Fundacion Programa Andes Tropicales

Economic responsibility
The project provides additional income to local families and as such is a development lever, not only for themselves, but also for their social environment. We could also observe a dynamization of the communities involved, as well as a better representation and participation of the communities in the civic and political institutions.

A big part (80 to 100%) of the economic contribution of the tourists fall directly into the community. The inns are small enterprises managed by local families who own the house and the land. All the guides are from the local community and the guides own their animals. We have designed a training plan which is directed at the guides, innkeepers, members of the cooperative, etc., which consists of various workshops or courses. The local guides receive special training in first aid, nature interpretation, tourism and nature tourism, responsibilities, etc.

Environmental responsibility
Our community-based tourism program aims at conservation, which is the final objective of the project. The families involved in the program used to earn their income exclusively from agriculture and livestock. As an alternative income for these people, the tourism business has reduced the pressure on the agriculture frontier. On the other hand, community people now see the preserved areas with new eyes and understand the importance to protect them to assure the continuity of the tourism activities. The tourism activities are designed exclusively for small groups up to 8 people and have only a reduced environmental impact.

Social responsibility
Through the direct contact with the innkeepers and the guides, the tourists become conscious of the main problems of the community and the conservation issues, and can eventually help.