Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son

August 21, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Mae Hong Son Hilltribe Trek

Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Impact

All three communities Pha Mon (Red Lahu), Meung Pam (White Karen), and Jabo (Black Lahu) benefit from income diversification. The hill-tribe trek creates job opportunities for individuals to continue to stay in their home village, retaining culture, and preventing urban migration. Thanks to their community development plans, 10% of each tourism activity is invested in a wider community development fund. This fund is used to benefit the greater communities’ needs such as the local school, community environmental programs such as reforestation programs, medicinal herb gardens and sustainable fisheries. The community can also use these funds to allocate loans to individuals looking to start their own business, or to fund different emergency situations.

135
people directly impacted
405
community members indirectly benefitting
Thailand Hill-Tribes Trek Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Critical Need

Hilltribe trekking in Northern Thailand has been a popular tourist experience over the last 20 years; however, the product has not changed much and the most popular routes visited are saturated with limited benefits to the greater hill-tribe communities. There are several hill-tribe communities between Chiang Mai and the Myanmar border that have limited access to the tourism market as they are deemed too far and too remote to access by many tour operators. 

These communities mainly rely on subsistence agriculture as a primary source of income and utilize slash-and-burn agricultural techniques to farm their heavily forested areas. With unpredictable weather patterns, harvest and crop yields have become less consistent over time, and a means to develop alternative livelihood programs and income-generating activities for the remote hill-tribe communities is vital.

Our Involvement

Planeterra worked with our ground partners, Community Based Tourism-Institute (CBT-I), to develop and deliver an 8-month training program that would build the capacity of three remote hill-tribe communities, and effectively link them together. The villages of Pha Mon (Red Lahu), Meung Pam (White Karen), and Jabo (Black Lahu) had received limited travellers prior to our involvement. Training was provided around the topics of hospitality, waste management, sanitation and hygiene, sustainable development, financial literacy, and reservations. Further, each of the communities was taken on a “Learning Journey” to see each other’s villages to experience what the power of tourism can do, and what they can accomplish by working together on their community development plans. Within each village, a community association was created to manage the various products and services included in this community trek — the entire trek is owned and operated by each of the hill-tribe associations.

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Dqae Qare San Lodge

August 21, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Dqae Qare San Lodge

D’Kar, Botswana

Impact

With a grant from Planeterra, improvements to Dqae Qare San Lodge that would have taken five years to complete took only a matter of months. In addition, the revenue brought by Planeterra connecting Dqae Qare San Lodge to a wider travel market, including G Adventures tours, allows the Kuru Development Trust to invest more in their business, empower and employ more people from D’kar, and invest more into community projects and infrastructure. The Kuru Development Trust uses revenue for the lodge for community development projects like fresh water infrastructure and support for the preschool – projects that are invaluable for the community. Additionally, with the D’kar community living on about 30 cents a day, the jobs provided at Dqae Qare are truly changing lives. One Dqae Qare employee is able to support a family of ten back in the village of D’Kar. 

52
people employed
2,000
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Like all Indigenous communities around the world, the San of Southern Africa are a marginalized people – often excluded from the formal economy and lacking social services, while under constant threat from the ‘developing’ world that seeks to diminish their language, history, and culture. The San, who are the earliest inhabitants of Southern Africa, currently number around 113,000 and are scattered across six countries in Southern Africa, with a large number residing in the Kalahari region of Botswana.  

The Kuru Development Trust was formed to protect the San of Botswana, and their activities centre around assisting the D’kar community of around 2,000 inhabitants. Dqae Qare San Lodge, which is a wildlife area, lodge, and campsite, offers full-time employment to 12 staff members and part-time work to some 40 individuals who offer cultural activities and other small jobs at the lodge. 

Our Involvement

Seeing the amazing work that the Kuru Development Trust has done to empower, employ, and support thousands of San in Southern Africa, Planeterra partnered with Dqae Qare San Lodge to assist them with improvements and upgrades to their campsite and lodge accommodation.

When they received a grant from Planeterra to upgrade their campsite and accommodation, the Dqae Qare San Lodge staff went to work, building an ablution block – including six showers, toilets, and wash basins for travellers visiting the wildlife area and staying on the property. Local labour and material were used, and the local Kuru Development Trust art project decorated the outside of the new toilet block in May 2019. Meanwhile, work started on upgrades to the lodge, with new doors installed, floors repaired and washrooms upgraded. 

