Asociación de Artesanos de Madera Imbert (ASOARTEP)

Asociación de Artesanos de Madera Imbert (ASOARTEP)

March 18, 2024 Selene Orellana Partners

Asociación de Artesanos de Madera Imbert

Imbert, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Impact

The primary goal of the association is to preserve and celebrate Dominican culture and the artisanal process of crafting wooden pieces as cultural heritage. Forty artisans and their families directly and indirectly benefit from the association.

Through Planeterra’s partnership, they connected with travellers inside an Iberostar Resort, allowing guests to experience the culture and learn how to carve petrified wood. This additional revenue will increase their income, enabling community growth.

40
artisans directly impacted
250
community members indirectly impacted
.

Critical Need

Imbert, a town nestled in Puerto Plata, is celebrated for the intricate woodwork crafted by local artisans, notably the renowned “petrified wood.” Established in 1997, Asociación de Artesanos de Madera Imbert (ASOARTEP) endeavours to elevate the visibility of artisanal work and establish it as a sustainable and legitimate source of income for artisans and the wider community.

With 40 active members, the association positively impacts approximately 250 families. Furthermore, it’s imperative for ASOARTEP to intertwine the diverse wooden sculptures with Dominican culture, thus perpetuating and honouring its rich heritage.

Our Involvement

integration into one of the Iberostar resorts in the Dominican Republic. Here, visitors can engage in a short woodcarving experience and learn about the local culture, with the option to purchase various woodwork pieces.

Additionally, Planeterra provided funding to establish stands that immerse travellers in the community atmosphere and replicate a community tourism experience within the hotel. We also conducted training sessions on developing such experiences. Thanks to these efforts, many Iberostar clients can now enhance their resort experience by participating in community tourism activities within the hotel.

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Chocolate de la Cuenca de Altamira (CHOCAL)

March 18, 2024 Selene Orellana Partners

Chocolate de la Cuenca de Altamira

Altamira, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Impact

Chocolate de la Cuenca de Altamira (CHOCAL)  has been working diligently since 2008 to foster employment and economic development opportunities for women. Founded by 30 women, they established a production plant where they craft various chocolate products.

Through Planeterra’s partnership, Chocal has connected with travellers inside an Iberostar Resort, allowing guests to experience Dominican culture and indulge in delicious, high-quality chocolate. This additional revenue will boost their income, enabling the community to grow and thrive.

30
women directly impacted
100
community members indirectly impacted
.

Critical Need

CHOCAL produces high-quality organic chocolate products. It has provided many women in Altamira with the opportunity to acquire new skills and generate sustainable income. Now, numerous women have become empowered business owners and experienced chocolate producers.

The “Women of Altamira” serve as role models for other women and youth in the community, earning respect and admiration. Through their hard work and dedication, they have showcased their capacity for learning, leadership, and their commitment to enhancing the economic, social, and environmental conditions of the area.

They are the driving force behind the sweetness of CHOCAL, setting its heart in motion every morning.

Our Involvement

Planeterra collaborated with CHOCAL to create a community tourism experience that could be integrated into one of the Iberostar resorts in the Dominican Republic. Here, visitors can enjoy a short experience learning about chocolate production from the plant to the table and purchase various chocolate products.

Additionally, Planeterra provided a grant to set up stands within the hotel, allowing travellers to feel immersed in the community and recreate a community tourism experience onsite. We also conducted training sessions on how to develop such experiences. Thanks to these efforts, many of the Iberostar guests can now enjoy community tourism within the hotel, going beyond the typical resort experience.

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Restaurante El Manglar

October 10, 2023 Selene Orellana Meals, Partners

Restaurante El Manglar

Cayo Quemado, Río Dulce, Izabal, Guatemala

Impact

Restaurante El Manglar was founded by the Cayo Quemado Women’s Committee with the primary goal of creating new employment and training opportunities for the community.

One remarkable aspect of this Committee is its diversity, encompassing women from various age groups, bridging both older and younger generations. This highlights how the restaurant serves as a unifying force for women in Cayo Quemado, with a clear commitment to nurturing future generations.

Today, an increasing number of travelers to Río Dulce and Livingston include Cayo Quemado in their itineraries. This serves as a powerful testament to empowered women actively fostering economic sustainability within their community, and they are enthusiastic about passing down their knowledge to younger generations.

15
women directly impacted
100
people indirectly impacted
.

