Testing composting technology in the tropical Andes. Cordillera Blanca. Exit Strategies Conference, 2010, Sustainable Summits Initiative

1. The Ishinca Peace Toilet:
Testing Composting Technology in the Tropical Andes
Adam French
University of California, Santa Cruz

2. Outline
• Cordillera Blanca and Ishinca Valley Overview
• Project Rationale
• Groundwork and Toilet Construction (2006)
• Follow-up (2007-2010)
• A Few Key Lessons

3. Peru’s Cordillera Blanca
Lima 420 km
Ishinca
Valley
Huaraz

4. • Highest Range in the Tropics
• UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
• Most Popular Climbing Destination in the Andes ???

14. Project Rationale
• 2003 Impact Study— Human Waste as a
Pervasive Impact With No Clear Solution
• Park Staff’s Perception of Researchers and
Climbers
• Collaborative Resource Management and
Conflict Mitigation

15. Groundwork
• Pitching the Project and Raising Funds
• Research and Design
• National Park Buy-In
• Community Buy-In
• Tools and Supplies

22. Follow Up

24. Key Lessons
• Local Commitment is Critical
• Social/Behavioral Issues Influence Outcomes
• Composting Requires Regular Attention

25. Many Thanks!
• American Alpine Club
• Ansara Family Foundation
• Black Diamond and Patagonia, Inc.
• Mountain Madness and Peaks and Places
• Galaxia Expeditions, Casa de Zarela, and Café Andino
• Residents of Collon and Pashpa
• Huascaran National Park
• All the Climbers Who Have Lent a Hand Over the Years!
Questions: adamkfrench@gmail.com