Tierras Vivas joined forces with SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas) and Inca Trail tour operators to care for and protect Machu Picchu. Tierras Vivas and Responsible People are working together to conduct training sessions and support meetings focused on protecting the natural environment of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
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In the town of Aguas Calientes, a meeting was held with all the children and young people of Tupac Amaru School 506222. There, children, young people, adults, and tour operators from the Inca Trail and Tierras Vivas took an oath to protect the environment and natural habitat of Machu Picchu, adopting the motto "Guardians of Machu Picchu's Nature." Also present at this commemoration were residents of Aguas Calientes, local leaders, students from schools, and tour operators.
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This meeting was held on World Environment Day as part of the "I Love the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu Without Plastic" campaign. During the event, there were exhibitors from SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas) and a theatrical performance entitled "Guardians of Machu Picchu." A character dressed as a skeleton represented the "Polluter," carrying a large bag filled with trash and the remains of many small animals that had died due to human pollution. The character explained that animals can die from plastic dumped into the Vilcanota River. Then another character, the Guardian of Machu Picchu, appeared and began calling on participants to help clean up what the "Polluter" had discarded. The children began to help and committed themselves to caring for the environment.
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The meeting also showcased how the town of Aguas Calientes obtained Carbon Neutral certification and how it continues working to maintain this achievement through recycling and pollution prevention efforts. This is important because Aguas Calientes is the gateway to Machu Picchu, and many visitors bring plastic bags and other plastic items, some of which are discarded along the way. The presentation also featured the Butterfly Museum, which is protected and cared for by SERNANP specialists and through the collaborative work of the people of Aguas Calientes.
How to Support the Care of Machu Picchu:
Tierras Vivas recommends that travelers avoid bringing plastic bottles to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, and instead carry their trash in their backpacks rather than littering along the trails. It is recommended to use biodegradable products and dispose of them in trash cans located throughout the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the town of Aguas Calientes. These items will be taken by recycling staff to the recycling plant located in Puente Ruinas, at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Tierras Vivas' Commitment:
Machu Picchu and the town of Aguas Calientes are the most visited places in Peru. Therefore, Tierras Vivas is committed to the protection and care of the area, as well as to creating sustainable tours that contribute to environmental preservation.
Responsible People and Tierras Vivas are working together to support the training provided by SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas) and to develop sustainable tours for local communities, while also contributing to the reforestation of the Andes.
