Chocolate de la Cuenca de Altamira (CHOCAL)

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.

CHOCAL - Chocolate de la Cuenca de Altamira Altamira, Dominican Republic

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Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim

December 6, 2023 Selene Orellana

Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim

Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

Impact

The Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities is a non-profit organization committed to assisting individuals with disabilities. One of its remarkable initiatives is the operation of “Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim,” primarily staffed by individuals with disabilities.

Visitors to the farm can participate in a tour, gaining insights into vocational training activities conducted by the Foundation. The experience includes a traditional North Thailand meal prepared by the team, providing hands-on exploration of activities that showcase the rich Lanna culture and tradition.

This project aims to spotlight the importance and value of the work done by persons with disabilities, empowering them to become exemplary citizens who positively influence society. The initiative has successfully fostered a better understanding of disabilities, transforming perceptions and recognizing them as valuable contributors to society.

23
differently-abled people benefitting
60
people indirectly benefitting
.

Critical Need

The Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities is dedicated to establishing vocational training centers in central and northern Thailand, along with providing occupational support for individuals with disabilities. In the past, the community did not benefit from tourism due to a lack of technical support and confidence to host international travellers. The primary focus was on their disability, rather than their strengths and resilient attitude.

Consequently, they were unable to participate in tourism activities in Thailand. Additionally, Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim, lacked market connectivity and the training needed to host travellers in the past.

Our Involvement

Planeterra has played a crucial role in introducing the Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities to the international community, enriching the understanding of persons with disabilities in Thailand through visits and showcasing their work and achievements. Those benefiting from Yimsoo Farm have gained a renewed sense of confidence and are earning income, serving as beacons of hope for communities globally.

Moving forward, the goal is to raise awareness of this project, encouraging more individuals to visit and witness the impactful work carried out by persons with disabilities within their organization. Through these efforts, the organization aspires to create more jobs and opportunities for persons with disabilities.

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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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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
Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver Siem Reap, Cambodia

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.

Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver Siem Reap, Cambodia
Lady Tuk-Tuk Driver Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Yimsoo Cafe Bangkok

September 7, 2022 Selene Orellana

Yimsoo Cafe Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand
logo_Yimsoo Cafe Bangkok

Impact

The Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities is a non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities by setting up vocational training centres in central and northern Thailand and providing occupational support for persons with disabilities. They also run “Yimsoo Cafe”, a coffee shop operated by differently-abled people to empower them and voice out through the community that they can do anything they set their minds to accomplish.

At Yimsoo Cafe, you can not only enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a bowl of boat noodles cooked by their talented team, but you can also learn how to use sign language and place your orders. You can even join in a hands-on experience to prepare some local cuisine dishes during your trip. This program allows Yimsoo and the Foundation to create more job and training opportunities.

8
community members directly impacted
.

Critical Need

The Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities has supported differently-abled people by providing them with training and work opportunities at the Yimsoo Cafe for over six years. In addition, they have done an excellent job showing the community how capable these people are.

However, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have struggled to find customers and make their business profitable. 

Our Involvement

With the support of Planeterra, they have a viable source of income outside grants. They use this income to support their vocational training centers for differently-abled people in central and northern Thailand, which serve more than 200 people every year. They also plan to invest in an expansion project of Yimsoo Cafe to create more jobs for differently-abled people.

Likewise, having more customers visiting Yimsoo Cafe, will allow them to raise awareness about the importance of their work.

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Wise Greece

October 30, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Wise Greece

Athens, Greece

Impact

Wise Greece is a non-profit social enterprise with a double mission: supporting small farmers and producers of Greek products across the country, and using the profits to purchase food for the homeless, children, and elderly in need. They work with the best Greek producers, to get their products into shops in Greece and abroad, raising awareness and support for the Mediterranean diet and Greek products like food, spices, and natural cosmetics. Profits from the organization are used to provide food supplies to other organizations such as the Solidarity Center of the Municipality of Athens, supporting people in need, and the Emfasis Foundation, feeding individuals experiencing homelessness. Planeterra works to introduce tour companies and travellers to Wise Greece’s stores and products.

100
Food Producers
2,500
Products
Wise Greece Athens, Greece

Critical Need

Homelessness is a significant social issue in Greece, which was exacerbated by the Greek Financial Crisis which started in 2009, during which an estimated 111,000 Greek companies filed for bankruptcy. There is currently no accurate record of how many Athenians are experiencing homelessness, but the official unemployment rate hit almost 28% during the economic crisis that devastated the country over the last few years. Wise Greece is a non-profit organization with a mission to support local Greek farmers and producers, all while purchasing food for those in need.

Our Involvement

Planeterra began partnering with Wise Greece in 2020, introducing products from the organization onto the sailing itineraries of their travel partner G Adventures. Through this partnership, thousands of travellers sailing the Greek Islands will enjoy Wise Greece products such as salt, honey, tea and olive oil. Stocking these small vessels will increase Wise Greece’s revenue and is also a great marketing tool, as their products are sold internationally in destinations like Sweden and the United Kingdom. It also helps travellers to Greece give back to the local community during their visit. 

