Preparing Barahona for Eco-Tourism
Just came back and sat in on a meeting where I was introduced to the:
Alianza Estrategica para Desarollo Ecoturistica de Paraiso
This foundation which includes the Peace Corps. has begun an initiative to educate the community on conservation and environmental responsibility.
So far about 100, 7th-8th graders have sign on to participate in the classes beginning May 23.
In the initial town hall meeting over 300 locals from the community showed up and as one of the founders Cristobal Leger jokingly said to me, he didn't even have to offer refreshments or beer.
Seriously, the community is excited about the prospects of Paraiso developing in a new and true eco-tourist location.
There are a couple of new eco-spots. One is La Mami Eco-Resort which is very rustic and catering to those that enjoy adventure and roughing it. It is located high in the mountains of Paraiso with incredible view of both the town of Paraiso and the Caribbean Ocean. A rarity, the owner, Spaniard Joel Bringue who fell in love with beauty of Paraiso, is very active in the community and fighting hard to develop the consciousness of the community of the importance of eco-sustainability.
This is important and the right method of: first developing the human infrastructure and then the projects.
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