Julio, can you tell us something about your background?

I was born in 1983 in Villa Tunari, in the Chapare, a region of coca production. My awareness of ecological problems stems from my childhood, as my father was one of the wardens of Carrasco National Park, a zone which is protected for the exceptional nature of its animal and plant life. My family was not wealthy. From the age of seven, I worked as a guide in the Park during the summer holidays, and my earnings helped to pay for my studies later on.

So your career was mapped out very early on! What led you subsequently towards a career in community tourism?

As I grew up, I took courses on the environment and on tourism. Then, in 2003, the association Conservation International set up a training scheme for Guides, 800 hours over a year and a half. I was interested in this course, but felt it lacked a community aspect. I spoke to the organizers about integrating this approach. They agreed, and in the end, 17 guides from village communities in the protected region of Carrasco obtained their accreditation from the Prefecture of Cochabamba. Together, we created Kawsay Wasi, which means ‘house of nature’ in Quechua, Amerindian language spoken in Peru and Bolivia.

Julio Saavedra, the smile of a passionate guide. © Geoffrey Le Guilcher

Julio Saavedra, the smile of a passionate guide. © Geoffrey Le Guilcher

Tell us more about your involvement in this project which reaches the heart of your ambition: to combine conscientious tourism with communities I designed and am in charge of this project. The main aim is to reinforce local communities. The guides are part of a park community, and are trained to recognize and present the animal and plant life of their environment. A percentage of the profits of these excursions is given to the community; the rest is used for the operating costs of Kawsay Wasi.

How did you come to work with Tusoco, the network of community tourism ?

I have worked progressively with Tusoco, particularly from the moment where, after having been part of the consulting committee, Kawsay Wasi joined the Board of Directors. I was personally involved through my role as national secretary of proceedings, which consisted of preparing local, national and international meetings. Today I am involved in bringing communities to the network, in order to strengthen it through internal communication, and I support communities in their fundraising activities for project development. As well as all this, I have continued guiding; even though I have less time for guiding, it is important for me to keep doing it.

Today you are 25 years old, and a leader of Tusoco. What more could you wish for?

I hope that the passion I put into my work will live up to my expectations. In the longer term, I hope that Tusoco becomes a major player in the tourist industry of Bolivia, by setting up relays between advanced village communities, and those which are starting out. We have already met with great success, when we went to La Paz in 2007 to introduce a bill on sustainable tourism. I found that Tusoco had become an important player, listened to and respected by the National Assembly and by the Vice Minister for Tourism.

A last word on the current situation in Bolivia, which has suffered tension in the last few weeks, and a word for our readers?

Bolivia moves ahead a bit further every day, and I have confidence in my country! To the readers of Résonances, I would add one thing only; when you want something, and that thing seems fairer than another, you must fight for it. This is what we are doing, with pride.

Also read: Resonances Latin America N° 22 - March 2008