Improving income generation through capacity building, micro financing, and business development with collaborating partnersFacts at a glance:
Brief Description of Project: With the lack of fixed income sources the Yanapuma Foundation has started to work to find alternative sources of income for community members in the region of Estero de Plátano. Although still in the planning stages, sustainable agro-ecological tourism could be a possible source of income. Many local people are interested in tourism as the region has recently been declared a marine reserve and still has beautiful stands of primary rain forest. Still, it is crucial that tourism is done correctly in the region and numbers of visitors do not exceed people’s capacity nor the environment’s capacity. We are currently working with community members in Estero de Plátano and Caimito on guiding visitors to view waterfalls and the beautiful diversity of plants and birds the region has to offer. The foundation seeks to work with community members who could take visitors on hikes, whale watching with local fishermen, and to learn about agricultural practices with local farmers. This project will be continually connected to components of education on nutrition, food cleanliness and water; elements that are crucial for sustainable tourism to take place. General Objective: Specific Objectives: 1: Work with interested people to develop appropriately-scaled tourism and related activities, as well as provide practical experience with volunteer groups, Spanish school students and interns. 2: Together with local beneficiaries elaborate business plans and facilitate access to micro-credit 3: Collaborate with partner organizations in the region to improve profitability through marketing and publicity. 2009 Project Actions
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