Critical Need

Keeping families together is crucial for all the hardworking women at Restaurante el Manglar. Historically, the community of Cayo Quemado faced a challenge as many residents were compelled to seek livelihoods elsewhere, resulting in family separations. Fishing used to be the primary means of earning a living here, but circumstances changed in 2004 when the government introduced new laws, including a fishing ban, which caused economic hardships. Consequently, they needed to explore new income-generating alternatives, such as engaging in tourism.

Our Involvement

With the support of Planeterra, a grant was provided to equip the kitchen and restaurant, enlarge the bathrooms, and improve the uniforms and signage.

Women and youth share the local culture by offering a “Caribbean Gastronomic Experience” with a workshop on a local dish called “Ceviche al Coco,” which is ceviche marinated with coconut milk. At the same time, travelers learn more about the amazing work that the committee is doing in Cayo Quemado. New connections to the market are crucial for the sustainability of the business and its ripple effects.

Planeterra provides ongoing training and support to the team on experience development and business administration to promote the development of a newly profitable enterprise.

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Ban Ou Community Tourism

July 13, 2023 Selene Orellana Partners

Ban Ou Community Tourism

Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

Impact

Ban Ou Community Tourism engages ten out of the 60 families in directly offering tourism experiences to travellers. The community empowers women to actively participate and lead in tourism activities, including demonstrating the making of Laos rice noodles, weaving, and providing authentic meal experiences. 

Additionally, the involvement of elderly community members adds a special touch to the traditional Baci ceremony, a warm welcome deeply rooted in Lao culture. The ultimate goal is to uplift the community through tourism embracing their traditional culture.

10
families benefitting
50
community members indirectly benefitting
.

Critical Need

Luang Prabang is one of the main tourist attractions in Lao PDR, with travellers often placing it high on their must-visit list. Ban Ou is a small village comprising 60 families whose livelihoods revolve around farming, fishing, and traditional crafts such as silk and cotton weaving, bamboo weaving, and blacksmithing. The village is very charming, situated between picturesque mountains and the Mekong River. 

Although many tour buses pass through Ban Ou en route to the renowned Kuang Si waterfall, a key attraction in Luang Prabang, the local community has not benefited from these visits. Until recently, tourism was a novel concept for them, and they had not engaged with any tour companies.

Our Involvement

Recognizing the immense potential of Ban Ou Community Tourism, Planeterra embarked on a partnership to empower them in hosting travellers. We worked closely with them to enhance their readiness and provide valuable support. This included comprehensive training to ensure they were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, we focused on improving key infrastructure elements, such as the dining area and waste management facilities.

We also helped them set up the outdoor kitchen, which not only enriched the tourism experience but also highlighted the local culinary traditions and flavours.

Additionally, we connected Ban Ou Community Tourism with one of our corporate partners to create a consistent influx of travellers, generating a sustainable income stream that would benefit the entire community.

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Tinkuy Community Tourism

June 14, 2023 Selene Orellana Handicrafts, Meals, Partners

Tinkuy Community Tourism

Cuyo Chico community – Sacred Valley -Cusco, Peru

Impact

Tinkuy is yet another example of the power of community and perseverance. The 12 families who came together to establish Tinkuy have worked together for years on the shared vision of recovering their traditional practices and ceramics while being able to earn an income locally in order to support their families. Not only are they now able to do so, but they have also dedicated their efforts to helping the wider community through supporting clean-up campaigns and improving access roads, benefitting other farmers and artisans in the Cuyo Chico community.

32
people directly impacted
85
families indirectly impacted
.

Critical Need

The community of Cuyo Chico was once renowned for its ceramic handicrafts, but the emergence of plastic and other inexpensive materials posed a significant threat to the livelihoods of those engaged in the creation and sale of traditional ceramic crafts. As the demand for their art declined, community members found it increasingly difficult to earn a sustainable income and support their families.

To counter the loss of this cherished tradition and provide economic opportunities for its community members, the Ricchariy Association of Cuyo Chico took action. In a collaborative effort, 12 families came together to establish Tinkuy, a local enterprise dedicated to revitalizing their customs and traditions. By creating Tinkuy, the community aimed to offer culturally significant income opportunities, especially for women who had to forgo the care of their families and farmland in search of work outside the community.

