Inka Porter Project no longer operational      

The Inka Porter Project was established in 2002 and was dedicated to improving working conditions of all porters and animal drivers (arrieros) in Peru and the Andes.  It campaigned to raise awareness of better environmental practice and their projects were based on porters' own input, which helped them build a more powerful self-image through participating in practical health and environmental projects.

Louise Norton reports that the situation in Peru had changed since IPP started and although many issues with porter welfares and environmental degradation still exist, central and local government are beginning to take portering issues far more seriously.  There is a new Federation to represent porters and, along with the advent of local elections, the porter issue in Cusco has again become very politicized.

The Inka Porter Project did not have the staff resources to deal with porter politics, and this is a key factor in our decision to close in July 2005. Louise continues on as the IPPG rep for Peru and we are proud of her for all the achievements of the Inka Porter Project. Ed