The Ishinca Peace Toilet:Testing Composting Technology in the Tropical Andes

Adam FrenchUniversity of California, Santa Cruz

Outline

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

Peru’s Cordillera Blanca

Lima 420 km

Ishinca Valley

Huaraz

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

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

Groundwork

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

Follow Up

Key Lessons

• Local Commitment is Critical

• Social/Behavioral Issues Influence Outcomes

• Composting Requires Regular Attention

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