Check out our latest resource, Community Tourism and the SDGs. It highlights how community-led initiatives are advancing all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, from creating jobs and preserving culture to protecting biodiversity and empowering women.
➡️ View or download the full PDF here.
In a historic and groundbreaking event, a tagged whale shark has returned to the Galapagos after an incredible ~7 month (210-day) journey across the Pacific Ocean.
Elise #262715 was tagged on June 21st at Darwin Arch by divers from the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. This adult female whale shark, measuring between 10 and 11 meters, was previously unknown to the Wildbook for Sharks, marking this as her first recorded sighting in the Galapagos.
Elise’s remarkable journey, now covering >18,000 kilometres (surface track) over the course of just under 11 months, illustrates the vast distances whale sharks are capable of travelling.
Her path initially took her north-westward, travelling a straight-line distance of 4,226 kilometres from where she was tagged at Darwin Island (Lat: 1.665178°, Lon: -91.987012°). This underscores the urgent need for the establishment of more marine protected areas and the enforcement of high seas policies to safeguard migratory species like whale sharks.
Currently, Elise has been observed off the west and south sides of the Galapagos Archipelago for the past 3 months, within an upwelling zone, suggesting potential foraging behavior. This new movement could reveal previously unknown habitat use in the Galapagos for whale sharks, providing vital insights into their behaviour in the region. She has now headed north and the hope is that her track will reach the 1 year mark and she might soon return to Darwin Arch where she was tagged, at that time, creating a truly historic event.
The Galapagos Whale Shark Project team, with the Galapagos National Park, will continue to track Elise and gather data to enhance our understanding of whale shark habitat use and migration patterns.
The team is currently preparing for the upcoming field expedition which will head out to Darwin Island mid-June. There, they will carry out further tagging, photo ID and Blood draw, as well as the collection of DNA / tissue samples for genetics studies.
This research is critical for developing effective conservation strategies to protect these magnificent creatures throughout their life cycles and this work is made possible by the kind donations of our guests onboard the G Expedition and the support of Planeterra.
About the Author:
Sofía Green is a marine biologist from Ecuador specializing in conservation and ecology, with a focus on whale shark behaviour and movement ecology. She holds a master’s degree in marine Biological Resources. Based in the Galápagos Islands, she works as a certified Galápagos naturalist and dive guide, leading expeditions that promote conservation and awareness about the beauty and importance of the natural world. She also works as an expedition coordinator, also as zodiac driver, and naturalist guide in Antarctica onboard the G Adventures vessel “Expedition”, sharing her expertise in polar and marine ecosystems.
Since 2018, the Planeterra Ocean Health Fund has supported the work of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and BirdLife International’s Albatross Task Force to combat incidental capture of marine wildlife in fisheries around the world. To celebrate 20 years of the Albatross Task Force, we explore how Planeterra are helping scale up these measures to support work in the High Seas tuna fisheries. Oli Yates, Head of BirdLife International provides an update below.
Fisheries are an essential source of income and food security for millions worldwide, yet incidental capture in fishing gear poses a critical threat to marine biodiversity and represents the greatest at-sea threat to many seabird populations. This impact is particularly severe for albatrosses and large petrels, whose migratory life cycles expose them to fishing fleets across multiple Exclusive Economic Zones and in the shared waters of the High Seas – the immense area of ocean outside national jurisdictions. Populations are declining rapidly as these slow-breeding birds are tragically caught on hooks during tuna fishing operations and too often these birds do not survive – an impact known as ‘seabird bycatch’.
Formed in 2004, the RSPB’s Albatross Task Force (ATF) has bridged the gap between the scientific community, policymakers and the fishing industry to reduce albatross bycatch and improve the conservation status of these threatened animals.
The ATF teams have made so many remarkable and vital contributions to seabird conservation over the last 20 years. At-sea trials and implementation of bycatch mitigation measures in trawl and longline fisheries have led to astounding bycatch reductions – such as 98% fewer birds killed in the Namibian longline fishery, and a 99% reduction in albatross bycatch in the South African trawl fleet.
