I stayed at the Black Sheep inn in 2006...not only do they embody eco-tourism (with fully vegeterian meals using locally sourced produce and composting toilets), they also address social justice and poverty alleviation through engaging the local community in a variety of ways:
- Provide local school children with free computer classes
- Hire local villagers as guides to provide tours
- Incorporate local businesses (such as the local cheese factory) into the tours which increases their sales
- Assist other, locally-run inns in developing their business (so they are not even monopolizing the local tourist industry, they are actually stimulating it by bringing people to what is an incredibly remote region connected only by a several-hour bus journey that runs once or twice a day).

Not to mention the breathtaking landscape, which obviously BSI cannot take credit for!

Highly recommended.

S. Mills, Brooklyn, NY

I stayed at the inn a few years back and was affected enough by it to keep the site bookmarked. The owners work ethic and commitment is to be admired. From nothing they have established something truly unique. Their ideas and energy are to be commended. The impact on the local community can not be oversated. This is not to mention the warmth and comfort provided to the traveller - for ane entirely reasonable cost. It is a special location with grand views run by by two very special people who are a credit to their nation (whethere they like it or not...). The world would be a better place with more spots like the BSI.

The work of these guys is amazing!!! Keep the good work!!!

Great views... totally overpriced!!. I have been twice in the BSI... First time 6 years ago 2nd time last year... not impressed with the lack of any improvement at all with the facilities... same old "eco" toilets and cookies. A notable exception are the not so new tiny houses up the hill with an even better view.

Besides I wonder why the owners want to sell the place for over a US$1 million dollars. Is that in order to make a contribution to the locals...?

Macarra

My wife and I stayed at the BSI in 2006 and were very impressed with their technological innovation. But more importantly, we were awed by their determination to have a positive impact on the the local community. The programs they have started have made a difference in people's lives and shown that it is truly possible to "do well by doing good." I hope we can return to help in their good work.

The Black Sheep Inn was one of my first stops on a two and a half month backpacking trip across South America. After the trip was over, I wished I could go back to Chugchilan and spend more time there. Black Sheep Inn is THE most amazing place I have ever been. From the people to the sustainable development, I had never experienced such compassion for our world as I did there.
The ideas and concepts Andres and Michelle put into place are ingenious. If the rest of the world used even half of the ideas that are put into place at the Black Sheep Inn we would be better off by leaps and bounds.

In 2006 I traveled to Ecuador with a group of friends from a Minnesota Rovers, an outdoor group. We spent 4 nights at Black Sheep in and loved what Andres and Michelle have created--both from an ecological and community enhancing perspective. The location is breathtaking, and the opportunities for day trips and immersion in the local area were excellent. We enjoyed the food, the practices, and the beauty all around (including the view from the composting toilet!)

As a traveler looking for experiences like this, I strongly support Andres suggestion/request for a united ecotourism organization that would benefit all of these wonderful places through shared information. This would also be helpful for those of us looking for these experiences (and would increase our ability to support them).

Having stayed at the Black Sheep Inn over New Years Eve this year, I fully support everything they say. It felt that every aspect of running the accommodation had been considered in terms of recycyling, community development, sustainable living and the current issues of global warming.

The compost toilets are absolute genius to say nothing of the stunning views you have! I loved the fact that even the shower water is not wasted and goes immediately to water the vegetable patches.

All trips organised were faciliated by locals and it felt both refreshing and rewarding to know that the money you paid reached the people it should and as a result both they and the community benefit rather than the usual guides who see very little of the large sums of money you pay.

They have a very unique and respected relationship with the local community and it seems every decision they make in terms of development the community is considered.

I think this is a very special place and it certainly made me think twice about the world and eco-tourism. We always now try to book somewhere with a local community benefit and consider where we buy produce from and ofcourse recycled toilet paper. I would definately go back and urge anyone who is serious about eco-toursim to visit - they certainly could teach you a thing or two.

traceyliles@hotmail.com

Our family stayed at Black Sheep Inn in August 2006. Our personal experience matches BSI's description in this entry. We found the lodge and staff consistently promoted the local area in a friendly, inclusive way. The culture of BSI is as important as its practical achievements. We enjoyed our stay and came back home motivated to find ways to apply those same principles in our daily lives.

Congratulations to BSI! We loved our stay and we left much more aware of the local economy and culture of the region.

I love the lodge's ecological amenities. One washes in rainwater from the roof. The toilets use no water - they are composting. And they do not smell! Michelle and Andres have a wonderful relationship with the people in the small town that is next to the lodge and are doing many things (recycling being one) to improve their lives. I had the chance to see the wonderful computer room and library in the town, both of which are sponsored by the Black Sheep Inn.

