v3#6

Where am I: Canada
Where am I going next: Oaxaca, Mexico
For how long: 1 week
To do what: Meet with local staff there, learn more about their program, discuss and plan ideas for new innovations and projects.
Safety issues: A massive teachers strike in Oaxaca City has resulted in violence between police and protesters and shut down the city centre. Our project areas are, as usual, outside the city, so this will not be as much of a concern.
Background: Oaxaca is one of the most indigenous areas of Mexico, probably at least partly because of geography. It is a rugged mountainous area, and less accessible which has historically resulted in less outside interaction. There are still large forested areas, although the deforestation rate is rapid. Large portions of the population rely almost exclusively on charcoal making as a livelihood.
The world's largest tree a ahuehuete (a cypress species) is located 10km east of Oaxaca city.

Photo is map showing location of Oaxaca province and our project area.