Support from the Planeterra Ocean Health Fund has helped deploy ATF staff to scale activities in the High Seas, with the potential to save thousands of seabirds per year – at least 36,000 are killed annually (this is likely to be an underestimate due to poor data) – including high-risk species like the Atlantic Yellow-nosed albatross, Grey-headed albatross, Wandering albatross and White-chinned petrels.
On the High Seas, fishing is regulated by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs). RFMOs require members to annually report bycatch including details of seabird and sea turtle bycatch, shark finning and implementation of conservation measures (eg. best-practice seabird bycatch mitigation measures) in areas where seabirds are present. Currently, many nations fishing in the High Seas, report extremely low levels of bycatch and no shark finning, which is unlikely given our knowledge of reports from fishery observers. Many fisheries have cited limited availability of trained observers and scientists to collect and analyse the data from commercial fishing activities as a key barrier to reporting.
With over 1,000 vessels operating throughout most of the global ocean, Taiwan is one of the world’s most important fishing nations. One of the most lucrative species targeted is tuna, which is predominantly caught by longline fishing methods.
The RSPB is supporting the Taiwan Wild Bird Federation, Taiwanese fisheries, communities and government to educate and improve understanding of mitigation measures to help protect threatened seabirds and promote sustainably sourced seafood. Scott Pursner is leading our efforts in Taiwan to support the process of engagement across the spectrum, from government to vessel owners and captains to major international tuna traders. External market access is an important incentive in Taiwan and efforts are underway to strengthen the ability of companies to demonstrate uptake of conservation measures. This is particularly true for those working towards Marine Stewardship Council certification for their vessels.
Our ATF teams work directly with fishers to assess the risk posed by target fishing fleets by collecting data on vessels and supporting the implementation of effective mitigation measures that can reduce seabird bycatch to negligible levels. The measures range from simply fishing at night when fewer birds are around, to using so-called ‘bird-scaring lines’ which act as scarecrows behind fishing vessels, spooking birds out of harm’s way. In Taiwan, we are not able to join the vessels as they spend months at-sea. Instead, we are deploying an in-port outreach approach to ensure there are locally sourced options to provision Best Practice mitigation measures for the fleet. Where mitigation is available, like bird-scaring lines, we are providing advice on the design and materials. Where mitigation is not available, we are assisting in the sourcing of crew-safe measures such as “sliding leads” that prevent potential injury at-sea.
Our teams also work closely with government representatives, helping secure national regulations, requiring vessels to use such ‘bycatch mitigation measures’. In Taiwan, we are promoting and facilitating awareness of RFMO conservation measures that Taiwan has committed to incorporating into national regulations.
At a grassroots level, key to ATF success has been outreach activities including the training of fishing industry personnel (fishers, observers and compliance officers), bycatch education workshops at local schools and the production of reference materials (videos, leaflets) to supplement the wider programme. In Taiwan, we are currently adapting this approach to work within the local culture and structure, liaising with the local fishery observer agency, supporting capacity building activities so that lessons learnt in ATF teams are effectively transferred and incorporated into Taiwanese fleets.
The resultant relationships built with key stakeholders in the fishing industry and national authorities around the world puts the ATF in a unique position to help support Taiwanese fleets transition towards full implementation of bycatch mitigation measures on tuna vessels.
On behalf of the RSPB and Taiwan Wild Bird Foundation, we are grateful for the help from the Planeterra Ocean Health Fund to support Taiwanese fisheries, communities and government to educate and improve understanding of mitigation measures to help protect threatened seabirds and promote sustainably sourced seafood.
At Tours and Arts Solutions (TAS), our mission is to create immersive and meaningful tourism experiences that celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. We work hand in hand with local communities to promote sustainable tourism while offering travellers an authentic taste of Ghanaian culture.
The Global Community Tourism Fund (GCTF) from Planeterra has played a vital role in amplifying our impact—especially through our newest initiative: culinary tourism.
