Great Things Take Time

April 15, 2017

In 2015, Scona High School’s Treehouse Project fundraiser initiated an eco-tourism project in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador with Change for Children. The goal of the project was to promote a sustainable venture and increase economic opportunities for local indigenous peoples.

After much planning and community involvement, the Volunteer Hostel, Community Garden and Medicinal Plant Nursery in the community of Pilche in the Sucumbios province in northeast Ecuador is nearing construction completion!

The locally-operated hostel, named Strathcona Lodge by 2017 Scona students, will provide accommodation for volunteers working in the local indigenous communities on activities such as medical brigades, scientific studies, and permaculture work on the community garden or medicinal plant nursery. The local indigenous communities will benefit economically, cooperatively, and collectively.

And while development projects in remote communities can sometimes take some time as many steps are necessary to guarantee sustainability. We hope that you will share in our excitement that this initiative is off the ground (like any solid Treehouse Project should be – literally!) and, now that the leg work is completed, is well-positioned for long-term results and sustainability!

On behalf of the people of Pilche, please accept our sincere appreciation for the your support of this project!

 

eco-tourism economic development Ecuador In The Field Indigenous Peoples