United for Mother Earth: Celebrating International Day and the Power of Local Communities
Viviana Vasquez
Did you know... Every year, the world loses 10 million hectares of forest? So Mother Earth is giving us clear signals on how we should act. Oceans, once teeming with life, are now full of plastics and becoming increasingly acidic, threatening marine biodiversity. Extreme heat, wildfires and floods affect millions of people around the world, leaving desolation and loss in their wake. In addition, the global pandemic of COVID-19 has highlighted the close connection between human health and the health of our ecosystem.
Climate change, as a result of human actions, together with biodiversity crimes such as deforestation, land-use change, intensive agricultural and livestock production, and illegal wildlife trade, are accelerating the destruction of our planet. Mother Earth is suffering, and it is time to take action to protect her. How can we mitigate this disaster? Here we share with you an enriching experience that has been strengthened by the Market Ready model.
Discovering the Biocultural Essence of Yoloaltepetl: Nature, Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
Hope greens with the experience at Yoloaltepetl:
In the midst of this worrisome panorama, an inspiring example of commitment to conservation and sustainability emerges. Connecting with nature and honoring our ancestors through tourism has become an enriching and hopeful experience in the local enterprise called "Yoloaltepetl Biocultural Tourism", located in San Pedro Tlalcuapan, Tlaxcala, Mexico and that thanks to the strengthening carried out through the Market Ready model of La Mano del Mono, its beautiful community, today gives you the opportunity to connect with mother earth and participate in different activities.
During your visit, depending on the season, you can join Mario in planting, driving the yunta (plow) or harvesting in the milpa (cornfield). You will learn about ancestral farming techniques and how the Nahua community of San Pedro Tlalcuapan works in harmony with nature to keep their land fertile and sustainable. Being part of these activities will allow you to connect deeply with mother earth and appreciate the importance of taking care of our environment.
But that's not all, you will also have the opportunity to enter a living Nahua house more than 100 years old in the company of Eri, Angelito and Isma, who will share with you their cultural richness. With Tomasita, you will learn how to make nixcomitl, cook like the grandmothers did, and cook original dishes based on corn and cornfields on a comal and in clay pots. Traditional cooks from the community, such as Maura, Anita or Liz, will teach you the ancestral techniques of food preparation, transmitting their wisdom and love for the local gastronomy.
In Yoloaltepetl Biocultural Tourism, everything about corn is valued and used, from the seed to the dried leaves called totomoxtle. Therefore, the experience concludes with a beautiful totomoxtle handicraft workshop with Doña Yuyis, where you will be able to create unique pieces and learn more about the culture and traditions of the community.
This is how you find a unique corner of the world... where gastronomic culture merges with nature. Just try to imagine the smoky aroma of cooking, the sound of laughter shared while preparing food and the joy of learning new culinary techniques. An opportunity to appreciate the richness of the region, both in its biodiversity and its culinary tradition.
The Market Ready model in Yoloaltepetl:
The biocultural tourism in Yoloaltepetlhas been growing stronger thanks to the Market Ready model. There, it not only promotes forest conservation and the valuation of biodiversity, but also contributes to the sustainable development of the local community. The active participation of farmers, local guides and cooks in this experience strengthens their economies and promotes the transmission of knowledge and traditional knowledge to new generations. A process that has taken place thanks to the support of Sustentur, Aztec Foundation, Elektra y Aeromexico who have jointly contributed to the wellbeing and development of the communities to make them more sustainable.
The purpose of La Mano Del Mono is to create alliances for the wellbeing of local communities and the conservation of natural areas by promoting sustainable tourism.
This experiential experience at Yoloaltepetl is a true sign of hope. It reminds us that it is possible to connect with nature in a respectful way, honoring ancestral wisdom and promoting the conservation of our natural resources. On the other hand, the capacity building given to this community has provided additional opportunities for sustainable development and the promotion of local culture. A perfect combination of biodiversity conservation and sustainability.
Images of Biocultural Tourism Yoloaltepetl
The promotion of its products and social inclusion through tourism is a key element in the organization's implementation. This involves working closely with local communities to develop tourism projects that are environmentally friendly, socially just and economically viable where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the forests and learn about the importance of their conservation, while generating income and contributing to their well-being.
No doubt this community has inspired the Monkey Hand on International Earth Day, which is celebrated every April 22nd. An important date to remember the importance of protecting our planet and taking action to mitigate human impact on the environment.
It is an important opportunity to reflect on the loss of forests and the importance of their conservation. We can all do our part in protecting our natural areas through the promotion of sustainable tourism that contributes to their conservation and the well-being of the communities.
Healthy ecosystems help protect us from disease because the diversity of species makes it more difficult for pathogens to spread.