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Tamarind Gardens

September 4, 2020 Planeterra Partners

Tamarind Gardens Farm

Digana, Sri Lanka

Impact

Tamarind Gardens provides the community with training and employment opportunities in hospitality. The dairy cows and garden provide vital nutrition to households and an income source for the social enterprise, women in the community have formed a sewing cooperative as an additional source of income, and others have been employed doing various tasks for the farm and guesthouse. Tamarind Gardens has been working on a project to supply community members with water tanks to capture rainwater and store water during the dry season. The new garden project increases access to nutritional food, as well as increasing the supply of local food that can accommodate the influx of travellers. This 10 acre farm provides a necessary space for community development projects that move the village towards a sustainable future.

Through the Community Development Fund, tourism has directly supported environmental projects, new entrepreneurs and improvements to the tourism experience.

29
people employed
500
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Digana is a small community located outside of Kandy, Sri Lanka. The main source of income for community members here is dolomite mining. The techniques for this industry have proven unsustainable for the environment, and bad for the health of miners. With a very strict, traditional culture, there remains limited opportunities for women in leadership and productive activities for youth to pursue post-graduation. Many youth leave Digana after completing school to pursue vocational training elsewhere. Furthermore, due to the ongoing dry season, Digana annually faces the issue of water shortage which causes significant barriers for the community.

Our Involvement

Planeterra provided a small grant to Tamarind Gardens Farm to kick start a community garden project called FAITH (Food Always In The Home). A garden area was prepared, crops purchased and livestock obtained to start a food bank for rotational agriculture.

Households in the community take turns taking seeds, crops and livestock from the food bank, returning stock back once their crops have increased and livestock reproduced. This program increases household nutrition and access to food for community members with limited income.

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Barauli Community Homestay

September 4, 2020 Rhea Simms Partners

Barauli Community Homestay

Chitwan, Nepal

Impact

The homestay project is completely run by Tharu women, providing diversified income opportunities in the region. Several different activities and livelihoods have been built out of this homestay program, such as serving personnel and cooks, cooking class hosts, and local guides. New homestays have opened up in the region to meet the increasing demand for travellers to have authentic community experiences while in Chitwan. 

The community saves a portion of all tourism profits to be reinvested into community development including environmental projects, scholarships for students and improving the tourism experience.

26
community members earning an income
430
Community members indirectly benefitting

Critical Need

Barauli, home to the Tharu people, is a small Indigenous community near the Chitwan National Park in Nepal. The park is a popular tourism attraction that is well known for its wildlife but less known for the cultural value that it has to offer travellers.

Due to its distance from the typical tourism hotspots in the park, the Tharu residents have never been able to access the economic benefits of tourism. Limited opportunities for community members have led to engagement in illegal activities like poaching and deforestation in the park as a means of income diversification.

Our Involvement

The community homestay program was developed by Royal Mountain Travel, our ground partner, to connect travellers coming for the park’s wildlife with the rich culture of the Tharu people. The village started with 14 individual cottages that are part of the homestay program, plus a community dining hall. In 2015, Nepal was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Planeterra worked with G Adventures to immediately respond to this earthquake and launched a campaign that would raise over $200,000 CAD for long-term redevelopment of the tourism industry in Nepal. These funds helped rebuild the homes of over 150 porters, local guides, resource poor women in the tourism industry’s homes, and the remaining helped purchase seven solar panels and hot water tanks to provide electricity and hot water to the community for the first time.

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Ak Orgo

September 4, 2020 Rhea Simms Partners

Ak Orgo

Barskoon, Kyrgyzstan

Impact

The partnership with Planeterra allows Ak Orgo to create much-needed livelihood opportunities in Barskoon through tourism and handicraft production. As tourism continues to grow in Kyrgyzstan, Ak Orgo is now set up to be able to capture more of the market and grow their social enterprise. Tourism allows Ak Orgo to further its work in preserving traditional Kyrgyz craft techniques through innovating new technology and training young artists. Since the partnership began, Ak Orgo has been able to provide salaries to its employees on a regular basis. In the past, many worked for passion, but now they can support their families. The majority of employees at Ak Orgo are women.

21
people earning an income
126
community members benefitting

Critical Need

Kyrgyzstan is the second poorest economy in Central Asia. The economy went into a deep recession after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, and some of the effects are still felt today. Located in Barskoon, a community suffering from 80% unemployment, this workshop provides the opportunity for much-needed livelihoods in the craft and tourism sector. 

The preservation of traditional Kyrgyz crafts is at the heart of the Ak Orgo craft workshop in Barskoon village. Decreasing demand for the labour-intensive felt products used to decorate yurts had led Ak Orgo on a mission to innovate new ways to make traditional crafts that are efficient yet true to the culture.

Our Involvement

Ak Orgo’s purpose is creating and preserving traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts while generating livelihood opportunities in the community. The founder of Ak Orgo, Mekenbek, is working to create innovative solutions that make traditional crafts easier to produce, encouraging the younger generation to engage in the art. Ak Orgo is a social enterprise that has only recently started working in tourism.

Planeterra supported Ak Orgo with a grant to build a kitchen and a washroom to better serve travellers. Planeterra also worked through a local training organization, the Association of Social Entrepreneurs Kyrgyzstan, to develop business and marketing skills for the Ak Orgo team to help them better achieve their social goals through tourism.

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