Encouraging biodiversity and inter-culturality, PRATEC (The Andean Project for Peasant Technologies) is a not-for-profit organization aiming to reinforce Amazonian Andean culture and agriculture.

PRATEC began in November 1986 in Urubamba, founded by Grimaldo Rengifo Vásquez, Eduardo Grillo, Francois Greslou and Marcela Velásquez. By June 1988 it had taken the legal form of PRATEC, based in Lima. With 22 years of experience in the area of training, PRATEC has helped fill a gap in the education and training of professionals and technicians in agro-biodiversity in the country.

Recovery and revitalization of the agricultural and cultural practices of the Andean Amazon.

Focusing its activities in Peru, in alliance with local and international institutions, PRATEC develops educational activities in Ecuador, Bolivia and the north of Argentina. Made up of a core team of dynamic professionals dedicated to training, research and the invigoration of the local culture and environment by spreading the wisdom of the local peoples. PRATEC aims to be a central node for Andean cultural affirmation by accompanying rural and indigenous communities in executing actions orientated to preserve their cultural diversity within the different regions of Peru. PRATEC seeks to empower farmer's efforts to maintain and increase the diversity of cultivated plants as well as their culture, which is the livelihood base of thousands of families. PRATEC promotes activities in four areas:

• The education of technical personnel and professionals in culture and Andean agriculture.
• The Coordination of reinforcement programs with regard to agriculture and local biodiversity.
• Further investigation of the culture and agricultural practices of the Andean Amazonians.
• Publication and diffusion of Andean agricultural practices and biodiversity.

PRATEC joined the Gaia Foundation and other partners at a meeting in Leticia, in 2003, to form the Global Alliance for Community Ecological Governance.

Contact details:
Address: Perez Marin 966, Lima 17, Peru
Telephone: +51 1 2612825
Email: pratec@pratecnet.org
Web: www.pratecnet.org