Paddling With Purpose
A$5,339
of $5,000 targetyrs ago
Successful on 9th Feb 2014 at 12:00AM.
WE MADE THE TARGET! THANK-YOU EVERYONE FOR THE ENORMOUS EFFORT!
Donations through this web page are now closed, however if you would still like to make a contribution to make the project bigger and better you can visit the Paddling With Purpose Website
“This vanishing world is beautiful beyond our dreams and contains in itself rewards and gratifications never found in artificial landscape, or man-made objects” - Olegas Truchanas
Río Marañón is incredibly important. Both socially and environmentally, it is the hydrological source of the Amazon. The lifeblood which supports thousands of unique communities and cultures along with an astounding number of diverse ecosystems. There are dozens of dams planned along this stretch of river, the most imposing of which is planned to begin construction in 2014.
Project Goals & Outcomes:
- Create pre-trip publicity in Peruvian media surrounding a group of young people so motivated to undertake this challenge in order to highlight impacts of these dams.
- Create an incredible life changing experience for a group of Peruvian young people.
- Short documentary highlighting what will be lost if development on the Río Marañón is not re-assessed, following the journey of these young people down the river
- Create a community of people in Lima that are interested in the future of the river and have an understanding at the complex issues involved.
- Provide support so this community will grow.
- Create an interface and group of spokespeople for this issue within the capital.
- Build capacity in a group of young people who will have a unique perspective of Peru's environmental and social challenges.
The Project:
Find a small number of proactive, passionate young people (17-23)from the capital of Peru, Lima. Give these people the opportunity to fully experience the Marañón River while it still runs in its natural state.
This 30 expedition will take us from the foothills of the Andes, through to the beginnings of the Amazon Jungle. Travelling by raft, guided by professionals, there will be opportunities to sleep on isolated, pristine riverside beaches in the deep gorges of the Marañón; to speak with isolated river dwelling communities and visit indigenous villages. This will be a truly incredible, eye opening, inspiring experience.
We will capture the journey in a short film. Record the physical and mental challenges, stunning scenery, and also the groups feelings regarding the uncertain future of this national treasure. This will be something that these people can take back to the city, back to their communities, back to their families and tell them - this is what we are allowing to be destroyed. There will also be an English version, which will be used to generate international support and awareness of this issue.
We cannot save the Río Marañón. It is not our country, it is not our fight. We do not have the capacity, connections or the cultural perspective to do so. But maybe, just maybe we can help those that can save it, find themselves.
There is no failing in this project. No matter what these people go on to do, they will carry this incredible experience with them forever, it will impact every future decision. It is an investment. No one can say what it could grow into. These outcomes are intangible, they are completely priceless.
To raise awareness of these issues, to generate interest and to raise funding as a side project Ben is also completing an enormous self funded, self powered journey; cycling up the Andes, and then Kayaking down the other side until I get to the Amazon. For more information visit http://paddlingwithpurpose.com/
Donations through this web page are now closed, however if you would still like to make a contribution to make the project bigger and better you can visit the Paddling With Purpose Website
“This vanishing world is beautiful beyond our dreams and contains in itself rewards and gratifications never found in artificial landscape, or man-made objects” - Olegas Truchanas
Río Marañón is incredibly important. Both socially and environmentally, it is the hydrological source of the Amazon. The lifeblood which supports thousands of unique communities and cultures along with an astounding number of diverse ecosystems. There are dozens of dams planned along this stretch of river, the most imposing of which is planned to begin construction in 2014. Project Goals & Outcomes:
- Create pre-trip publicity in Peruvian media surrounding a group of young people so motivated to undertake this challenge in order to highlight impacts of these dams.
- Create an incredible life changing experience for a group of Peruvian young people.
- Short documentary highlighting what will be lost if development on the Río Marañón is not re-assessed, following the journey of these young people down the river
- Create a community of people in Lima that are interested in the future of the river and have an understanding at the complex issues involved.
- Provide support so this community will grow.
- Create an interface and group of spokespeople for this issue within the capital.
- Build capacity in a group of young people who will have a unique perspective of Peru's environmental and social challenges.
The Project:Find a small number of proactive, passionate young people (17-23)from the capital of Peru, Lima. Give these people the opportunity to fully experience the Marañón River while it still runs in its natural state.
This 30 expedition will take us from the foothills of the Andes, through to the beginnings of the Amazon Jungle. Travelling by raft, guided by professionals, there will be opportunities to sleep on isolated, pristine riverside beaches in the deep gorges of the Marañón; to speak with isolated river dwelling communities and visit indigenous villages. This will be a truly incredible, eye opening, inspiring experience.
