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We are grateful for the recognition we have received over the past 15 years.
2008 - Best project in natural resource management, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León.
2009 - Reference model in "The role of education for sustainable development in natural resource management, research and international cooperation", UNESCO, Univ Greiswald.
2009 - Reference model in "Conservation and Management of Biodiversity in Tropics", Univ. Göttingen, Germany.
2010 - National award for best project to "Promote Culture in Natural Protected Areas". CONANP.
2011 - Recognition for "Best nature tourism product in Mexico", SECTUR.
2012 - Reference model at the "International Development Design Summit", Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
2013 - High impact social enterprise in Mexico, New Ventures, 2013.
2014 - present. Training Company and Evaluation Entity for Nature Oriented Tourist Guides based on NOM-09-TUR-2002 in Mexico.
2016 - Honorable Mention for Nature Conservation in Mexico, CONANP.
2018 - International Visitor Leadership Program, US Embassy.
2019 - Future Leaders Connect, for public policy design in Mexico, British Counsil.
2019 - Visionaris, high-impact social enterprise, UBS Bank, Switzerland.
2019 - CEMEX-TEC Community Entrepreneurship Award Finalists.
2020 - Silver Winner World Travel Market Latin America Responsible Tourism Award
2022 - Three Global Inspiring Tour Operators Award. Adventure Travel Trade Association.
2024 - Coordinators of the LATAM Responsible Tourism Recognition in the category of Biodiversity Conservation, World Travel Market
Regenerative tourism is emerging as a key alternative for sustainable development, within the framework of the project: "Market Ready Tourism and Tri-national Cooperation: Connecting tourism businesses with specialized businesses to strengthen their potential impact in Mexico and Guatemala". enabling local communities to manage their resources in an autonomous and sustainable manner. In this context, La Mano del Mono, together with the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ), has led a strategic effort to reduce the digital divide in community enterprises through the donation of computer equipment, a fundamental tool for competitiveness in the global tourism market.
The Impact of the Digital Divide on Community Tourism
Community-based nature tourism enterprises, many of them located in rural areas and far from large urban centers, often face challenges in fully integrating into national and international tourism markets. Lack of access to appropriate technology limits their ability to promote their services, establish business relationships with specialized tour operators and access online booking platforms. It also hinders efficient internal management, from customer service to accounting and operational planning.
With the increasing digitization of markets, this technological disadvantage puts community enterprises in a less competitive position, causing their valuable work in conservation and local development to go unnoticed in the face of more commercial and accessible online options.
Equipment Donation: A Step Toward Global Competitiveness
These tools will allow beneficiary businesses to access opportunities that previously might have been out of reach, such as the ability to be featured on international tourism portals, manage online bookings in real time, conduct more effective digital marketing campaigns and ultimately attract a greater number of visitors interested in authentic and sustainable experiences.
Connecting with Specialty Markets: A Transformational Impact
Connecting with niche markets is essential for community-based tourism businesses to stand out in an increasingly competitive sector. These markets value not only the tourism offerings, but also the businesses' commitment to environmental conservation and community development. The donated computer equipment will enable these businesses to highlight their unique attributes-such as their link to nature and their focus on sustainability-in a more efficient and professional manner, gaining crucial visibility with conscious consumers seeking experiences with positive impact.
In addition, access to technology will help companies take advantage of new trends in tourism, such as the regenerative tourismwhich focuses on experiences that not only minimize environmental impact, but actively contribute to the regeneration of local ecosystems. With the right digital tools, these companies can more effectively communicate their values and conservation efforts, which in turn strengthens their image and positioning in a niche market.
Beyond Competitiveness: Sustainability and Resilience
Strengthening these community enterprises through technology not only has economic, but also social and environmental implications. Improving their competitiveness and connectivity fosters local job creation, generates income that contributes to the well-being of communities and promotes the conservation of surrounding ecosystems. Ultimately, access to digital tools strengthens the resilience of these businesses in the face of global market challenges and the impacts of climate change, ensuring their long-term sustainability.
The donation of computer equipment in Oaxaca and Puerto Vallarta represents a significant step forward in the consolidation of a more sustainable and resilient nature tourism. These actions reaffirm the commitment of La Mano del Mono, GIZ and local communities to strengthen community-based tourism as a key tool for sustainable development. Technology not only bridges the digital divide, but also opens doors to a future in which community enterprises can thrive, generating benefits for both local communities and the biodiversity they protect.
Acknowledgments and Collaboration
We would like to express our deep appreciation to the key institutions involved in this process:
The processes of this project are facilitated with the collaboration of the La Mano del Mono (LMDM) team, in particular Karla Rivera y Ethel ÁriasWe always thank them for their commitment and passion. We also count on the support of Azucena Luna consultant in Guatemala, Salvador Anta advisor at GIZ Mexico, and co-facilitators: Josselín Alegría, Arath Guantes and Paulina Sánchez.
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