CASC

In the mountainous region of the Southern Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina we are working to protect the biological and cultural heritage. The rich natural heritage is threatened by intensive agriculture, forestry and resource exploitation as well as infrastructure developments. Roads, power lines, and tourist facilities are just some elements of developments that are being constructed without any consideration for the ecological consequences. The cultural heritage on the other hand is threatened by lack of funding for restoration and maintenance.

Pursuing its MISSION CASC aims to:

·         Raise public awareness about the importance of biodiversity and its protection.

·         Identify and change drivers behind biodiversity loss.

·         Promote the concept and strategies of sustainable development and contribute to their implementation.

·         Help with native reforestation of the Sierras.

·         Develop a breeding center for the threatened Vizcacha, also the main prey for the threatened mountain lion, with the goal to reintroduce animals into the wild.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Biodiversity seriously suffers from unsustainable exploitation, pollution and land-use changes in the Sierras of Córdoba. Sustainable forms of tourism could provide opportunities as well as challenges for the sustainable use of biodiversity. To contribute to the safeguarding of natural and cultural heritage of the Southern Sierras region, alternatives have to be found. Taking into consideration the increased consumer demands for tourism and recreation in the region, it is now needed to establish the necessary capacities for managing tourism successfully in the region.

Having identified the need to improve the capacity and enhance the knowledge of the communities in the area and the people working in tourism, the goal of CASC is to make tourism in Southern Sierras of Córdoba sustainable through joint activities, such as information exchange, promoting good practices, training and education, policy-making, pilot projects and lobbying.