 Molle
Cancha is a community in the canton of Toro Toro in the Charcas
Province in the Department of Potosí. It is inside of the
Toro Toro National Park. It is characterized by a number of tourist
sites including the Tortoise Cemetery, Umajalanta Cavern, Vergel
Canyon, the dinosaur tracks, and the “Siete Vueltas”
(seven turns). These places can be found in different communities.
Each one has much historical significance.
The
Tortoise Cemetery is found in the community of Molle Cancha. In
it are the remains of a number of turtle fossils. There can also
be found remains of other types of prehistoric animals. The community
is organized through a syndicate with meetings on a monthly basis.
The main leader is Mr. Juvenal Choque.
When
FHI arrived in the community there was no functional organization
and no strong leadership. Community members hadn’t met together
for a long time and the people had no specific direction or representative
to make the needs and struggles of their community known. There
was a total apathy on the part of the community towards their surroundings.
Also, some of the residents were against any activities with outside
organizations indicating that these only wanted to take advantage
of them. However, it was demonstrated that the benefits are in favor
of the community members themselves and that the organizations do
not take the work or the knowledge imparted away with them when
they leave.
God
has a plan and a design already determined for every place on earth.
With this in mind, initial work involved strengthening the local
organization, calling together meetings, and encouraging the election
of a leadership group who would guide and represent the community
helping give incentive through the development of activities planned
by the FHI staff in coordination with the community.
 Having
great potential as a tourist zone, one of the community activities
identified was the protection of the Tortoise Cemetery. This involved
the whole community motivated by the benefits that this activity
represented for each person in the area. There were various meetings
during which much was debated. I think that God in His infinite
goodness, wisdom, and power worked in the hearts of the community
members making possible that they understand how important it is
to protect this natural resource which had been so neglected. I
am able to say now that our Father is entrusting this mission to
this community so that in the future they can care for, administer,
and benefit both directly and indirectly from the work so that their
lives can improve.
A
voluntary agreement was drawn up during a community meeting to initiate
the activities. The meeting included those affiliated in the community,
FHI, and staff of SERNAP (National Service of Protected Areas).
During the work there were a few unforeseen problems which were
dealt with during the execution of the work. The work of the first
phase is now done. The second phase is to make trails for the tourists
and to construct buildings to accommodate small restaurants/stores
to provide for the needs of the tourists. The community members
are all predisposed to provide what is needed to offer a pleasing
atmosphere for visitors.
The
principles and values of FHI are used every time there is contact
between a staff member and one of the community members. We try
to share them in everything we do using appropriate moments and
taking into account the interests of the people – what most
occupies their thoughts – things like family and the future
which their children will have if their behavior is not corrected.
These are applied in all direct contact with the families and during
planned activities, taking advantage of the opportunity to emphasize
their importance.
During
the process of developing the activities for the Tortoise Cemetery,
we met during the rests to share food and I took advantage of the
moment to share with them the principle of “Governing the
Creation”. In constructing terraces, ditches, and fencing
for the Tortoise Cemetery are applying this principle. I am certain
that they remain eager to hear more about the principles of the
VOC.
The
people of Molle Cancha are beginning to value themselves as creations
of God who have a mission on this earth.
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