Our Involvement

The Tinkuy Community Tourism Enterprise, owned by the Ricchary Association of Cuyo Chico, was established in 2009 with the aim of promoting tourism activities. But despite their efforts, they faced challenges in gaining traction in the market. To address this, Planeterra implemented capacity-building programs, developed and improved the facilities and purchased equipment for the association. Planeterra supported them with new cultural experiences that would be more accessible to travelers while also maintaining their traditional pottery and gastronomy. 

By helping improve the experience, Planeterra was also able to connect Tinkuy to the global market through our travel partners.

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Funtasia

April 28, 2023 Selene Orellana Partners

Funtasia

Luxor, Egypt

Impact

Funtasia is a local non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on developing life skills and social consciousness among young people in the West Bank of Luxor. It has been active in Egypt since 2014, training adults, school teachers, and educators across the country in the Funtasia educational approach, both online and in person. Their youth strengthening and life skills programs revolve around health, emotion management, coding, art, and football. 

As part of their efforts, Funtasia developed an afterschool program that teaches art, communication, and social skills to youth, with the aim of contributing to the development of stellar citizens. It particularly focuses on providing high school graduates in their gap year(s) before college with capacity building, income, and exposure to working in the tourism sector. The youth in the villages around the Valley of the Kings lead a bike tour experience which also helps to reduce traffic congestion, improving air quality and providing youth and travellers with an authentic experience of local communities in Luxor.  

Funtasia is not only providing a valuable service but also contributing to broader social and environmental goals.

200
community members
1000
households
.

Critical Need

Funtasia believes that every young person deserves a chance to thrive and succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances, and they are committed to making a positive impact in their community. However, to ensure the success of this project and to continue creating an impact within the local community, Funtasia needed financial support to purchase equipment for their tours and secure a steady flow of income through tourism.

Our Involvement

Planeterra provided funding to Funtasia so they can complete their bike experience and purchase initial supplies such as refreshments and helmets, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of guests. Planeterra also provided a market connection opportunity which facilitated a steady customer base for their bike tours in the West Bank of Luxor. Now, local youth guides get to share their unique perspectives on the area’s history and everyday life experiences of the local communities.

Moreover, through the Planeterra Global Community Tourism Network, Funtasia has access to valuable networking opportunities, learning materials, and continued mentorship from Planeterra team members.

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Zoológico Mágico

Asociación de Mujeres Artesanas Zoológico Mágico

March 22, 2023 Selene Orellana Handicrafts, Partners, Women

Asociación de Mujeres Artesanas Zoológico Mágico

San Martin de Tilcajete, Oaxaca, Mexico

Impact

This newly formed cooperative was founded by 13 women who aspire to foster growth and generate employment opportunities for women and youth through art. Their primary objective is to preserve the Zapotec culture and the cherished artisanal process of creating alebrijes, a local cultural heritage.

Their workshop is a haven of fantasy and art, where they breathe life into various animal creatures they can imagine. Each piece is meticulously crafted with their own hands, skillfully combining vibrant colors that enhance the beauty of the wood.

 

18
people directly impacted

 

108
women indirectly benefitting
Zoológico Mágico
.

Critical Need

San Martín Tilcajete is a town located in Oaxaca famous for the woodwork created by local artisans. The main piece of Art in the wood workshops is the famous Alebrijes, which are wooden figures that represent different animals of the Zapoteca culture and some of their legends, there are approximately 150 alebrijes artisans.

The alebrijes are a big part of the Oaxacan culture and preservation from generation to generation is very important. Nowadays a lot of different people around Mexico create copies of the original alebrijes and they are sold everywhere, the artisans in San Martin are having a hard time generating enough income and the value of their art has gone down according to the market prices.

Our Involvement

Planeterra has been working together with the women of the Zoologico Mágico association to find out what are the most pressing needs to be able to host travellers. They needed a bathroom for visitors, as well as to finalize the process of registering their business. Now they are fully registered and have brand-new bathrooms.

Through this partnership, we also connected Asociación de Mujeres Artesanas Zoológico Mágico to travellers who are now able to experience the Zapoteca culture and the making of alebrijes. This additional revenue will increase their income so they are able to grow as a community.

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D’danau Homestay

March 22, 2023 Selene Orellana Partners

D'danau Homestay

Kota Belud Sabah, Malaysia

Impact

D’danau is a beautiful homestay located in Kota Belud Sabah, Malaysia, an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. The local community provides accommodation, cooking classes, a natural fish spa, a water bath tube, forest trekking and mountain climbing. Visitors can also learn about the lives of the Borneo people, and enjoy the cool climate and peaceful atmosphere. D’danau’s mission is to promote their culture and way of life, protect the environment and enhance their livelihood.

