What are we doing?
Take the smallest and least practical vehicle available in an entire continent and throw it at some of the most ridiculous and least hospitable terrain on our good earth. Starting in Peru and finishing up in Paraguay, the difficult side of the Chaco region around 4000km later, we will hurtle over the mighty Andes and across the direst desert in the world in 2 weeks (or thereabouts...).
This exciting adventure is not just a frivolous holiday. It is an occasion to bring to prominence some of the issues affecting the region and help charities trying to make a difference to the communities and environment of South America.
Who is it for?
The Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) tackles deforestation locally and globally. Locally it helps forest communities to gain land rights, challenge logging companies and manage forests for their own wellbeing and protection of their environment. Globally it campaigns to influence national and international laws to protect rainforests and their inhabitants.
In Peru, settlers are bringing damaging mountain farming techniques, illegal logging is rife, and illegal coca causes pollution and the threat of violence. RFUK has been helping Asháninka communities, who had been displaced by conflict between the state and the guerrilla group Sendero Luminoso, (the Shining Path), to return home. Once the communities are resettled, RFUK works to make sure that the lands and forests are protected formally and legally by supporting local indigenous groups to map and obtain legal titles and lobby for the recognition of large parts of the area as a Communal Reserve and a National Park.
Please give generously!
All donations go directly to The Rainforest Foundation; trip expenses are paid by Team Toucan Two-Can.
