CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD THROUGH THE COLCA CANYON. A CHANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT, BUT AT WHAT COST?

The article aims to assess environmental changes and benefits of the construction of the connection road between the villages of Huambo, Ayo and the Colca Canyon. Unfortunately in addition to opening the window to the world, the road will contribute to a significant loss of valuable natural resources and landscape damage. The road will facilitate communication mainly between Orcopampa mining center and the capital of the department - Arequipa. It is estimated that the road will shorten the ride on this route from 16-18h to 8h. This is definitely clear acceleration. On the other hand, the road is planned in the area of exceptional geo-diversity. INGEMMET (Peru) initiated procedures for the preparation of the Colca Canyon and Valley of the Volcanoes Geopark belonging to the UNESCO network. The road will cross the central part of the Geopark which is the point where the Valley of the Volcanoes joins with the Colca Canyon. Article provides spatial analysis using GIS tools. Particular emphasis is placed on qualitative and quantitative changes in the environment and its economic potential. Economic development is expected on this route, e.g. services including tourism, so important for this area. The results will be used to determine the advantages and disadvantages of the project. In particular, the article discusses whether the losses outweigh the benefits and whether Canco villagers have the prospects for development of the settlements, and prospects for sustainable development. The results can provide significant help with designing works and establishing protection tasks for the Colca Canyon and Valley of the Volcanoes Geopark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]