TAS was founded on the belief that tourism should go beyond sightseeing and instead immerse travellers in local life. And what better way to do that than through food? With this in mind, we launched the “Enhancing Ghana’s Culinary Heritage Through Tourism” project, designed to introduce visitors to the heart of Ghanaian cuisine while empowering local chefs and artisans.
A key highlight of our project has been the creation of “Agbeko’s Ghanaian Specials”, a cookbook that features traditional recipes alongside cultural stories. This initiative ensures travellers not only enjoy Ghanaian cuisine during their visit but also take a piece of it home. We’ve also woven culinary experiences into our tours—inviting guests to cook and dine with local chefs, deepening their appreciation of our culture.
The support we received from the GCTF helped us to:
Of course, there were challenges—logistical delays and initial setbacks with production—but with Planeterra’s support, we’ve overcome them.
The cookbook has become a powerful tool for both cultural exchange and economic empowerment. So far, over 100 copies have been sold, and we’ve even introduced an after-school sales program that benefits university students. We’re also excited to announce new culinary experiences launching in August 2025.
Our project has made meaningful strides toward positioning Ghana as a culinary tourism destination. Here are some key highlights:
We estimate the project has achieved 75% of its intended impact so far. With our next steps in motion over the coming three months, we aim to bridge the remaining gap and ensure long-term sustainability.
Being part of the Planeterra Global Community Tourism Network has allowed us to connect with like-minded tourism enterprises, share knowledge, and grow our reach.
One of our most exciting outcomes? A partnership with Gro Community in Chicago. After a traveller purchased our cookbook, we teamed up to offer virtual cooking classes for youth rehabilitation programs in Chicago—an initiative projected to impact nearly 1,000 young people annually.
With an additional USD $10,000, we plan to:
Finalize and launch our 150-page African food ingredient manual, giving travellers deeper insights into traditional ingredients, cultural significance, and sustainable sourcing.
If you’re considering community tourism, know this: your culture has immense value. Whether through food, music, art, or storytelling, there are endless ways to craft engaging experiences for travellers. Support networks like Planeterra’s Global Community Tourism Network can help you navigate the journey and scale your impact.
We’re deeply grateful to Planeterra and the Global Community Tourism Fund for believing in our vision and helping us share Ghanaian cuisine with the world. Our journey is just beginning—and we’re excited for what’s ahead!
Learn more at www.toursandartssolutionsgh.com or follow us on social media.
About the author:
William Segbedzi is the founder of Tours and Arts Solutions (TAS), a passionate advocate for cultural exchange and sustainable tourism in Ghana. Since 2015, he has led TAS with a hands-on approach—serving as both a tour guide and visionary manager—welcoming travellers from around the world to experience Ghana’s vibrant culture and artistic heritage. A seasoned traveller and cultural ambassador, William has represented Ghana across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. His deep commitment to fair trade and community development has shaped TAS into a trusted name in responsible tourism. He’s also a skilled drum maker and a lifelong promoter of the arts.
One of the most harmful forms of marine debris is abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear—also known as ghost gear.
Planeterra’s Ocean Health Fund is proud to support Ocean Conservancy’s Global Ghost Gear Initiative® (GGGI), a leading alliance dedicated to solving this issue through practical, replicable, and sustainable solutions.
Here are some of the GGGI’s key impacts from the past year:
Another important part of this effort is the Joanna Toole Internship, which supports early-career women pursuing ocean conservation. Hosted by Ocean Conservancy and the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), the internship is generously funded by Planeterra.
To date, three interns have completed the program—including Wilson Haims, the 2024 Joanna Toole Intern. Her experience highlights the depth and impact of this unique opportunity:
Meet Wilson Haims: 2024 Joanna Toole Intern
My name is Wilson Haims and I am the 2024 Joanna Toole Intern. I am from Maine and graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in Environmental Studies in 2023.
As part of my undergraduate degree, I participated in an ocean and coastal studies program directed by Williams College called Williams-Mystic. There, I honed my interest in marine issues and gained more experience on the water. By the time I graduated, I had plans to work as a marine educator at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.
