A more holistic approach was needed which would involve local people actively seeking their input and participation. The objective was to study and promote sustainable development in the Andes ecoregion. Participation is based on agreed objectives, sharing of costs and responsibilities and comparative advantages of the partners. Besides partner contributions, support comes from IDRC and several other donors. Expertise is brought into the Consortium that would not otherwise be available.
Operations are focused on benchmark sites in Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru.
Advances have been made in land and water management, integrated production to market systems, policy issues, information and decision-making processes and Infoandina, a modern information and communication system for members. It currently has more than 60 active members representing universities, NGOs, public and private national and international institutions and donor agencies. Agosto 16 - Septiembre 26, 1999. Abril 6 y 7 1999. 14 de septiembre a 31 de octubre, 1998.