alinea’s whistleblower policy

1.1 Purpose

The following Whistleblower Policy has been established to provide guidance to Alinea International employees and sub-contractors on how to deal with known or suspected improper conduct within the organization. The objectives of this Policy are to:

Create awareness of the Policy and available whistleblower protections
Act as a reference guide to potential whistleblowers wishing to make a disclosure
Define the structure of the whistleblower system, including reporting and investigation procedures, whistleblower protections, and confidentiality, among others
Improve the communication and transparency in the processes associated with whistleblowing and assure protection against derogatory consequences, namely reprisals and detrimental action
Complement the current communication channels between employees, sub-contractors and immediate managers, and hierarchical channels flowing to the President and Senior Management team
Provide guidance to all parties involved in either whistleblowing or whistleblower protection.

1.2 Scope

Alinea requires all employees and sub-contractors to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. All employees and sub-contractors of Alinea are required to comply with applicable laws and regulations of Canada and the countries where we operate. Any allegations of known or suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources will be dealt with in accordance with this Policy, and reasonable steps will be taken to protect those who come forward with allegations. Alinea’s Whistleblower Policy covers both internal and external whistleblowing, and establishes the controls and procedures for dealing with allegations of malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. This Policy is intended to encourage employees and sub-contractors to report known or suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources and to enable Alinea’s Senior Management team to address and correct inappropriate action. It is the responsibility of all Board of Directors’ members, the Senior Management team, employees and sub-contractors to report concerns about known or suspected malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. This Policy is applicable to all employees and sub-contractors of Alinea International.

1.3 Reporting Procedures

Alinea recognizes the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices and supports the making of disclosures that reveal improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources. Our internal controls and operating procedures are intended to detect and prevent malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. As detailed in Alinea’s Employee Policy and Onboarding manuals, employees and sub-contractors are encouraged to share complaints and/or concerns regarding ethical or legal violations with their immediate managers. If the employee or sub-contractor is not comfortable speaking with their immediate manager or is not satisfied with the response, they are encouraged to speak with the Gatineau or Calgary Office Managers, the Vice Presidents or, as required, the Chief Financial Officer. All members of the Senior Management team are required to report complaints and/or concerns about suspected ethical or legal violations in writing to Alinea’s Ethics Committee who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints and/or concerns. In the event that the complaint and/or concern is about the President, it should be raised by the employee or sub-contractor to their immediate manager or the Ethics Committee who will determine how the investigation will proceed. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective measures will be taken if warranted by the investigation. Alinea’s Ethics Committee is responsible for acknowledging receipt of the suspected violation and notifying the whistleblower of the outcome of the investigation. Anyone filing a written complaint concerning suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Personal grievances or complaints related to employment are not covered under Alinea’s Whistleblowing Policy. For cases such as this, employees and sub-contractors are advised to first refer to Alineas Employee Policy and Onboarding manuals when considering a disclosure under the Whistleblowing Policy. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

1.4 Confidentiality

Maintaining confidentiality is crucial to ensure reprisals are not made against the whistleblower. Alinea is committed to safeguarding the identity of the whistleblower and to protecting the whistleblower against detrimental action taken in reprisal for allegations of suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources. The Ethics Committee is responsible for ensuring whistleblowers are protected from direct and indirect detrimental action, and that the culture of the workplace is supportive of suspected allegations being made. Any employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.

1.5 Review

Alinea is committed to implementing ‘best practice’ policies and procedures for dealing with allegations of suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources (as defined by this Policy) and the management and protection of whistleblowers making allegation(s). This Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it meets the objectives of relevant legislation and remains effective for Alinea, and may be changed at the discretion of the Board of Directors at any time. For allegations of fraud, securities law, or human rights concerns, or when you are not satisfied or uncomfortable with following the Company’s open door policy, individuals should contact the Company’s Ethics Committee directly.

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PRESS RELEASE

Communities of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Ramsar Site Launch Three Info-centers to Strengthen the Conservation of High-Andean Wetlands and Women’s Leadership

The spaces, implemented by Alinea International as part of the project “Women as Guardians of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience in Wetland and Peatland Landscapes” (WAG), aim to strengthen learning, community participation, and the sustainable management of natural resources in Salinas Moche, Santa Lucía de Salinas, and Salinas Huito.

Between May and July 2026, three rural communities located within the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Ramsar Site and thebuffer zone of the National Reserve of the same name, launched their respective community Info-centers: Salinas Moche, Santa Lucía de Salinas, and Salinas Huito. The three spaces were implemented by Alinea International’s technical team in Peru as part of the WAG project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and coincided with each community’s anniversary celebrations and patron saint festivities.

Designed as technological and information spaces, the Info-centers are equipped with audiovisual and educational materials, and aim to become gathering points for workshops, knowledge exchange, and the strengthening of community participation and women’s leadership in the conservation of high-Andean bofedales and wetlands.