In Alaska, I grew immensely as a naturalist, educator, and as a person. I worked from the Homer Harbor and regularly interacted with the commercial, sport, and subsistence fishermen. As the summer progressed, I had the opportunity to go salmon fishing and I became increasingly compelled by human relationships to the ocean and our reliance on its resources; fishing merges the concepts of tradition, culture, subsistence, science, connection to nature, and technique in a way that is challenging to find in other professions or recreational activities.
Over the past three months, I had the opportunity to work with the Marine Debris and Plastics Program at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, Massachusetts. During my time in Provincetown I collaborated with local fishermen to recover lost and abandoned fishing gear from Cape Cod Bay, assisted in leading a week-long fishing gear removal effort from the beaches on Cuttyhunk Island, and helped coordinate a residency for students from Cornell University to engage with ghost gear and marine debris related issues.
Beyond these larger projects, I also participated on research cruises with the Right Whale Research team, the Marine Animal Entanglement Response team and had the chance to observe a side-scan sonar cruise. I look forward to translating my experience in ghost gear related field work to the Global Ghost Gear Initiative.
When I discovered the Joanna Toole Internship, I was struck by how unique the opportunity is: I had the chance to recover ghost gear from Cape Cod Bay, working directly in collaboration with fishermen, and now get to zoom out and consider these issues on a global scale.
Beyond this position’s comprehensive approach, I am fascinated by how collaborative this work can be and who it speaks to. At the Center for Coastal Studies I worked with artists, scientists, environmentalists, fishermen, volunteers, and a fishing net recycler. In my interactions with these individuals, I quickly learned that many of them claim more than just one of these titles.
It is my hope and intention to bring what I have learned from these diverse perspectives and incorporate their insight into how I approach this work. I look forward to exploring where the second half of this internship takes me.
During her G Adventures Tanzania Safari tour and Egypt trip, Eleanor Long had the opportunity to visit two incredible community-led initiatives supported by Planeterra.
From witnessing the life-changing impact of the Maasai Clean Cookstove Project in Tanzania to engaging with youth guides at Funtasia in Luxor, Eleanor saw firsthand how these community-driven efforts are improving lives and creating opportunities.
Below, she shares her powerful experiences and reflections from both visits.
In Tanzania, 95% of people rely on wood and coal for cooking. Women and girls spend hours each day walking to gather firewood, which prevents them from attending school or engaging in other productive activities. The smoke from open-fire stoves contributes to severe health issues, including cancer, pneumonia, blindness, and burns.
During a visit to a Maasai village as part of my G Adventures Tanzania Safari tour, we saw firsthand the challenges these families face. In one home, the traditional cooking method was still in use. There was no chimney for the smoke to escape, and the entire hut was filled with thick, suffocating smoke. It was difficult to remain inside for long.
In contrast, the second house had been equipped with an efficient cookstove and a chimney to vent the smoke outside. The difference was remarkable—this smoke-free environment felt noticeably better.
In a third hut, we saw women installing a chimney as part of the Planeterra-supported cookstove project. These women, known as stove engineers, are paid to build clean-burning stoves, providing both employment and a solution to the widespread health risks caused by traditional cooking methods.
The homes we visited had no windows and little light. The huts were tiny, often housing large families. It was a real eye-opener for me, seeing the harsh living conditions up close. Despite having read about these struggles, nothing prepared me for the overwhelming reality of being inside these small, dark, smoky, and overcrowded spaces, meeting the women who endure these hardships every day. It was a deeply moving experience.
A tour of Egypt with G Adventures is packed with visits to museums and archaeological sites, but a bicycle ride through the countryside of Luxor was a welcome change of pace.
We were greeted by student guides at the Funtasia Project Center, a Planeterra-supported initiative. The students, who attended an after-school program to develop their skills in art, communication, and social interaction, led us on the ride.