We have stayed twice at the Black Sheep Inn and have been so impressed by the lodge and by the owners, Andres and Michelle. They have a wonderful relationship with the local village and residents. Their partnership with them shows what can be done. They think hard about the whole environment and have become a large, but unobtrusive, part of the village. Andres is in charge of garbage; Michelle donates time teaching at the school. The village is their home, and they are wonderful neighbors.

I discovered the Black Sheep Inn and the parroquia of Chugchilan as a writer on rural tourism for the Spanish quarterly EcoHabitar.

What Andres Hammerman and Michelle Kirby had done in Chugchilan was so impressive, not only did the magazine print an article about the Black Sheep Inn, but also ran a side column that analized the success of their business model and the inn´s role both as a catalyst for social and economic betterment in the community and as an advocate for the natural heritage of the region.

True to their original commitment to both people and place,they base their current entry in this forum on widening the opportunities, as well as the consciousness of all their neighbours. The inn and the comunity are living proof of what a combination of passion, vision and common sense can achieve.

My husband and I stayed at the Black Sheep Inn in January of 2007. We were very impressed that it was a true eco-lodge with amazing organically grown food and composting toilets. We were also impressed by the non-exploitative relationship they had with the local villages in the area. Every aspect of the eco-technology being employed impressed us and they seem to have precisely the right attitude about supporting the community they have become an important part of.

They get our votes!

John Harvey and Lisa Sewell

Hi Michelle and Andres!

So glad to see this entry in the geotourism contest. We still think about the trip we had to Chugchillan and how wonderful it was.

We only had a few minor comments about your answers above. The content was very good but thought some of the answers could've been clearer or more directly answered the question being asked.

1. With this question "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?"

I think your answer seemed scattered so the points didn't come across clearly. I would clearly delineate the positive impacts you've had on the community and the things you have in place to prevent negative impacts. All the content is there, just a little scattered.

2. The answers for these two questions look flipped "How does your program promote traveler enthusiasm, satisfaction, and engagement with the locale?" and "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?"

Wish we had more helpful feedback. Good luck!!
Lara and Maneesh

My husband took his daughters to the Black Sheep for a family vacation in 2002, scouting out places in Ecuador where he had been taken by his parents in the early 40s. He returned to the Black Sheep with me, his wife, for another visit two years later and we will return again and again, I hope, to this wonderful place.

The Black Sheep is a model geo-ecotourism community, offering comfort and hospitality to its guests in environmentally sound and sensible ways, preserving the natural and cultural milieu and fostering the well-being of the area's native population.

I had the priviledge of visiting Andy and Michelle at the Black Sheep Inn several years back. Their commitment to environmental friendliness and community relations is their top priority. Every choice they seem to make involves a deep contemplation of its impact on the environment and the members of their community. They have created an incredibly hospitable and comfortable eco-tourism lodge, without compromising the aforementioned values. As a result of their dedication to these higher values, they have created an enhanced tourist experience, one that moves guests to reevaluate their own impact on the world around them. On so many levels, The Black Sheep Inn is making the world a better place!

The Black Sheep Inn is an incredible place. After spending a week there, I am humbled in how much I have to learn about truly living my ideals. They are amazing, thorough, and genuine in their efforts to not only live, but run a business in a sustainable way, but also to inspire others to do the same. The true beauty of the Inn is that they manage to teach and lead without ever condescending. The respect for the community and culture of the area are as powerful as the respect for the natural environment. It is a rarity to find a place that is so truly what it claims and hopes to be.

Dear Andres and Michelle,
I am delighted to learn how much further you have developed links with the local community. Your efforts in ecotourism at the Black Sheep Inn have been impressive for some years now, but it is particularly interesting to learn that you have supported local people in setting up their own inns and that you give them so much encouragement in recycling, etc. Chugchilan really is on the map now, but in a protected way.
Congratulations,
Wendy

I visited the Black Sheep Inn in November 2006 and was utterly impressed. They have a fine operation there in the wilds of the Andes. This is eco-tourism at its best. The compost toilets, the first I have seen in Latin America. The involvement, long term, of local people was evident in the Inn every day.

I spent an afternoon at the local village school, and watched staff from the Inn volunteering teaching English to local children. Staff went to the village to collect the garbage, with local people. The whole thing was most impressive and has made a definite improvement in the quality of life of the village. Even though it was hard to get to I would go again, partly drawn by the impact the Black Sheep Inn has had on the local community. All positive. Wonderful. I recommend them for your competition. Mary O'Donovan, Vancouver Canada.

I stayed at the Black Sheep Inn in March, 2007, and was amazed by Andres and Michelle's commitment to improving the local environment, estqablishing a sustainable tourist facility, and engaging and educating the local community.

I stayed at the Black Sheep Inn in March, 2007, and was amazed by Andres and Michelle's commitment to improving the local environment, estqablishing a sustainable tourist facility, and engaging and educating the local community.

