Ecotourism Experience in Kapawi, Ecuador
Case Study C0223
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| Date | 1998 |
| Agency | Canodros |
| Donor/support agency | OINAE (Indigenous Organization of Ecuadorean Nationalities) |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | indigenous territory |
| Geographic coverage | Ecuador |
| Locality | Achuar territory |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/landscape |
| Development focus | Local comunities |
| Conservation goals | Avoid negative ecological impacts |
| Poverty reduction goals | Provide sustainable economic opportunities to the local community |
Summary
Kapawi is located in the Archuar territory, in a region characterized by a high level of biological diversity, with some 20.000 plant species and over 400 species of birds. The Archur have been living on this land for a very long time in a nearly self-sustaining manner. However, during the 1990s the Archuar started changing their way of life and began to suffer from the lack of income generating opportunities. The Archuar were therefore happy to accept, in 1996, the offer made to them by Canodros, a well-known Galapagos tour operator, to create a sustainable ecotourism enterprise. According to the agreement signed between the two parties, Canodros would: 1) fund the construction of the ecolodge at the Kapawi lagoon; 2) build and operate the ecotourism lodge and create a marketing network for 15 years, after which period the Achuar will manage the entire operation; 3) train the Achuar in all activities required to manage and market the lodge; 4) employ a majority of Achuar people; 5) pay a monthly rent of $2,000 for the use of the territory; 6) establish a $10 entrance fee per tourist; 7) establish joint initiatives to improve the health and education systems in the Achuar territory. The Achuar agreed to contribute all building materials, free airstrip access, and to restrict hunting in the areas designated for ecotourism.
Kapawi represents today an important experiment in ecotourism, rain forest conservation, and community participation.
Conservation impact
The building of the bungalows was carried out by Achuar employees who followed traditional concepts of architecture, and used traditional materials. An extensive system of hikes and river trips prevents the overuse of trails from tourists.
Poverty reduction impact
16 communities now participate in the project, deriving some 45% of their total income from employment and selling products to the ecotourism project. In addition, the Kapawi project has leveraged $190,000 in investment in community development contributions by NGOs, including the contribution of short wave radios and funds to prepare a management plan for the Kapawi Ecological Reserve.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Local conservation enterprise opportunities
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://conserveonline.org/docs/2005/08/America%20Verde%20Community%20Participation.pdf
Reference 2
http://www.kapawi.com/