In the heart of the province of Misiones, Argentina, a tourism project in the community Yasi Porá is transforming the lives of communities and indigenous empowerment, setting a new standard for sustainable tourism.
This project, led by the Indigenous Tourism Directorate and supported by strategic partnerships with international and governmental organizations, is proving that tourism can be a positive force, empowering communities, preserving their culture, and protecting the environment.
Strategic partnerships for the development of community tourism
The key to the success of this project lies in the strategic partnerships that have been established. Collaboration with the Canadian foundation Planeterra, dedicated to promoting community tourism globally, has been fundamental.
New infrastructure on the community trail[/caption>
Thanks to this alliance, a bathroom has been built on the tourist trail of Yasi Porá, improving the infrastructure for visitors and setting an important precedent by allowing the G Adventures tourism agency to market the indigenous tourism venture directly and without intermediaries.
In addition, the government of the province of Misiones has provided invaluable support through a $3,500,000 grant, driven by the Ministry of Tourism.
This support has allowed the start of the Sustainable Roots program, aimed at replicating the existing nursery in the Yasi Porá community in other communities, promoting reforestation and offsetting the environmental impact of tourism.
Community tourism and indigenous empowerment
Community tourism is not only about improving infrastructure and attracting visitors, but above all, about indigenous empowerment, allowing them to take control of their own development.
Enhancing value for sustainable development
Through this project, communities are adopting new processes and organizing internally to offer a high-quality service, on par with the traditional tourist offer of the Iguazú destination.
The Iriapú community, for example, has actively participated in the enhancement of the nursery process, building significant capacities in construction matters.
This type of participation not only strengthens the skills of community members, but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride in their culture and territory.
A sustainable tourism model
The community tourism project in Misiones is a model of sustainable tourism in action.
By empowering indigenous communities, preserving their culture, and protecting the environment, it is proving that tourism can be a positive force for change.
Embracing nature with communities
Collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism of Misiones, the Indigenous and Community Tourism Directorate, the Green Ecologist Foundation, and the Transforming The Future program, driven by Universal Assistance, Zurich Foundation, and Plan 21 Foundation, has been fundamental to the success of this project.
The future of community tourism in Misiones
Thanks to the support of the provincial government, strategic partnerships, and the hard work of indigenous communities, a sustainable development model is being built that can serve as an example for other regions of the world and has a bright future.
As stated by Iván Piedrabuena, Co-Founder Volunteer of Mbya en Turismo: “It is essential to recognize the conviction and support with which indigenous tourism is promoted by the Governor and the Minister of Tourism, as well as by various provincial state agencies that collaborate interdisciplinarily.”
“We see significant evolution – he continued – starting with the recognition of indigenous governance by various actors in the territory, optimizing the resources allocated for the progress of the communities. Also as bridges for new alliances that are emerging and that will be key to the long-term sustainability of the organization, which plays a fundamental role in bringing communities closer to good living, through Community-Based Indigenous Tourism.”