Our group of 16 travellers had the unique opportunity to engage with a local community, meet project leaders, and enjoy the warm hospitality of our hosts.
Most importantly, we were able to give these young guides a chance to take on leadership roles as they shared their knowledge and interacted with us throughout the ride. The journey itself was a delightful experience, offering stunning views of the countryside, and we even spotted hot air balloons drifting above—a perfect addition to our Egyptian adventure.
About the author:
Eleanor Topacio Long is a retired teacher, avid traveller, and enjoys hiking, often incorporating long hikes into her international adventures. She is dedicated to volunteer work both in her local community and in the countries she visits. Eleanor lives in Washington state with her husband, Richard.
Travel has a way of bringing strangers into our lives, especially when we least expect them but at just the right time. During my travel journeys in the last few years, I met women who left an imprint on my heart and helped shift my perspective about a lot of things in life. These are women I had never expected to meet.
They belong to the local community of the places I visited and I must say that they were all full of love and light. These women became storytellers, teachers and my travel companions in unexpected ways. Let me give you a glimpse of my encounters with some of these inspiring women on my travel journeys.
In a remote Himalayan village in Himachal Pradesh, I found myself sipping butter tea with an elderly woman who radiated warmth just like my grandmother did. She shared stories of her youth through gestures and laughter. Her freckles and fine lines reflected her experience and learning about life. Sitting with her, I learned that strength is about quiet endurance and that the best stories are often the ones that are told by the locals. She even invited me to her home the next time I visit the village. Isn’t her simplicity heart-warming?
In 2021, I visited the Araku Tribal Museum in Andhra Pradesh and experienced a world that was so different from mine. Being a North Indian and belonging to a different culture, I knew I had lots to see and learn. When I reached the dance venue, I smiled at the women who were getting ready for the dance performance. I walked up to them and asked if I could take a picture with them. They agreed and invited me to join their dance performance.
Their confidence and the intention to showcase their culture to the visitors was inspiring. Being a travel storyteller, I strongly believe that travel is an excellent medium to explore diverse cultures and showcase our own cultural heritage to others.
In 2019, during the Pride Parade in Brighton, England, I met a group of young women who agreed to have a friendly arm wrestling game with me. They were jolly and fun to be with. At one point, I realized that the game was no more about winning or losing, but about all the smiles and cheerful conversations we had in the middle of the game.
I don’t even know their names but all I have with me is their photograph and some incredible learnings for life! Winning is not always about making someone lose but it’s also about pushing yourself, celebrating your strength and having fun during the process.
In the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, I met a woman running a home along with her family. Her children helped her with organizing village tours and adventure activities in the mountains for their guests. She told me how she learned to open and operate a homestay with the help of young travellers who visited the village some time back. Inspired by their enthusiasm, she decided to run her own homestay.
She is a true example of defying societal norms and educating herself to build a wonderful life for not just herself but for the people around her. Her courage was contagious, reminding me that no dream is too big when pursued with determination.
Volunteering at RISE charity in Brighton, UK helped me connect with strong and determined women in the most profound ways. RISE, a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by domestic abuse, became a space where I witnessed the quiet strength of those rebuilding their lives and the unwavering dedication of those helping them do so.
At first, I wondered how much of a difference I could make. But as I spent time working on community initiatives, fundraising events and awareness campaigns with other women, I realized that being one for a cause is all about showing up and offering whatever support is needed.
What struck me most was the sense of solidarity among volunteers and survivors alike. We came from different backgrounds, yet we were bound by a shared belief that everyone deserves safety and dignity.
During the Jagannath Rath Yatra (the largest and oldest chariot festival in the world) in 2024 in the city of Puri in India, I met a woman selling vermilion. She had travelled to Puri to meet her Mahaprabhu, Lord Jagannath during the festival. While she was in Puri, she set up her small stall on the street to sell vermilion and make some living. According to her, it was the Lord who had called her to the city of Puri because he takes care of all his children.
Our brief chat turned into deep conversations about life, love and the struggles we face as women trying to carve our own paths. Even today, her words echo in my mind, reminding me that we need to look within before we look outside.