D’danau’ homestay provides job opportunities for locals engaging in providing the experiences to travellers for hiking, water tubing, cooking classes and other activities. The income generated from tourism allows the community to collect fees that are invested in the nature conservation and development of the village. 

30
Community members directly impacted
150
community members indirectly benefiting
.

Critical Need

D’danau Homestay started operating in September 2018 with limited prior experience in hosting foreign guests. Their establishment boasts an exquisite and unspoiled natural environment, which they aim to share with a wider audience, including both domestic and international visitors. They are in need to connect with the wider travel market not only to showcase the beauty of their surroundings but also to enhance their livelihoods by offering unique tourism experiences.

Our Involvement

Planeterra helped D’danau Homestay to enhance the quality of their services and experiences to cater to both domestic and international travellers Moreover, by collaborating with our corporate travel partners, we can guarantee a steady influx of visitors to D’danau Homestay, thereby contributing to the local community’s economic growth through sustained tourism revenue.

Through this collaboration, D’danau Homestay hopes to further improve the living conditions and job opportunities of the local people and also, to learn from different cultures by creating meaningful encounters with travellers. 

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Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver

February 9, 2023 Selene Orellana Partners

Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Impact

As tourism recovers and borders reopened in Cambodia, Ms. Kim decided to register the Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver group as an association to offer tuk-tuk (Auto rickshaw or Remorque in Khmer) transportation services to travellers who want to discover the beauty of Siem Reap, the home of Angkor Wat, and many ancient temples. But the mission of the Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver group goes beyond that, as they also seek to empower women to be confident and independent given that most of them serve as the leader of their families. The women can now use the income from tourism to support themselves and their families.

40
community members benefitting
70
community members indirectly benefitting
.

Critical Need

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic had devastating effects on communities worldwide and Cambodia was not the exception. Women in Siem Riep were struggling to earn an income, especially in tourism-related activities. With the recovery of tourism, there is hope for the members of the Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver group, but in order to fully reap the benefits of the travel industry, they need to secure a steady stream of visitors in need of their services.

Our Involvement

Planeterra provided training and mentoring support so that the Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver group can become confident in working with travellers and continue building a sustainable business model. Also, by connecting Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver with Planeterra’s corporate partners, the group of women is able to secure a constant stream of travellers demanding their services in addition to the individual visitors they are hosting daily.

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Safi Kitchen_Jordan_Planeterra_P100

Safi Kitchen

August 26, 2022 Selene Orellana Meals, Partners

Safi Kitchen

Southern Ghawr, Jordan

Impact

Safi Kitchen is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve the local culture and natural resources to promote the southern region of the Jordan Valley (Ghawr) as a tourist destination throughout the year. The key beneficiaries of the kitchen are local women and youth who are short of financial opportunities in their communities. They participate in an authentic farm and meal experience to showcase their tradition and culture through food.

By engaging in tourism activities, community members receive a much-needed income from the kitchen. Women can now make their own financial decisions and youth are leading up conservation activities in their communities. 

The community continues to value their environment and more businesses are being led by women. They are also sharing their culture authentically.

19
people employed
114
Community members benefitting
Safi Kitchen_Jordan_Planeterra_P100

Critical Need

Al-Safi Kitchen was opened at the end of 2019 in the southern Jordan Valley, hosting visitors to the area and making the region a distinct tourist destination that provides high-quality services that reflect the local cultural heritage.

However, since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Safi Kitchen has struggled to find customers and make the project successful.

Our Involvement

Through a partnership with Safi Kitchen, Planeterra facilitated a market connection to the tourism sector, where travellers enjoy an authentic meal experience and understand the traditional methods of farming in Jordan while seeing the fresh ingredients picked and used in their meals. They also get an opportunity to learn about how this community is using agriculture to preserve their environment.

Safi Kitchen provides a traditional lunch, tea and snacks to travellers. They also have an in-community bike trail for active travellers with a mountainous backdrop. The tour is led by youth from the community who are receiving an income from the tours.

Photos Safi Kitchen_Jordan_P100_Planeterra

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Contact
19 Charlotte Street, Toronto, ON
M5V 2H5, CANADA
+1(416)263-4671
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Canada Not-for-Profit Corporation Number: 793488-2, US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 83-1619668