It is ten years since we visited the Black Sheep Inn but we were very impressed when we stayed there and have recommended others to visit and watched its development ever since.
Arriving with some suspicions about just how environmental this place was going to be we were impressed by the direction and commitment of those involved and amused by the composting toilets with a view to rival anything.
As a wildlife artist with concerns about the environment it was very encouraging to find a small corner of Ecuador where some really positive things were happening.
Whilst cultivating the slopes measures were being taken to avoid soil erosion that were innovative but traditionally based and much was in progress to improve sustainability.
Local people were employed at the inn, given training and responsibility and treated with equality and respect.
There seemed to be a good rapport with the local community and from my point of view some interesting and varied wildlife to see and enjoy including some amazing moths, lizards and birds.
It was also a good place to network and we were able to share experiences with a wide range of travellers.

Having studied International Development and spent my adult years roaming for sustainable community based innovations I can sincerely say that the Black Sheep is the finest example of two people keeping open hearts and making a real difference in the lives of others.

I've known the Black Sheep Inn and its efforts as a business and members of the community. It is a beautiful location. It is fully integrated in the community in a positive way that promotes home-grown leadership. The BSI has made every effort to care for the local ecosystem and encourages their neighbours to do the same. The positive impact is due to the BSI's holistic approach, meticulous efforts and deep compassion.

You've got my vote.

Love unconditionally,

Iain

I had the pleasure recently of staying at The Black Sheep Inn. Never before in my life have I experienced a more resourceful and welcoming place. To be in the presence of these two giving people on a daily basis was truly inspiring. Andres and Michelle are the definition of teamwork and community and definitely deserve this award!

We spent several days at the Black Sheep Inn in July 0f 2006. We wished we could have stayed longer. The Black Sheep Inn is a shining example of sustainable development. The Inn has enhanced the lives of the people in its community as well as those of its visitors, demonstrating committment, intelligence and compassion as it educates. From its composting toilets (perhaps the most beautiful bathrooms we have ever seen)to its amazing meals, it was a wonderful place to stay. The BSI and the community have formed a partnership that was undeniable and apparent to any visitor. The BSI connected us to local guides for our hikes, and the BSI was very clearly much more than just a business in the town.

It became very clear to us, as we hiked in the area, that there was mutual respect and affection between the local people and The BSI.

Even if my name was not Hammerman, I would rave about the Black Sheep Inn! Andy and Michelle have built the perfect sustainable ecolodge. After a short stay of only 2 nights, we continue to rave about our experience in Chugchilan! Andy and Michelle's involvement in the community, the 'handbuilt' sustainable accommodations, the more than friendly atmosphere, proximity of the rainforest, local cheese factory, and more - all contribute to this perfect environment. We recommend it to anyone - a great nomination!!

I could describe the Black Sheep Inn with innovating and exciting words as that is what it is. They have inspired, motivated and educated the local community, by supporting them and empowering them to start their own business, as well as assisting them in the substainable and educational side. The community still have that fastinating Andean character that tourist love, but offer so much more if you take or have the time to stay and find out. On the surface is a tripical and Andean community, my stay at the Black Sheep Inn, found more. The friendly and warm loving community that would embrace you; they saw Michelle and Andres as part of that community who were leading the way forward in innovation ideas. One instance in particularly that I exerience , was during the dry season, no rain, low water table, water was very scarce and often non-existence. This is a major problem world wide not just here in the Andean highlands, but Andres held discussions and developed ideas to deal with this problem, and for this community there was a solution. The positivity from the locals towards what Black Sheep Inn has brought to the community, without radically changing the character, is inspirational.

Took our kids to the Black Sheep - composting toilets were a firm favourite. The Inn is the most sustainable i've stayed in - from the loos to the permaculture to the recycling computers. Their work with the local community is though the most impressive and important part of their work and is a great example of how to go about it for anyone else considering a similar project

In the course of my work I have travelled extensively in Ecuador, visiting tourist installations, towns and villages, there's hardly a corner of this country I don't know.
The BSI is in my opinion one of the few Eco-lodges which understands what the word really means, and has acted on that knowledge. The use of permaculture, encompassing recycling, composting and care of the earth is very obvious in all the ongoing projects at the Inn and in the community. Chugchilan's residents have moved in a few short years, from barely sustainable existance with major migration of the young people to the cities, into a sustainable comunity with real wages, improved education, healthcare and opportunities. An example to all who still think that "eco" means a bit of greenery and better sales.

What sort of changes have you seen in the nearby communities as they have developed tourism enterprises? And if you knew back when you started BSI what you know now, would you make any changes in how you developed your relations with the community leaders?