I love animals, but since childhood, I used to feel that I might drop an animal or a pet if I held them in my hands. This was possibly because animals are quite squish. In 2021, when I visited Himachal Pradesh, I held a rabbit in my hands for the very first time in my life. I must admit that I was scared to hold it but it was fun, too.
She told me that when we reach out to someone with love, be it a human or an animal, we often receive their warmth in return. This experience taught me to spread more love and light to the world around me, and interestingly, it has filled me with more love in everything I do. The more I give, the more I get!
These encounters during my travel journeys are beautiful lessons that I’ve learnt in life. They taught me resilience, kindness and the unspoken bond that exists between women worldwide. They reminded me that while I might travel solo, I am never truly alone. Women’s stories carry the wisdom of the world, whether shared in a chai shop in a remote village or shared over a cup of coffee in a sophisticated cafe.
Travel has given me many gifts, but the most profound has been these encounters with extraordinary women. Strangers who, for a moment or a lifetime, became guides, friends and reminders of the limitless strength within all of us.
Have you met such women on your travel journeys? If not, I hope you meet them very soon! Until then, cheers to us!
About the author:
Deeksha Sharma is a travel enthusiast, a passionate writer and a storyteller who loves sharing local stories about conscious travel, communities and culture. She’s a senior storyteller and editorial co-lead at Postcard Travel Club, a global media company fostering a community of conscious travellers. She was also recently nominated for the Regenerative Travel Impact Awards – Storyteller of the Year 2024 by Regenerative Travel.
With her new book launched at the New Delhi World Book Fair in 2025 by the National Book Trust of India (Ministry of Education), Deeksha is helping shape the narrative around tourism’s role in cultural preservation and sustainable development. In her award-winning blog, Story Happens (earlier known as YouInVerse – youinverse.org) – she aims to bring underrepresented voices and traditions to mainstream audiences. In addition, she loves to practice mindfulness, read and write poems, go for long walks, especially in the evenings and enjoy sunsets.
Around the world, women are at the heart of community tourism, transforming local traditions, skills, and knowledge into opportunities for economic empowerment and cultural preservation.
Through community tourism, they are creating jobs, strengthening their communities, and inspiring future generations. This month, in honour of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the remarkable women behind some of our community partners who are leading the way in sustainable tourism.
In this blog, we’re featuring inspiring female-led organizations and enterprises that Planeterra supports around the world.
In 2012, Shila Amatya and her husband, Ashok, welcomed the first travellers to the Panauti Community Homestay, igniting interest among other women in their community. More women soon joined, leading to the creation of the Community Homestay Network, which provides women with opportunities to earn an income while sharing their culture with travellers.
The impact of this initiative has inspired many, including Poonam and Ashish Gupta, whose mother is a homestay host. Poonam, who once helped her mother run the homestay while studying, is now the Chief Operating Officer of the Community Homestay Network. Ashish, recognizing the potential for further opportunities, co-founded Panauti Bike Station in 2019, a youth-led initiative offering cycling and hiking tours.
In 2024, Panauti Bike Station applied for the Planeterra Global Community Tourism Fund to expand their offerings and create even more opportunities for local women and youth. Their work continues to strengthen community tourism in Nepal.
👉 Learn more about the story behind Panauti Community Homestay.
👉 Read how the Community Homestay Network is championing gender equality in Nepal.
In Cambodia, tuk-tuk driving is traditionally a male-dominated field—but Kim, the founder of Tuk Tuk Lady, is changing that. Motivated by her determination to provide for her two children, Kim faced discrimination and skepticism but refused to give up.
She moved to Siem Reap, where travellers were more open to supporting a female driver, and from her perseverance, Tuk Tuk Lady was born.
More than just a transport service, Tuk Tuk Lady empowers women to gain financial independence and confidence. With support from Planeterra, Kim and her team received training and mentoring, helping them build a sustainable business and attract travellers—including those from our travel partners.
