ALMA is committed to preserve local traditions

Since ancient times, the Likan Antai or Atacameño have used a large number of plants for medicinal purposes, walking large areas to search for plant treasures that are hidden between stones of the Altiplano and the Andes mountain range.
The commitment to neighboring communities, from ALMA observatory, has facilitated the use of roads to the Community of the Puna de Tocol, Alis, Celeste and Puques to walk through the territories of their ancestors.

The image shows how after officiating a "Payment to the Earth", a traditional ceremony to request permission to enter the land and the protection of the participants, members of the Celeste community begin a long walk to the mountain to collect medicinal plants on land of the ALMA concession.

© Danilo Vidal - ALMA (ESO / NAOJ / NRAO)