Salinas Moche: The First Info-center to Open Its Doors

On May 18, as part of the celebration of the community’s 64th anniversary, the launch of the Training Center or community Info-center took place in Salinas Moche, Puquina district, Moquegua region. The community is located within the buffer zone of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and the Bofedales y Laguna de Salinas Ramsar site, a territory of great importance for the conservation of high-Andean wetlands.

The ceremony was accompanied by the traditional ribbon-cutting, followed by a toast and a moment of fellowship with authorities and community members present. Participants included the lieutenant governor of the town, Valeriano López; the community president, Raúl Casani; members of the communal board — including Yaleni Gutiérrez, an identified community leader and secretary of the board — as well as community members who joined this occasion. During the event, attendees were informed about the features of the Info-center, its objectives, and the role it will play in supporting project activities throughout the implementation period.

One of the highlights of the day was the participation of Yaleni Gutiérrez. In a space set up outside the training center, she led the participatory activity “The Wheel,” featuring environmental questions related to the project’s themes and the awarding of small prizes putting into practice the project’s approach to women’s leadership and participation.

Santa Lucía de Salinas: Learning and Tradition in the Ramsar Site

On June 4, Alinea International’s technical team conducted a field visit to Santa Lucía de Salinas, a community located in the Ubinas district, General Sánchez Cerro province, Moquegua region, 4,336 meters above sea level and surrounded by the Ubinas and Pichu Pichu volcanoes on the shores of Salinas Lagoon. The visit took place within the framework of the community’s 60th anniversary celebrations, under the slogan “Six Decades of History, Work, and Tradition,” and aimed to strengthen spaces for information, learning, and community participation.

From the early hours of the morning, the technical team set up the Info-center with audiovisual equipment and materials for upcoming workshops. The ceremony was attended by community leaders, representatives of the Rural Agrarian Productive Development Program (AGRORURAL), and community members, who highlighted the importance of having spaces that strengthen local capacities and participation in wetland conservation initiatives. The event included traditional ribbon-cutting, a toast, and welcoming remarks.

Afterward, in the community’s main square, the technical team carried out the participatory activity “The Wheel,” facilitated by Yenny Ihue, site lead for Alinea International.

Salinas Huito: Strengthening Commitment

On July 24, 2026, the symbolic inauguration of the new Training Center and Info-center took place in the community of Salinas Huito, San Juan de Tarucani district, Arequipa, coinciding with the celebrations in honor of San Santiago, patron saint of the community. Salinas Huito is part of the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve and the Bofedales and Lagunas de Salinas Ramsar Site.

The activity took place between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., in a space on the second floor of the community hall, made available by the community president for the activities of the MGB project. The inauguration was attended by the project director, Christopher Yeomans; the project manager, Eng. Marcelita Ponce de León; and the project’s coordinator for Peru, who shared this moment with community authorities, including community president Javier Quispe and the president of the Alpaca Committee, Edwin Quispe, as well as community members.

Priority was given to the opening of the space and the gathering with authorities and participants, respecting the community’s cultural schedule.

The project team’s visit also helped strengthen dialogue with community representatives. The inauguration was conceived not only as a symbolic act, but as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to continue working jointly with Salinas Huito, bringing project activities closer to the community and creating better conditions for ongoing training and accompaniment.

With the launch of the Info-centers in Salinas Moche and Salinas Huito, the MGB project adds new gathering spaces aimed at strengthening local capacities, community participation, and women’s leadership in the sustainable management of high-Andean wetlands.

About Us

Alinea International is a Canadian international development and cooperation organization that works with communities, governments, and organizations to design and implement projects with lasting impact.

The Women as Guardians of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience (WAG) project is being implemented in Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peruand is funded by Global Affairs Canada.

NOTA DE PRENSA

Comunidades del Sitio Ramsar Salinas y Aguada Blanca inauguran tres Infocentros para fortalecer la conservación de los humedales altoandinos y el liderazgo de las mujeres

Los espacios, implementados por Alinea International como parte del proyecto “Mujeres como Guardianas de la Biodiversidad y la Resiliencia Climática en Paisajes de Humedales y Turberas” (WAG), buscan fortalecer el aprendizaje, la participación comunitaria y el manejo sostenible de los recursos naturales en Salinas Moche, Santa Lucía de Salinas y Salinas Huito.

Entre mayo y julio de 2026, tres comunidades rurales ubicadas dentro del Sitio Ramsar Salinas y Aguada Blanca y la zona de amortiguamiento de la Reserva Nacional del mismo nombre, inauguraron sus respectivos Infocentros comunitarios: Salinas Moche, Santa Lucía de Salinas y Salinas Huito. Los tres espacios fueron implementados por el equipo técnico de Alinea International en Perú como parte del proyecto WAG, financiado por Global Affairs Canada (GAC), y coincidieron con las celebraciones de aniversario y las fiestas patronales de cada comunidad.

Diseñados como espacios tecnológicos y de información, los Infocentros están equipados con material audiovisual y educativo, y buscan convertirse en puntos de encuentro para talleres, intercambio de conocimientos y el fortalecimiento de la participación comunitaria y el liderazgo de las mujeres en la conservación de los bofedales y humedales altoandinos.