We will capture the journey in a short film. Record the physical and mental challenges, stunning scenery, and also the groups feelings regarding the uncertain future of this national treasure. This will be something that these people can take back to the city, back to their communities, back to their families and tell them - this is what we are allowing to be destroyed. There will also be an English version, which will be used to generate international support and awareness of this issue.We cannot save the Río Marañón. It is not our country, it is not our fight. We do not have the capacity, connections or the cultural perspective to do so. But maybe, just maybe we can help those that can save it, find themselves.
There is no failing in this project. No matter what these people go on to do, they will carry this incredible experience with them forever, it will impact every future decision. It is an investment. No one can say what it could grow into. These outcomes are intangible, they are completely priceless. To raise awareness of these issues, to generate interest and to raise funding as a side project Ben is also completing an enormous self funded, self powered journey; cycling up the Andes, and then Kayaking down the other side until I get to the Amazon. For more information visit http://paddlingwithpurpose.com/
A Political Perspective
The people driving the changes in the Peruvian Andes, or at least the people wielding the most power to access information and choose, are those in the cities. Those experiencing an unprecedented level of development and are affraid that without more foreign investment, this level of development will not continue. They have a right to economic comfort just like anyone else, however there is a lack of interface and understanding between those wield
ing the power, and those who their decisions will effect. There are lower impact options for development, people just need the motivation to demand them. If hydro power is the way to go, there are many other locations that could be developed first which may not have such devastating consequences.
There are many social groups in the countryside protesting and doing what they can to make these issues known, however influence outside of their local area is limited. Many of their causes and movements are sabotaged by violent factions which end up making everyone look bad in the eyes of those in cities.
It is a lack of representation, understanding and motivation in the growing cities which will condemn Río Marañón to destruction. I am hoping that this project will put events in motion that may counter this issue. If we can create a group in Lima that is invested in the future of the river, maybe it will stand a chance.
ing the power, and those who their decisions will effect. There are lower impact options for development, people just need the motivation to demand them. If hydro power is the way to go, there are many other locations that could be developed first which may not have such devastating consequences.There are many social groups in the countryside protesting and doing what they can to make these issues known, however influence outside of their local area is limited. Many of their causes and movements are sabotaged by violent factions which end up making everyone look bad in the eyes of those in cities.
It is a lack of representation, understanding and motivation in the growing cities which will condemn Río Marañón to destruction. I am hoping that this project will put events in motion that may counter this issue. If we can create a group in Lima that is invested in the future of the river, maybe it will stand a chance.
Good Help Wanted
Links & More Information
For more information on the Rio Maranon, my website can direct you to a number of informative articles and research papers:
http://paddlingwithpurpose.com/the-cause/
This is also my blog, so if you would like to stay up to date with what happens on my journey, please sign up.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/paddlingwithpurpose2014?fref=ts
Sign the Petition!
http://paddlingwithpurpose.com/the-cause/
This is also my blog, so if you would like to stay up to date with what happens on my journey, please sign up.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/paddlingwithpurpose2014?fref=ts
Sign the Petition!
How The Funds Will Be Used
I hope to raise in excess of $10 000, however I know this is a huge ask.
Whatever funding we do end up with, we will tailor the project to work within these limits.
Money raised will go towards covering the costs of this journey
Main Cost Components Include:
- Transporting people and equipment to and from the river
- Food costs
For an idea of costs for a commercial group to undertake this journey see
http://sierrarios.org/GuidedTrips/RaftTripInfo_Maranon.html
Cost Minimization:
-Find top level professionally qualified raft guides willing to donate their time to an incredible inspiring journey.
-Utilise local skills and produce wherever possible.
Whatever funding we do end up with, we will tailor the project to work within these limits.
Money raised will go towards covering the costs of this journey
Main Cost Components Include:
- Transporting people and equipment to and from the river
- Food costs
For an idea of costs for a commercial group to undertake this journey see
http://sierrarios.org/GuidedTrips/RaftTripInfo_Maranon.html
Cost Minimization:
-Find top level professionally qualified raft guides willing to donate their time to an incredible inspiring journey.
-Utilise local skills and produce wherever possible.
The Challenges
1 Finding the right people and making it happen.
I envisage some kind of application or competition where individuals and groups can apply. They would need to demonstrate interest in environmental issues and a drive to pursue this in the future. Maybe applicants would propose ideas of how they would like to pursue this in the future?
2. Safety on the River
We will utilise commercial rafting equipment, and only use qualified raft guides. It will be the same quality and safety standard that you would expect on any rafting journey. Not knowing the water experience of participants, we will cater for all abilities.
3. Creating an environment that will facilitate growth in this group into the future, which may lead to future action around this issue.
I envisage some kind of application or competition where individuals and groups can apply. They would need to demonstrate interest in environmental issues and a drive to pursue this in the future. Maybe applicants would propose ideas of how they would like to pursue this in the future?
2. Safety on the River
We will utilise commercial rafting equipment, and only use qualified raft guides. It will be the same quality and safety standard that you would expect on any rafting journey. Not knowing the water experience of participants, we will cater for all abilities.
