from the United Nations Secretary Drug Abuse Control is approved at the same General, Kofi Annan, and the Executive time, and 26 June is officially declared as the Director of the United Nations Office for "International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Control and Crime Prevention Trafficking". (ODCCP), Pino Arlacchi.

Governments and institutions devoted to the Commemorating this international day involves fight against drugs in many countries take governments, organisations and individuals part in the commemoration of this day, in joining forces and pausing in their activities to coordination with civil society organizations. assess the progress, difficulties and new 22 proposals emerging in the fight againstAPRIL drugs, 2001 all of which require special attention. It is also an various state institutions and non-governmental occasion for the United Nations to express its organisations take part. meaningful recognition of those institutions, organisations and governments that have made • "First Round of Seminars to Reflect on Drug significant progress in the fight against illicit drug Abuse among Young People in the Municipality of use and trafficking. La Paz", in which more than 250 students from 5 districts of the city took part. This activity is run In Bolivia several governmental and civil society by the Vice-Ministry of Drug Prevention and institutions, together with the projects being Rehabilitation, in coordination with the Municipal supported by the ODCCP and other United Government through the Human Development Nations agencies, organise a variety of activities Commission. to commemorate the international day on 26 June, including the following: • On 26 June an important ceremony takes place in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and • Mobilization campaign in La Paz, called "Sports Cult, in which the Foreign Office described the against Drugs", to encourage people to play background and scope of the International Day sport. This is organised by the "Protection of against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking. Children’s and Young People’s Rights and Drug During the same event the Vice-Ministry of Abuse Prevention" project AD/BOL/97/C24, with Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation presents the support of the Vice-Ministry of Gender, the "Draft Law to Reduce Demand for Generational and Family Affairs, the Prefecture, the Municipal Government and other institutions Psychotropic Substances and Narcotics" to the working with children and young people. Minister of Government. This solemn ceremony is attended by government authorities, • Sports festival in Cochabamba with the representatives of foreign governments and participation of four junior football teams. This international organisations. The ceremony also is organised by the "Management, includes the presentation of the messages for Conservation and Utilization of the Forestry this year’s international day from the Secretary Resources in the Tropics of Cochabamba and General of the United Nations and the Transition Areas in the Yungas of La Paz" Executive Director of the ODCCP. project AD/BOL/97/C23. • Sports and cultural festival at the Factory • 500 public debates to analyse why people take Workers’ Football Ground in . A number drugs, held in educational establishments around of football teams take part in this event, the country. The "Drug Abuse Education and including Tahuichi Aguilera from Santa Cruz de Health Promotion in Schools" project la Sierra, Cruz Blanca from Coroico and other AD/BOL/99/D80 in charge of organising these teams from La Paz and El Alto. The festival is debates, with the participation organised by the Vice- of prefectures, municipal Ministry of Drug Prevention governments, communities, the and Rehabilitation, with church, the police, health support from the Narcotics services and other Section of the US Embassy departmental and national and the Municipal institutions. Government of El Alto. • Press conference in La Paz is organised by the Vice-Ministry of Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation. This publicised the official programme of activities to commemorate the international day, in which

APRIL 2001 23 MMicronewsicronews "AGAINST DRUG ABUSE" The New Horizons Foundation recently ran the First Departmental Posters and Slogans Competition in Cochabamba, called "Against Drug Abuse". The competition was aimed at young people and met with an excellent response, mainly from young students. The entries made use of the most imaginative forms, and had clearly been designed with the greatest care to communicate important messages on the chosen theme.

The first prize of Bs 2,500 for the winning poster was awarded to Fátima Flores, a 19-year-old student at the Bolivian Private University. The second prize went to Claudia Vega, a 17-year-old student at the Bolivia-Japan private school, who won Bs 1,500. Gonzalo Lázaro, 14, and Danae Domínguez, 15, received honourable mentions. A SINCERE DEMONSTRATION OF FRIENDSHIP WITH BOLIVIA René Bastiaans, ODCCP Representative in While he was in office he also concerned Bolivia from 1996 to 2001, adopted the himself with promoting the Policy Declaration country’s priorities in the fight against drugs as and Plans of Action to address the drug his own. For five years, Bastiaans provided problem worldwide, which were approved by support on various different fronts for Bolivian the United Nations General Assembly at its efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit drug 20th special period of sessions in June 1998. trafficking. Not merely did he build a fluid relationship of cooperation and coordination We would like to thank René for offering the between the Bolivian government and the country his unconditional support when ODCCP in matters related to the Dignity Plan, Bolivia took the firm decision to take up the he was also responsible for implementing the challenge of removing itself from the coca- organisation’s Cooperation Programme in cocaine circuit, in order to preserve its dignity Bolivia (1998-2002), which provided technical as a nation. and financial assistance for the actions taken by the country to combat drugs. Similarly, he contributed to the organisation of international This was undoubtedly the best way of and national events to publicise the fight expressing a sincere and genuine friendship against drug trafficking. with Bolivia. NEW PUBLICATIONS STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN BOLIVIA (2000-2005) This publication sets forth a series of actions It also reflects the problems affecting the tourist for the development of sustainable tourism in industry’s competitiveness, its current situation Bolivia as an economic activity with multiplier and the important tourist attractions the country effects for the country’s progress. can offer. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LA PAZ (2000-2004) This document presents the programmes, sub- of Project AD/BOL/99/D69, "Linking Alternative programmes and strategies involved in the Development to the National Planning System". Economic and Social Development Plan for the This project is run by the Vice-Ministry of Department of La Paz. The Plan was drawn up Alternative Development and funded by the by the Departmental Prefecture with the support UNDCP.

We wish to thank Javier Ramallo of Project AD/BOL/97/C23, "Jatun Sach’a", for his contribution to this issue. The information provided by the Departmental Prefecture of Cochabamba, the Vice-Ministry of Tourism, the Departmental Prefecture of La Paz and the National Protected Areas Service