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New Hope

August 21, 2020 Planeterra Partners

New Hope

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Impact

Since the restaurant became fully operational in 2011, our partner G Adventures has annually sent thousands of customers and travellers to the training restaurant. Trainees of this program have found placements in careers in the hospitality industry. The proceeds from the traveller’s meals support over 1,000 student’s education and 1,000 free medical checkups through New Hope’s Outreach program, reaching some of the poorest areas outside of Siem Reap. New Hope’s programs go beyond training and education, providing health care through their centre, and providing fresh water to the student’s families to reduce sickness. In 2019, New Hope engaged children in waste reduction programs which helped to build their respect for the natural environment, and create a safer, cleaner space.

25
youth directly employed
1,000
students in school
New Hope-Cambodia

Critical Need

The people of Cambodia are still rebuilding the country following the genocide of the Khmer Rouge regime. One of the biggest economic drivers is the beautiful Angkor Wat complex just outside of Siem Reap, but the ripple effects of tourism are still not reaching some of the most vulnerable groups. Further, there is a lack of training programs, access to education, and employment opportunities for adults. 

Our Involvement

In 2010, Planeterra worked with New Hope Outreach Centre to build a training restaurant to support young Khmers living just outside of Siem Reap. Over $60,000 CAD in donations were raised through one of our partners G Adventures, to build the restaurant and provide professional training to young adults that expressed interest in the hospitality industry. The training program is a six-month commitment and our ground partners assist with full-time job placements in one of the many burgeoning hotels, resorts and restaurants in the Siem Reap region.

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Baracoa Community Tour

August 21, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Baracoa Community Tour

Baracoa, Cuba

Impact

Since partnering with Planeterra, community members in Baracoa are seeing revenue flow into the family micro-enterprises, the promotion of local businesses and projects, and the breakdown of stereotypes that severely limit the local families from being included in the tourism industry. Through this cultural immersion tour, Planeterra has worked with the Baracoa Community to include visits to multiple family-owned micro-enterprises related to local cultural activities. Three villages are visited by this tour, resulting in 200 people being impacted by responsible tourism.

50
people directly impacted
200
community members indirectly benefitting

Critical Need

Local families who live around Baracoa City in villages like Duaba, El Jamal, and Yumury have had their houses destroyed by multiple hurricanes resulting in the loss of most belongings. Economic opportunities that enable local families to remain living in their communities are desperately needed, that’s why they see tourism as an economic opportunity. They have developed family micro-enterprises related to tourism services such as a Cacao tour, restaurants, and handicrafts, preserving unique Cuban fauna. However, these micro-enterprises were in need of guidance to develop innovative experiences and access to customers to reach its full potential in order to achieve financial success. Families are also in need of guidance to avoid the negative impacts that tourism can generate, such as losing unique traditions and cultures. Tourism can be an excellent tool to protect natural and cultural resources and improve empowerment for local families if done correctly.

Our Involvement

Planeterra works with family-owned micro-enterprises in the rural areas of Baracoa, creating a network of micro-enterprises and integrating their tour into trip itineraries. Planeterra provided the funding for training and capacity building for the local families, which has resulted in a much-needed boost for these communities. Through these funds, the community is able to hire more individuals, creating ripple effects resulting in the further development of projects which positively impact the community. 

Travellers have the opportunity to learn from local guides, participate in local living experiences and make some traditional delicacies. Travellers also have the chance to purchase unique handicrafts, all supporting the women, men and youth of Baracoa.

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Proyecto Manacú

August 21, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Proyecto Manacú

Manaca Iznaga, Trinidad, Cuba

Impact

Proyecto Manacú is a women-led initiative that promotes textile art to youth and children in the community. Yanely Soris Quesada set up the small business to teach and run a training program for youth and children about textile making, art and dance. The initiative also sells handicrafts to the public. With help from a grant and a link to the travel market, which has brought travellers to Proyecto Manacú, the women-led initiative is able to make an income while continuing to keep local cultural traditions alive. This local business not only empowers the women who run and learn there, but also brings income to the area that will create ripple effects in the community.  

31
people directly impacted
93
community members indirectly benefitting

Critical Need

The community of Manaca Iznaga is a place known for its historical architecture, including the infamous Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills), which was once a slave watchtower over what used to be one of the largest sugar plantations in the Carribean. These historical buildings are now a large draw for tourists. However, many women and small businesses are struggling to gain access to the tourism market in the area. 

Our Involvement

Planeterra helped Proyecto Manacú to create a textiles centre, enabling local women to sell traditional textiles to travellers, and helping them gain access to the tourism market. This project has also been incorporated on travel itineraries which will allow travellers to learn and experience traditional handicraft making. Visitors will get to see first-hand the local embroidery techniques used to create garments and souvenirs, and learn how the local women’s organization has impacted the community and those who visit.  