Kim’s journey proves that community tourism can break barriers and open doors. Every tuk-tuk ride in Siem Reap is now a step toward greater gender equality and opportunity.
In San Antonio, Belize, large families and limited job opportunities have historically made it difficult for women to pursue education and employment. Determined to change this, nine Mayan women formed the San Antonio Women’s Co-op (SAWC) to earn an income, preserve their traditions, and inspire the next generation.
With Planeterra’s support, SAWC built a workshop space, increasing tourism and providing a centre for youth training programs. Visitors can now participate in traditional Mayan pottery workshops, enjoy home-cooked meals, and purchase handcrafted goods—all while supporting women-led economic development.
Beyond tourism, SAWC is funding education for young women, supporting scholarships for guiding courses, elementary school, and tourism-related studies. They’ve also expanded their impact by supporting a local children’s football team and distributing school supplies. This initiative shows that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive.
In Turkey, çöp(m)adam is redefining women’s employment and environmental sustainability. This social enterprise—whose name translates to “garbage ladies”—provides jobs for women who have never had a salaried position before while turning waste into fashionable, functional products.
Since its founding, over 500 women have gained confidence, skills, and financial independence through çöp(m)adam. Thanks to Planeterra’s partnership, the enterprise has connected with our travel partners, ensuring a steady stream of customers who purchase upcycled products and support the initiative.
With female employment in Turkey at around 30%, çöp(m)adam is breaking down gender stereotypes and championing a more sustainable future—one creatively repurposed product at a time.
In Zimbabwe, the Lusumpuko Women’s Cooperative began with a group of determined women—many of them single mothers and widows—coming together to create economic opportunities.
What started as a chicken-rearing project has evolved into a Lunch Club, where travellers from our travel partners enjoy authentic traditional meals prepared by the cooperative. This initiative has provided income while also funding education for their daughters, granddaughters, and nieces, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.
Beyond financial support, Lusumpuko teaches valuable skills. Young women learn culinary techniques, hygiene standards, and business practices—all crucial for their professional and personal development.
The women of Lusumpuko prove that resilience, collaboration, and community-driven tourism can create lasting change, uplifting families and strengthening entire communities.
These stories highlight the power of women in community tourism—transforming challenges into opportunities and creating sustainable futures for their families and communities.
Through partnerships, training, and determination, they are paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world. At Planeterra, we are proud to support these incredible women and their initiatives. If you’d like to explore more stories, check out these blogs:
👉 Zoológico Mágico: The Magic of Art Crafted by Female Artisans.
👉 Women in Community Tourism: Three Inspiring Stories.
Join us in celebrating their achievements and be part of the movement by choosing community tourism on your next adventure.
Responsible tourists aim to travel with as little harm as possible. This could mean reducing harm to the environment, local communities, natural habitats, or all three while exploring our planet. As tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, it’s important that all of us who possess a spirit of wanderlust make an effort to travel more eco-consciously.
Here, we explore three easy ways you can protect the planet and support local communities while travelling.
Being a responsible tourist doesn’t mean you have to stay in hostels and avoid luxurious hotels, but it does mean considering the eco credentials of the places you choose to stay at throughout your travels. Many hotels pride themselves on being environmentally friendly, implementing eco-friendly practices such as water conservation and waste reduction, which can significantly lower the carbon footprint of your visit.
To take it a step further, why not look into volunteering programmes? Whether focused on building schools, reforestation projects or any other honourable efforts, these allow you to both protect the environment and give back to local communities whilst exploring new places. Some such programmes offer free accommodation as part of your stay, while for others you could look to book sustainable rooms from local family-run businesses rather than big chain hotels.
Many parts of the world rely on tourism as a key pillar of their economy, so refusing to travel to disadvantaged or developing areas does not help support them. Even if you’re travelling to a popular destination, be sure to look a little deeper and explore surrounding areas that could benefit from your custom – whether it’s visiting a market or shopping in local artisan stores, this all helps to support the local people.
