Ecological village
"Jardín de las orquídeas"
Project - Volunteers
Come and visit us!
Community Project in the Ecological Village "Orchids Garden"
PROJECT
Presently the Communities of this area belong to the Chontapunta Parish and are located within the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve (SBR).
In 1974, UNESCO Program "Man an the Biosphere"
suggested the creation of Biosphere Reserves as a management tool to include human activities aimed at preserving the biological and cultural diversities through sustainable use of natural resources; these include the rain forests of the Napo Province, regarded as one of the world's ecological region
with the greatest biological wealth
thanks for its year round permanent rain and its extensive forest.
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However, this whole natural wealth is threatened with the accelerated destruction of the forest, by the settlers as well as the Natives. The construction of a road suitable for vehicle traffic leading to our Community hastened the deforestation as the income generated by logging is a strong motivator for lumber trade and related activities, a tremendous challenge for our Organization looking for alternate solutions in its search for ways to improve people's revenues without destroying the natural environment.
One possible option we are presently working at is the "Community ecological Tourism". |
The area managed by the ACOPROCOR Organization covers approximately 350 hectares belonging to its partners whom, desiring to preserve its natural resources, decided to declare it "Natural Reserve".
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Our objectives are as follow: SHORT TERM OBJECTIVES To work jointly, involving all partners, in an orderly and well planned manner, developing adequate tools for the management of community ecological tourism. To generate revenues that will allow us to improve our quality of life and slow down deforestation resulting from excessive logging. To inspire a culture of love and respect for the area's natural resources and ecosystems. To strengthen the development of community self-management. LONG TERM OBJECTIVES: To extend the natural reserve area. To set-up standards for an ecologic community model |
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VOLUNTEERS
The "Ecological Village Orchids Garden" needs the commitment of volunteers ready to stand with us and help setting up in motion these projects which goals are extremely healthy and beneficial for the Human Being.
VOLUNTARY WORK AND OBSERVATION STAYS
For those dreaming to visit the Amazon wilderness in one of its richest biodiversity in Ecuador, and help preserving it, we offer the opportunity to fulfill your dreams and be part of the development of community ecotourism.
The Ecological Amazon Village Orchids Garden, a natural reserve covering 350 hectares of rain forest, offers a program of volunteer work and observation stays through various activities such as: development of medicinal and ornamental plants nurseries, community ecotourism development, environmental education, community investment programs, community services, organic agriculture, reforestation and more.
Projects available during the 2005-2006 period:
1 - Planning, implementation and development of ecotourism within the Ecological Amazon Village Orchids Garden.
Objective:
To retrieve the tourist and cultural points of interest and set-up a plan for the promotion of community tourism in the Ecological Village Orchids Garden. Through the community tourism that we offer, the visitor will be able to share the way of life of agricultural labourers in a rural Community. He will be able to learn about the customs and healthy lifestyle surrounded by natural splendour.
Community tourism is one of the best alternate options to improve revenues without draining the forest resources, and at the same time to facilitate a certain communion between Man and Nature.
2 - Creation of a medicinal plants nursery.
Goal: To grow, care and protect the various medicinal plants of the Amazon known for their healing properties.
3 - Development of tilapia fish farming.
Goal: To help farm workers to improve harvest of the tilapia fish through enhanced fish farming methods that will contribute improving the financial income of the ecological Village inhabitants.
4 - Protection of the rain forest
Goal: To care and protect the Amazon ecosystems.
Volunteers as well as visitors to the Ecological Village will also be allowed to contribute and propose research, preservation and management projects for the Amazon biodiversity according to their professional training and personal knowledge. During their stay in our Village, volunteers and visitors will also have the opportunity to practice the Spanish language. At all time they will be able to rely on guides to show them around during their daily activities.
Please, contact us through:
COMMUNITY TOURISM IN THE "AMAZON ECOLOGICAL VILLAGE ORCHIDS GARDEN"
Colonia Los Ríos, Parroquia Chontapunta, Cantón Tena, Provincia de
Napo - Contact: Lourdes Granja or Nicolás Díaz
Tel.: (06) 2888578
By mail: Lourdes Granja
Avenida Pano 164 y Serafín Gutiérrez - Tena - Ecuador