Additionally, Planeterra has helped develop the experience by funding capacity building for the women involved in the program, while also providing guidance for setting up a formal microenterprise which has a licence in order to receive travellers and sell their products.

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Coope San Juan

August 21, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Coope San Juan

San Juan, Costa Rica

Impact

As a cooperative dedicated to providing travellers with community experiences and overnight accommodation, the Coope San Juan saw their community’s income coming increasingly from tourism instead of agriculture. This allowed families to have more income to improve their quality of life. Further, they were able to invest more into their agricultural initiatives.  This investment allows the community to keep their land and pay off their debts that they owed on their land. 

24
people directly impacted

Critical Need

Coope San Juan is a community cooperative dedicated to agriculture and natural forest preservation. Coope San Juan was established in 1985 by 12 families from the community of La Palmera and San Juan de Ciudad Quesada. The farm is 416 hectares (nearly 1000 acres), which is 62% of natural forest which the remaining land left to be cultivated by the families. 

Unfortunately, income from agriculture is limited.  The community was close to losing their land due to failed investments in agriculture, as their income was 95% agriculture leaving many families with just enough income to meet the basic needs of the families.

Our Involvement

With the tourism industry expanding in Costa Rica, Coope San Juan decided to start a homestay business. This tourism project is managed by the women of the community’s cooperative.

Planeterra funded 20 bicycles and related equipment, purchased at a discount from our generous local partners, Desafio, for the families to host travellers and provide cycling activities as part of the community experience. Planeterra also connected the cooperative with our travel industry partners to create a steady stream of income through group stays.

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2019 Update from Lusumpuko Women’s Club

May 13, 2020 Planeterra Meals, Our Projects, Partners, Stories from the Field, Women

2019 UPDATE FROM LUSUMPUKO WOMEN'S CLUB

Since serving their first meal to international travellers in April 2018, the ladies of Lusumpuko Women’s Club in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, have continued to grow and excel at their craft while also cementing their position as a community-based organization.

The Lusumpuko Women’s Club has catered to over 3,000 G Adventures travellers and due to their success, they have begun serving even more travellers as of January 2020. The members have improved their English skills, public speaking abilities, and continued to preserve traditional Zimbabwean cooking methods and dishes.

The group has brought in an additional 10 members and their operation has expanded from a tourism service to a popular local event caterer. The ladies are also giving back to their community by serving meals on a monthly basis at the local hospital and seniors’ home.

Lusumpuko has continued to break barriers in the industry by standing alone as one of the best locally-owned service providers in Victoria Falls and they have received critical acclaim from local media for their efforts.

This is only the beginning of a new and exciting journey for the Lusumpuko Women’s Club as they continue to take back their power through the growth of their cooperative.

Read more
Two women stand outside homestay

PUESTA DEL SOL IS BACK

October 13, 2019 Planeterra Accommodation, Communities, Our Projects, Partners

PUESTA DEL SOL IS BACK

We are very excited to announce that operations are restarting at Puesta del Sol, our Planeterra project in Nicaragua in November of this year. In March 2018, G Adventures cancelled operations due to the political crisis in the country.

The Puesta del Sol Community Association was founded in 2005 by 17 families, largely influenced by the women in the community. The mission of the organization is to improve the quality of life for their families and the area.

They are located in Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua, which is a beautiful island in the Nicaraguan Lake that has 2 mindblowing volcanoes. The main economic activities in this area are tourism and farming. Through the association, they have created different touristic initiatives. These new opportunities are resulting in families being able to stay together. In the past, due to the lack of jobs some members of the family had to leave to bring or send money home.

Tourism has become a meaningful source of economic development in Nicaragua, but because of the political crisis and social instability, this source of income was heavily affected. Puesta del Sol itself was impacted, they stopped receiving visitors, resulting  in job loss. Many had to leave for either safety or to be able to provide for their families.

Odalis the President of the Association, (her family founded the association) has been involved in every step of the development of the organization and is extremely proud. During my visit to Puesta del Sol in September, I stayed at her house or “homestay”, she showed me around and told me all of the exciting stories about her family and the association.  She is so happy to see how the country is recovering from the crisis, tourists are coming back and she is so thankful and happy to be welcoming G Adventures travellers into their houses.

G Adventures and Planeterra have been working with Puesta del Sol since 2012. Planeterra provided funds for the development of the tourism initiative and the related training. Travellers enjoy living the “Isleno” life for a couple of days through the homestay experience offered by Puesta del Sol, the families in the community are very welcoming, and they really make you feel at home!

The community is eager to welcome back all G Adventures groups!

Learn more about this project
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Canada Not-for-Profit Corporation Number: 793488-2, US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 83-1619668