Salinas Moche: El primer Infocentro en abrir sus puertas

El 18 de mayo, como parte de la celebración del 64.º aniversario de la comunidad, se llevó a cabo la inauguración del Centro de Capacitación o Infocentro comunitario en Salinas Moche, distrito de Puquina, región Moquegua. La comunidad se encuentra dentro de la zona de amortiguamiento de la Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca y del sitio Ramsar Bofedales y Laguna de Salinas, un territorio de gran importancia para la conservación de los humedales altoandinos.

La ceremonia estuvo acompañada por el tradicional corte de cinta, seguido de un brindis y un momento de confraternidad con las autoridades y comuneros presentes. Participaron el teniente gobernador del pueblo, Valeriano López; el presidente de la comunidad, Raúl Casani; miembros de la junta comunal —entre ellos Yaleni Gutiérrez, reconocida líder comunitaria y secretaria de la junta—, así como comuneros que se sumaron a la ocasión. Durante el evento, los asistentes fueron informados sobre las características del Infocentro, sus objetivos y el rol que desempeñará en el apoyo a las actividades del proyecto durante el periodo de implementación.

Uno de los momentos destacados del día fue la participación de Yaleni Gutiérrez. En un espacio habilitado fuera del centro de capacitación, ella condujo la actividad participativa “La Ruleta”, con preguntas ambientales relacionadas a los temas del proyecto y la entrega de pequeños premios, poniendo en práctica el enfoque del proyecto sobre el liderazgo y la participación de las mujeres.

Santa Lucía de Salinas: Aprendizaje y tradición en el sitio Ramsar

El 4 de junio, el equipo técnico de Alinea International realizó una visita de campo a Santa Lucía de Salinas, comunidad ubicada en el distrito de Ubinas, provincia General Sánchez Cerro, región Moquegua, a 4,336 metros sobre el nivel del mar y rodeada por los volcanes Ubinas y Pichu Pichu, a orillas de la Laguna Salinas. La visita se realizó en el marco de las celebraciones por el 60.º aniversario de la comunidad, bajo el lema “Seis Décadas de Historia, Trabajo y Tradición”, y tuvo como objetivo fortalecer los espacios de información, aprendizaje y participación comunitaria.

Desde temprano en la mañana, el equipo técnico instaló el Infocentro con equipo audiovisual y materiales para los próximos talleres. La ceremonia contó con la presencia de líderes comunitarios, representantes del Programa de Desarrollo Productivo Agrario Rural (AGRORURAL) y comuneros, quienes destacaron la importancia de contar con espacios que fortalezcan las capacidades locales y la participación en las iniciativas de conservación de humedales. El evento incluyó el tradicional corte de cinta, un brindis y palabras de bienvenida.

Posteriormente, en la plaza principal de la comunidad, el equipo técnico realizó la actividad participativa “La Ruleta”, facilitada por Yenny Ihue, líder de sitio de Alinea International.

Salinas Huito: fortaleciendo el compromiso

El 24 de julio de 2026 se realizó la inauguración simbólica del nuevo Centro de Capacitación e Infocentro en la comunidad de Salinas Huito, distrito de San Juan de Tarucani, Arequipa, coincidiendo con las celebraciones en honor a San Santiago, patrón de la comunidad. Salinas Huito forma parte de la Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca y del sitio Ramsar Bofedales y Lagunas de Salinas.

La actividad se desarrolló entre las 9:00 y las 11:00 a.m., en un espacio del segundo piso del local comunal, cedido por el presidente de la comunidad para las actividades del proyecto MGB. La inauguración contó con la presencia del director del proyecto, Christopher Yeomans; la gerente del proyecto, Ing. Marcelita Ponce de León; y el coordinador del proyecto para Perú, quienes compartieron este momento con autoridades comunitarias, entre ellas el presidente comunal Javier Quispe y el presidente del Comité de Alpaqueros, Edwin Quispe, así como con comuneros.

Se priorizó la apertura del espacio y el encuentro con autoridades y participantes, respetando el calendario cultural de la comunidad.

La visita del equipo del proyecto también sirvió para fortalecer el diálogo con los representantes comunitarios. La inauguración fue concebida no sólo como un acto simbólico, sino como una oportunidad para reafirmar el compromiso de continuar trabajando de manera conjunta con Salinas Huito, acercando las actividades del proyecto a la comunidad y generando mejores condiciones para la capacitación y el acompañamiento continuo.

Con la inauguración de los Infocentros en Salinas Moche y Salinas Huito, el proyecto MGB suma nuevos espacios de encuentro orientados a fortalecer las capacidades locales, la participación comunitaria y el liderazgo de las mujeres en el manejo sostenible de los humedales altoandinos.

Acerca de nosotros

Alinea International es una organización privada canadiense de cooperación y desarrollo internacional que trabaja con comunidades, gobiernos y organizaciones para diseñar e implementar proyectos que generan impacto sostenible.

El proyecto Mujeres Guardianas de la Biodiversidad y la Resiliencia Climática (MGB) se implementa en Ecuador, Bolivia y Perú con el apoyo de Global Affairs Canada (Asuntos Globales de Canadá).