Country: Ecuador

Organization: ECOVITA ORGANIC CAMPING & FARM

Year the initiative began: 2005

Project Website: www.vivecovita.com

Positioning in the Mosaic of solutions:

• Main barrier addressed: Lack of local input
• Main insight addressed: Incorporate sustainable practices

What is the goal of your innovation?
We are a Organic Lodge & Camping, dedicated to the sustainable tourism; located in Pallatanga-Ecuador, where you will be able to enjoy the immersed nature in the biological diversity of your surroundings

How does your approach support or embody geotourism?
ECOVITA is committed to develop throughout the organization, its Policy Management for Sustainable Tourism; based on the following principles: Develop, implement and periodically review a Sustainable Tourism Management System that provides the appropriate framework to ensure a process of continuous improvement Meet with the applicable law, the requirements agreed with clients, national and international standards generally, and with any commitments voluntarily acquired . Provide ongoing training and adequate information in the field of environmental education, and respect for local cultures, rescue and protection of cultural heritage, environmental impacts, management of liquid discharges, flora and fauna, savings and consumption of water and energy management solid waste, safety and sanitation, supplies and suppliers; to all staff, so that the Policy for Sustainable Tourism is known, developed and maintained daily by all levels of the Company Implement an information management system Sustainable Tourism which ensure compliance with this policy and to include action plans relating to the axes: Environmental, Economic and Sociocultural of the main principles: Sustainable Development System Prevention of Pollution Increased customer satisfaction Continuing improvement in performance Reduction or workplace hazards Evaluate the environmental impacts and risks to maintain sustainable tourism in all projects, investments and businesses that Ecovita undertake. Integrate the collaborators in the active commitment to improve sustainability. Ensure that all employees own and suppliers receive adequate training to be competent in carrying out their duties. Evaluate the operational performance indicators and management in carrying out this policy through audits.

Describe your approach in detial. How is it innovative?
Policies and Planning We have manual of operations and functions Quality We observe and handle quality norms Communication and Trade Fairs, direct marketing, web pag Qualification to the Personnel We have a program of qualification to the personnel in all the areas stays Design and Construction We consider construction materials from the zone Salubrity and Security We observe quality and hygiene norms Provisions and Suppliers We prioritized local suppliers goods of natural and nonpolluting origin

What types of partnerships or professional developement would be most beneficial in spearding your innovation?
Local Communities

In one sentence describe what kind of impact, change, or reform your approach is intended to achieve.
Conservation and preservation of the environment and harmony in the quality of life of the community

Describe the degree of success of your approach to date. Clearly define how you measure quantitative and qualitative impact in terms of how your approach contributes to the sustainability or enhancement of local culture, environment, heritage, or aesthetics? How does your approach minimize negative impacts?
We promote and participate in the social activities in the community We promote and participate in the Sustainable Tourism Foundation of Pallatanga We stimulate the product purchase of the zone and crafts Christmas breakfast for 80 children of the Tigrera and Santiagos Communities We spread the town history We respect and promote conduct norms towards the communities

How does your program promote traveler enthusiasm, satisfaction, and engagement with the locale?
Customer File Analysis satisfied the community Analysis of the customer satisfied

In what ways are local residents actively involved in your innovation, including participation and community input? How has the community responded to or benefited from your approach?
Training continued to the community Analysis of satisfaction Participation in community projects

Describe how your innovation helps travelers and local residents better understand the value of the area's cultural and natural heritage, and educates them on local environmental issues. How do you motivate them to act responsibly in their future travel decisions?
We have a folder where the customer is detailed in which we work and how they can implement it and invite our projects with the community

Is your initiative financially and organizationally sustainable? If not, what is required to make it so? What is the potential demand for your innovation?
Yes

How is your initiative currently financed? If available, provide information on your finances and organization that could help others. Please list: Annual budget, annual revenue generated, size of part-time, full-time and volunteer staff.
A

What is your plan to expand your approach? Please indicate where/how you would like to grow or enhance your innovation, or have others do so.
A

What are the main barriers you encounter in managing, implementing, or replicating your innovation? What barriers keep your program from having greater impact?
A

What is the origin of your innovation? Tell your story.
I am the manager owner

Please provide a personal bio. Note this may be used in Changemakers' marketing material.
A

Please write an overview of your project. This text will appear when people scroll over the icon for your entry on the Google map located on teh competition homepage.
We are a Organic Lodge & Camping, dedicated to the sustainable tourism; located in Pallatanga-Ecuador, where you will be able to enjoy the immersed nature in the biological diversity of your surroundings

Contact Information
MR RICARDO SALAZAR
Your Job Title
ECOVITA ORGANIC CAMPING & FARM
ecovita@hotmail.com
rsalazar@vivecovita.com