BSI is inspirational, the work of Andres and Michelle in the community and postive outcomes and impacts is outstanding and a model for other grass roots community projects. The lodge is also a place for travellers to learn about practival environmetak solutions (love the composting toliet). It is great to BSI in the competition and I wish them all the best.

Hope to visit again.

Stan

Andres and Michelle,
Great to see your entry in Changemaker's competition. Hardly a day goes by that i don't think or talk about the experience our families had at BSI last summer. We're gradually trying to bring what we learned in Chugchilan back to Massachusetts. Yesterday Aidan got two chickens and had the first free range organic egg for breakfast this morning. Happy kid! I'm excited about your idea for an eco-tourism association to share best practices and expand the ideal. We will direct people your way with similar aspirations.
All the best, Ed McCarthy, Lexington, MA

I was lucky enough to be able to personally get an impression of Chugchilan and the BSI and i am happy to say that it was an incredible experience. It was impressive to see how the various projects launched by the BSI in cooperation with the locals helped improve conditions and build new structures. The frequent interactions with locals always struck me as very honest and sincere. At the BSI itself, the water-management and preservations system, but most of all the composting toilets are nothing short of inspirational and should serve as models for sustainable eco-tourism projects.
All the best for the future and i am glad to hear that the recycling project is making good project!
2 thumbs up!!!
G.B.

I took a break from motherhood finding BSI online while searching for a place to visit which was isolated. When I arrived at the inn I found myself in my personal paradise! I'm an obsessive re-cycler and guilt-ridden American and now I'm enthusiastically spreading the word about composting toilets to anyone with land to build one (I get funny looks). I loved the vegetarian meals, meeting the locals, and the positive impact the inn had on the surrounding community (I bought locally knit hats from them). Wow! Next time I'll bring the kids to show them how we can all vacation in a way to preserve the nature and culture of the places we visit. I know I'll be hard-pressed to find a place which is as faithful to its mission as Black Sheep Inn.

Dear Michel and Andy,

We travelled a lot around the world, and stayed in many lodges.This was one of the best -ecolodges. Food was good, very friendly staff. It was exciting to stay at the Black Sheep Inn. It was a unique travelling experience.Michelle and Andy's passion for eco tourism, environmental practices and cultural awareness is matched by their commitment and dedication to the community of Chugchilan. We visited the lodge 13/07/07 and 14/07/07 We came from Lasso. It is a perfect stop ( very quiet) between Lasso and Banos. Michel and Andy, thank you very much for your hospitality and we wish you good luck in the competition.
Keep up the great job!!
Rob and Ann

We very much support this entry. The philosophy behind the Black Sheep is excellent and, having stayed there on more than one occasion we can testify that it works. The Black Sheep is also very much involved with community projects. A very worthy entry indeed

Black Sheep Inn was the highlight of our visit to Ecuador. Getting there is not for the faint of heart....but once there, it was everything we had signed on for. The Inn is an outstanding example of how sustainable practices can make it possible for outsiders to see "real life" in a developing country without being overly intrusive. From shared, organic meals of local food to the composting toliets, the BSI contributes to the local community and leaves a very small footprint. Hats off to Andres and Michelle for living out their dream and allowing us to participate in it and learn from the experience.

There is a difference between being a tourist location and creating lasting change and growth for an area and that is the difference you will find at the Black Sheep Inn. They are a part of the community and looking for opportunities to share the wonder of the area and the people with travelers all around the world while at the same time, embracing and encompassing all the area is instead of exploiting it. It is a place to be one with God in the beauty He created that surrounds you with people that want to keep it that way.

My name is Jenny Aragundy. I work on ecological sanitation since 2000 in Ecuador and Latina America and the Caribbean by ECOSANLAC. I wonder always why the majority of the lodges or hostels that we have in Ecuador called themselves ecoturistic places if all that make them ecologically friendly was the marvelous biodiversity of the country, but the way in which those are managed isn't ecologically friendly at all. Black Sheep Inn on the contrary is one of the few resorts in Ecuador which can be called ECOTURISTIC and is doing a great job in this area, contributing also with the local development and being an example of integral and sustainable sanitation.

The Black Sheep Inn provides a venue for "First World" cultures and the local Quechuan culture to interact. The result can benefit both sides as face-to-face contact gives a chance for both to see the humanity in each. The local indigenous culture can learn and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of their visiting guests and the outside visitors can learn an important lesson of how important the attachment to our Mother Earth is for human survival and happiness.
Although the technology of the developed nations gives humanity many great things it can lead us astray from our important responsibilities to the very ecosystems that have created us. The attachment of the Andean communities to the land and the unique ecosystem of tropical highland Ecuador is an important lesson forgotten by many of the so-called developed "advanced" cultures. A sensible, nurtured development of the people of this incredible land can preserve those values while benefitting its new generation.