Today is Tomorrow

On September 18, at 4:00 p.m., the Manos Locales Network hosted an inspirational event titled "Today is Tomorrow: Real Impacts of Tourism on Local Livelihoods."The event was a space designed to reflect on how tourism can influence the lives of local communities, either as a transformative tool or, if not carefully managed, as a source of problems. The meeting brought together diverse voices, from community leaders to academics, all sharing a common goal: to discover the potential of regenerative tourism as a force for positive change.

Real Impacts of Tourism on Local Livelihoods

The day was opened by Alejo Heymooperations coordinator of The Hand of the Hand (LMDM)Alejo, who offered a clear and forceful vision on the implications of tourism on local livelihoods. With an in-depth look, Alejo stressed that tourism, while it can become an engine of economic development for communities, can also bring with it serious risks. He warned that, if local realities are not taken into account, tourism can widen social gaps, erode indigenous cultures and consume vital natural resources. However, he stressed that with a respectful and conscious approach, tourism has the power to generate sustainable opportunities, preserve cultural heritage and strengthen communities from within. His intervention set the reflective tone of the event, laying the groundwork for voices that would continue to deepen the interactions between tourism and communities.

Next, Ati DumizayAti, a representative of the Arhuaca indigenous community of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, shared an emotional testimony about her people's struggle to preserve their cultural identity in the face of increasing pressures from tourism. Ati highlighted the importance of protecting ancestral knowledge, which is at the heart of their culture. She explained how they have drawn boundaries in their sacred territories, restricting access to tourists, not only to protect the physical space, but also to safeguard the spiritual essence of their rituals and customs. For the Arhuacos, regenerative tourism has been key, as it has allowed them to generate income without compromising their cultural integrity or the fragile ecosystems of the Sierra. Ati invited visitors to participate in a respectful and educational exchange, where the sacred relationship that her people have with the land is valued and respected.

From an academic perspective, Rebeca MejiaMejía, from the Autonomous University of Querétaro, emphasized the importance of including local communities in the creation of regenerative tourism models. For Mejía, tourism can only generate a positive impact when it is designed in an inclusive manner, allowing the voices of the communities to be heard and respected from the beginning of the process. Regenerative tourism must address the economic, cultural and environmental realities of the people who inhabit the territory, and for this it is essential that they actively participate in the planning and execution of tourism projects.

The closing was in charge of Alexander GomezGómez, an advocate for indigenous and rural rights in Colombia, spoke passionately about the need for an ecocentric and biocentric approach to tourism. Gómez stressed the interdependence between humans and nature, and the importance of valuing indigenous knowledge as an essential tool for understanding and protecting biodiversity. He stressed that food sovereignty and respect for natural cycles must be fundamental pillars of any tourism model that aspires to regenerate the planet. In his final words, "Without water there is no life," he encapsulated the urgency of protecting vital resources, such as water, to ensure a sustainable future.

The event left a clear and hopeful message: tourism can be a transformative force when it is built with respect, inclusion and a genuine commitment to communities and their environment. Through a regenerative approach, it is possible to build bridges between cultures and protect both people and nature, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a more just and balanced world.

We are deeply grateful to our guests from Ati Dumizayto the teacher Rebeca Mejia of the University of Querétaro y Alexander Gómez indigenous human rights defender and rural communities in Latin America for this enriching space that showed the true realities of tourism and how to regenerate our relationship with nature.