3. Creating an environment that will facilitate growth in this group into the future, which may lead to future action around this issue.
Thanks!
0 chosen
Est. delivery is Mar 14
3 Cups of Coffee Is it possible that my blog, my video or any one of my actions throughout this project could provide you with as much enjoyment as 3 cups of coffee?
4 chosen / 196 available
Est. delivery is Jun 14
Thank-you for the support! A massive handshake or hug when I see you next.
3 chosen
Est. delivery is May 14
A beautiful postcard of from somewhere on this journey, sent to you. This could be from on my sea-source-jungle journey (paddlingwithpurpose.com) or part of the to protest in Lima.
10 chosen
Est. delivery is Dec 14
We totally went on an amazing trip (or trips) in days gone by. Lets reminisce for a moment. A heartfelt thank you, and cannot wait to see you again in this crazy world.
2 chosen
Est. delivery is Sep 14
Inspiration. Have I succeeded? Can you put a dollar value on it?
1 chosen
Est. delivery is Oct 14
You made my day. 1 Day of my epic journey, dedicated to you. To raise funds for this issue I am completing a 60+ day self-powered journey from sea to source to jungle. See paddlingwithpurpose.com I will dedicate one of these days to you, and take one picture with you in mind. This photo will be sent to you as a postcard, and may include a message from me on the back.
8 chosen / 52 available
Est. delivery is Dec 14
A Large One of a Kind Cairn built on the slopes of Yerupajá, at least 4500m in altitude. Overlooking the upper reaches of the Marañón Valley, this structure will be pummeled with snow and ice, which will eventually escape from the mouth of the Amazon into the Atlantic Ocean. It will remain as a tribute to your awesome generosity. -A postcard photo of the Cairn sent to you. With an account of the beautiful/arduous/? day that was experienced in the process of building it.
3 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
Dinner cooked by Ben (South American inspired cuisine). Upon my return to Melbourne we will cook a feast at your home (I probably won't have one!), catch up and have an absolutely enjoyable evening.
0 chosen / 3 available
Est. delivery is Jun 15
Name My Van. The trusty steed that I will buy to get me around South America. Many people will come to know and love it. My heart is set on a 1000cc Suzuki Carry, possibly the worlds smallest Van. Maximising the Space/Fuel Consumption Ratio, this is travelling in true style. Major benefits include low top speed ( CANNOT get into a hurry &will; enjoy scenery more), and low roof for loading boats. A Name is extremely important. With great power, comes great responsibility.
0 chosen / 1 available
Est. delivery is Jan 14
Professionally guided 12 day raft journey down the Lower Section of the Río Marañón. Suitable for complete novices. All meals, camping gear and camp setup included. When you pull in after a day on the river, you can relax, take photos or go for a hike. All chores in camp will be done for you. See www.sierrarios.org for trip details and date availability. If I am on the trip, I will give you a gigantic handshake/hug for getting out there and seeing it for yourself.
0 chosen / 5 available
Est. delivery is Feb 14
Professionally guided 15 day raft journey down the Upper Section of the Río Marañón. Suitable for complete novices. All meals, camping gear and camp setup included. When you pull in after a day on the river, you can relax, take photos or go for a hike. All chores in camp will be done for you. See www.sierrarios.org for trip details and date availability. If I am on the trip, I will a gigantic handshake/ hug for getting out there and seeing it for yourself.
0 chosen / 5 available
Est. delivery is Feb 14
Professionally guided 26 day raft journey down the Río Marañón. Suitable for complete novices. All meals, camping gear and camp setup included. When you pull in after a day on the river, you can relax, take photos or go for a hike. All chores in camp will be done for you. See www.sierrarios.org for trip details and date availability. If I am on the trip, I will give you a gigantic handshake/hug for getting out there and seeing it for yourself.
0 chosen / 10 available
Est. delivery is Sep 14
A Small Cairn built on the slopes of Yerupajá, high in the Andes, just for you. A reminder that you are now a part of the paddlingwithpurpose.com journey. A postcard photo of the Cairn sent to you. (Small ($50), Medium ($100) and Large ($240) available)
5 chosen / 0 available
Est. delivery is Nov 14
Your message painted on my van. 3 Available: Bumper, Left Side, Right Side.
1 chosen / 0 available
Est. delivery is Feb 14
Medium sized Cairn, constructed on the slopes of Yerupajá, for your enjoyment. A reminder that you are now a part of the paddlingwithpurpose.com journey. Postcard of this sent to you.
3 chosen / 0 available
Est. delivery is Nov 14
Your design, painted on my van. Two side panels available, approx just under 1x1m (Non commercial, please contact [email protected] if you want a commercial placement)
1 chosen / 0 available
Est. delivery is May 14