Book describes successful development of tourism around archeological site in Peru

(Lima, March 16, 2012). “Magdalena de Cao y la Ruta Moche” (“Magdalena de Cao and the Moche Trail”) is a book that details the successful development project centered on the El Brujo Archeological Complex in northern Peru, with the goal of enhancing the area’s tourism potential.

The book sums up the results of joint efforts by researchers, government agencies, multilateral organizations and international cooperation, which triggered a transformation process in the Magdalena de Cao district after the discovery of remains belonging to the first woman ruler of ancient Peru, the Lady of Cao.

The book was presented in the headquarters of Petroperú by Claudia Cornejo, Vice Minister of Tourism; Ricardo Campins, CAF Deputy Director in Peru; Regulo Franco, who discovered the Lady of Cao; Germán Alarco Tosoni, president of the Board of the National Strategic Planning Center (CEPLAN, by its Spanish acronym); and Francisco San Martín Baldwin, president of Minka Perú, the organization in charge of implementing the economic development project, which also improved local residents’ quality of life.

Ms. Cornejo said the population’s coordinated cooperation with the public and private sectors, as well as international agencies, made this project possible, adding that Magdalena de Cao is a “model town” that has to be replicated elsewhere in the country.

She urged every sector in Peru to work towards the goal of turning the Moche Trail into one of the main tourism and economic development centers in the country.

For his part, the deputy country director of CAF –one of the organizations that financed the project through its Competitiveness Support Program– said the discovery of this major archeological site has helped the population relate to the project and seek a consensus towards a common goal among all the actors involved.

Mr. Campins also noted that local officials’ capacity has been strengthened, and local and external alliances have been built. Additionally, the project fostered competitiveness among artisan and restaurant networks, as well as relations between tourism agencies and substantial improvements in the district’s roads and its urban image.

“Helping our nations’ sustainable development, promoting competitiveness, social inclusion, the region’s in-depth knowledge, analyzing problems that affect our countries and provide possible solutions, is a major contribution by CAF to development processes in Latin America,” Mr. Campins said. “We believe documenting this process will serve as an inspiration and a model for other places in the country and the region that wish to take advantage of their rich cultural past for the benefit of their population, thus connecting the past with the present,” he said.

For his part, MINKAPERU President Francisco San Martín said that his institution has worked intensely for five years in Magdalena de Cao, organizing the local population, supporting artisans develop innovative products, introducing gastronomical best practices, improving the urban image and beautifying the district. “What’s most important is, without a doubt, that the residents are proud and see a promising future in their town,” he concluded.

MINKAPERU is an organization specialized in development and competitiveness that seeks knowledge generation. Promoting innovation and alliances with strategic partners is also part of its mission, as well as designing proposals, developing methodologies and tools, knowledge management and problem solving. MINKAPERU has worked for 25 years with small producers in Peru, improving their quality of life through highly sustainable projects.