Mano Cambiada

This Colombian tourism business, located in the nuqui – choco region of Colombia, was started by two local women.  These women submitted their business plan in a contest, which they ended up winning and receiving start-up funding as their prize.  Mano Cambiada is a community run ecotourism company that is heavily focused on sustainable development of the region.  They aim to link the value chain, as they call it, which is all of the fishermen, craftsmen, innkeepers, restaurateurs, etc.  This leads to a more organic experience for tourist and more respect for the host community.  Mano Cambiada also does social projects like a migration festival and an artist residence in the area.  This company exists to improve conditions for the region via tourism. 

Mano Cambiada is an excellent illustration of the cornerstones for fair trade and responsible tourism.

Fair working conditions: this company promotes tourism as a means to improve living conditions in the area as well as to promote autonomous management and leadership by the people who live there

Fair prices: this company uses its funds, grants and partnerships to promote sustainable tourism

Integration into local economy and regional development: mano cambiada aims to link the local economy together which leads to a better experience for tourists and better results for the local community.  The choco region is an extremely unique ecosystem that mano cambiada looks to protect, which is why they promote sustainable development.

Fair trade partnerships: mano cambiada has several partnerships and grants, including one with the U.S. Agency for International Development, (USAID)

Sustainable resource use and environmental justice: this company is all about sustainable resource use and promoting environmental justice.  This is why they exist, to protect the local environment and community, and to promote sustainable development to improve the region.