Reseña histórica del Grupo Especialista en Camélidos Sudamericanos

Abstract

The GECS was born during the First International Conference for Conservation of the Vicuña (Lima, 1971). During its first decade of activity, the Group focused its efforts in recovering vicuña populations, research and monitoring guanaco populations, planning several protected areas and preparing the scientific basis for their proper management. During 1980-1990 the Group prioritized the monitoring and assessment of populations, strengthening the management of protected areas with camelids, and the desing and development of noninvasive and sustainable management systems. «Carta Noticias», preceding newsletter of the current GECS News, was published since 1982. During 1990-2000 the Group concentrated in the design of criteria and techniques for the effective conservation of ecosystems with camelids, and for the sustainable use of suitable population with benefits for rural communities, assessing the development of management systems different than the captivity, as the shearing in wild populations. Between 2000- 2006 carried out recomendations and evaluations for management in the wild, applying tools, criteria and indicators of ecological and social sustainability. The GECS was present during its 40 years, working for the protection and good management of wild camelids, and transmitting the principles of IUCN. The sustained growth of the Group shows that the efforts of the early years have been fully successful thanks to the support and commitment of all its members.