One of the easiest ways to support local communities on your travels is by eating like a native – opting for locally owned eateries or street food stalls rather than dining at international chain restaurants. With so many delicious authentic dishes to sample, and new connections with locals to be made, these experiences are often far more fulfilling than having the same old burger you could enjoy back home.
When it comes to enjoying the natural beauty of the new destinations you travel to, the Leave No Trace principles reign supreme for responsible tourists. Especially in protected areas such as national parks, exploring new vistas responsibly helps to preserve the landscapes, habitats and ecosystems that you’ve come so far to admire.
The Leave No Trace movement includes seven key principles to help travellers enjoy their adventures responsibly. Two that are particularly relevant when seeking ways to protect the environment and local communities are planning ahead and disposing of waste properly.
Planning ahead: Knowing the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit enables you to respect the local environment and any communities that may live there. This also means planning your route to avoid trespassing on delicate or at-risk terrain and being prepared for any emergencies when exploring remote areas.
Disposing of waste properly: Ensuring you take all rubbish and food remnants away with you is key to preserving and protecting the natural environment and the wildlife that calls it home. Food scraps can encourage animals to interact with humans and put them at risk, so be sure to pack everything up before you leave.
By following these tips, you can continue to explore the wonders of the world while minimizing your impact on the environment and demonstrating your support for local communities.
About the author:
With a passion for both travel and conservation, Halley seeks to educate and inspire others who share the same wanderlust. She enjoys volunteering in developing countries and aspires to help local communities build long-lasting businesses that can thrive with the advancements of eco-tourism. out CHN’s work.
It all started with a beautifully crafted stuffed elephant, handmade by the talented women of Anoothi India—a social enterprise that empowers marginalized women through skills training and economic opportunities.
When Ant Stone, G Adventures’ Director of Marketing, EMEA, came across one of these elephants, it sparked an idea that would lead to a powerful collaboration. What if Anoothi India could create a special batch of elephants to be showcased at travel events? The idea took off, and soon, a limited-edition herd of G Adventures elephants stole the show at Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show—one of London’s biggest travel events.
Over 1,000 G Adventures-branded elephants were handcrafted by the women of Anoothi India. It took months of dedication, but it paid off, the elephants became one of the most talked-about features of the event!
Visitors could take home an elephant by donating to Planeterra, making a G Adventures booking, or simply engaging in a meaningful conversation with the team at the booth. Each elephant came with a tag sharing its Anoothi India’s powerful story, bringing this meaningful connection to their new owners’ home.
Anoothi provides women—many of whom are survivors of violence—with opportunities to build a better future through vocational and life skills training. While selling handmade products helps, adding community tourism to their work gave them a new way to create sustainable income.
However, to host visitors and offer meaningful experiences, they needed additional funding to improve infrastructure and facilities. In 2024, Planeterra partnered with Anoothi India to support these goals, providing a grant to address their most pressing needs. The funds helped add a shaded seating area, upgrade walking paths, and improve visitor facilities—making the experience more comfortable for both travellers and artisans.
The grant also helped upgrade Anoothi India’s screen printing unit, something they had been wanting to do for a long time. Now, travellers visiting them can take part in a hands-on block printing workshop, learning the traditional techniques behind these beautiful textiles. And yes—they can also purchase iconic souvenirs, including those beautiful stuffed elephants!
Since September 2024, more than 1,800 travellers from G Adventures tours have visited Anoothi India, bringing direct support to the women behind this incredible initiative.
“I cannot thank Planeterra enough for opening up this possibility for us. We had this skill—a treasure of artisans working with us. More (women) wanted to join and we wanted to take them but we needed an outlet for them and for their products and Planeterra has provided that to us- We have expanded since.” — Jaimala ji, Founder & Managing Director, Anoothi India
Anoothi India has been an amazing community partner in more ways than one. At GX India 2024, they generously hosted the Planeterra Marketplace, where nine community partners showcased their products and shared their stories with travellers, industry leaders, and supporters. Read more about GX India, here.
