Yachana Lodge

Yachana Lodge is next to the Napo River, close to the village of Mondana. It is set in its own 1,200-hectare section of rainforest. Every room has a view of the forest, with a private bathroom and a hot shower. Food is served in the dining room using locally grown products. Most of the workers are locals and work in the garden, kitchen and dining room. Amerindians are also employed as guides to show people the forest and local traditions. 

Activities are done in small groups (low impact) and do as little damage to the environment and local people as possible.
They educate people about the environment and the lives of local people. Activities include:

• Rainforest hiking

• Birdwatching

• Swimming in the Napo river

• Canoeing

• Visiting the local village

• Taking part in a traditional ceremony

• Visiting a local Biological research station.                                                                                             

How can ecotourism benefit people in Yachana? Environment

Economy

• Employs mostly local people. Their wages are spent in local markets.

• Local farmers have a potential new market: the tourists and the local workers who now no longer grown

  their own food.

• Ecotourists spend their money in local villages. This puts money into the local economy.

People’s lives

• As a result of jobs, locals may have money to pay for consumer goods (TV, radio etc.). Could this be

  negative? However, younger people welcome this.

• Extra money can be invested in healthcare and education – results in higher literacy levels and life

  expectancy.

• Fewer people feel the need to move away.
  

How can ecotourism lead to sustainable development?

•  Ecotourism values and conserves the natural environment and improves the well-being of local people.

• The old methods of cutting trees down did nothing but damage: soil and nutrients were washed away and farming wasn’t really an option as a result once the trees were removed.

• Ecotourism has meant that the local people realise that keeping their forest actually makes them money!

• The forest is what people come to see, so any activities must make sure that no damage is done. This ensures that there is long-term prosperity for the area.