The Botanical Importance of Coca and the Environmental Impact of the Cocaine Industry in Peru

My Senior Integrative Project is inspired by my funded internship in Ayacucho, Peru . Several of my experiences and observations during my visit opened my eyes to the traditional uses of coca and its value culturally, religiously and medicinally to the Andean people. But I also saw the harsh reality of the cocaine industry and how it is impacting the Andean people and causing the destruction of the Peruvian jungle. The goal of my SIP is to use my experiences to further understand the role of coca and cocaine in Latin America and specifically in Peru. My research explores the botanical, cultural and medicinal uses of coca leaves, the history of traditional coca use and the development of the current cocaine industry, the environmental impact of the cocaine industry and discusses potential solutions. Another component of my SIP is a Common Hour panel discussion I organized to educate the college community about the complexity of the cocaine trade and about the impact that the United States' demand for cocaine is having on the environment and people in Latin America.