Fundación Delpia

Website: www.fundacion-delpia.org
E-mail: info@fundacion-delpia.org
Phone: +591 4 4403138 Mobile: +591 72290107

Who they are

At the beginning of 2006, the Yurakaré indigenous community “Sanandita-TIPNIS” decided to commence activities that could replace the production of coca and forest management (mostly badly managed) and generate alternative incomes for the families of the community. That same year, a working plan with the DELPIA foundation (Desarrollo Local de Pueblos Indígenas Amazónicos-andinos = Local Development of Indigenous People of the Amazon and the Andes) was established. One of the problems identified was poverty, but it was found that other problems and threats exist as well, the most serious of which being the loss of territory due to the constant invasion and settlement in the park and indigenous territory by the cocaleros (coca-growers). For many years, the indigenous territory has suffered a series of invasions with the consequence that whole communities had to resettle.

After an extensive problem analysis with the communities, the DELPIA foundation decided to carry out an indigenous community project in the tropical region of Cochabamba, which in the medium term should generate a parallel income to that from the coca-growing. After a technical analysis, a programme for the development of tourist activities – within the framework of the ´Dual Tourism´ concept – was developed

What they do

Delpia Dual Tourism DELPIA run various sustainable income-generating projects like honey production, craftwork and organic farming. The Dual tourism project started in August 2006 in the Yuracaré community “Sanandita – TIPNIS” with the construction of a tourist cabin, the training of families interested in the project and the foundation of a tourist association (ATSA). It was also thought about what type of tourism would be offered. With the help of the team of the DELPIA foundation, a new tourism concept was established for Sanandita, which fits within the concept of solidary community tourism, but also strongly considers the structure and social system of the indigenous community.

What they offer

Indigenous Community “Sanandita”
The indigenous community of the Yuracaré is located in the Amazon Rainforest of the Department of Cochabamba in the Isiboro Sécure National Park and Indigenous Territory. In the community, the tourism association ´Asociación de Turismo Sanandita (ATSA) ´ was founded by 10 families that were trained to cater for and guide visitors. The association owns a typical cabin, camping equipment and canoes for the transport on the river. Two different programmes are offered: “The indigenous life” and “The indigenous world.”

Indigenous Community “San Benito”
The Yurakaré community of San Benito is found by the banks of the Isiboro river, inside the Indigenous Territory and National Park “Isiboro Sécure” – TIPNIS. The community is formed of approximately 30 families. A difference from their neighboring community of Sanandita is the presence of wise elders. Most of the Yurakaré in San Benito have migrated to the lower zones of the Isiboro river, in which place they have found good earth to cultivate and an abundance of fruit, fish, and wild animals. Many of the elderly continue living out their traditions and customs, sharing this knowledge with their children and grandchildren.

Programme: “The indigenous life”
The programme “The indigenous life” allows individual visitors to integrate into the daily life of a Yuracaré or Trinitaria family, to become part of the indigenous community and to participate in its activities. Programme activities cannot be determined in detail prior to the stay because they largely depend on the interests and cooperation of the visitor. Still, visitors will always be part of typical activities of day to day life such as:
- Agriculture and breeding of domestic animals
- Fishing, hunting and collecting
- Traditional cooking
- Discover the rainforest as a source of life
- Child care
- Bathing in the river

Programme “The indigenous world”
The programme “The indigenous world” includes a tour that allows the visitor to get to know and experience the incredible beauty and diverse flora and fauna of the indigenous territories of the Yuracaré and Trinitarians. The trips are undertaken with indigenous guides who during the whole tour will share their knowledge about surviving in the Amazon Rainforest.
Possible activities are:
- Multiple day camping / trekking tours (on foot)
- Multiple day camping tours (in canoe)
- Multiple day stay in rainforest camp to watch wild animals

Volunteer program
The Delpia foundation offers four different types of work opportunities:

1) Cultural exchange program
Volunteers who would like to volunteer directly in the project communities during a short period of time. (approx. 2 weeks). Click here to download the program for cultural exchange for short-term volunteers.
To apply for this volunteer program, please fill in the following form and send it back to Delpia. (Click here)

2) Long-term projects:
Volunteers who want to support ongoing projects with their own proposals for improvement or expansion of current projects, or who want to carry out newly developed projects (long-term commitment of more than two months). Click here to download work themes and a programme of activities.
At the beginning of their stay, the volunteers of the foundation need to take part in one of the dual tourism programs in the indigenous communities, (see “Tourism” on this website), in order to familiarize themselves with the indigenous world and to support this program, that the communities have brought to life with lots of enthusiasm.
To apply for this volunteer program, please fill in the following form and send it back to Delpia. (Click here)

3) Volunteers who would like to apply for a specific open position:
- Psychologist / Pedagogue (*)
Delpia is looking for a psychologist in order to work with the kids in Sanandita on alcoholism prevention
- Construction / Architecture
In order to progess with the work on the organic farm “La Vega” Delpia is looking for professionals in construction / architecture to plan and build bungalows on the farm.
- Biologist (*)
Delpia is looking for a biologist in order to work on a list of plants and animals of the Southern Zone of Isiboro Sécure National Park.

(*) At the beginning of their stay, the volunteers of the foundation who are going to work in Sanandita community need to take part in one of the dual tourism programs in the indigenous communities, in order to familiarise themselves with the indigenous world and to support this program that the communities have brought to life with lots of enthusiasm.
To apply for one of those positions, please email your CV to info@fundacion-delpia.org

4) Volunteers who would like to support Delpia’s work from any place in the world:
For some jobs it is not necessary to be present in Bolivia. Search for DELPIA on www.onlinevolunteering.org and find out, if there are open tasks for online-volunteers.
As a preparation for the work as a volunteer, the foundation offers courses on the political, social, economic and cultural context of the indigenous population.

The Foundation also helps to organise Spanish classes for volunteers who want to improve their level.

Facilitation:
- Position in the foundation.
- Work certificate.
- Utilisation of office, equipment and Internet.
- Room for rent in Cochabamba (Optional)
- Bibliographical material
- Recommendations and contacts to different public and private organisations.