How Tropical Nature works
Tropical Nature is at the head of an innovative
and highly successful combination of non-profit and for-profit professionals
all working to preserve the Tropics. Tropical Nature currently protects over
300 square miles of forest and is expanding this protection every day.
Tropical Nature’s team includes Ph.D. biologists, experts in design and
construction, and an international network of travel professionals. Our team
works closely with local communities and local conservation organizations
to locate, develop, and market outstanding ecotourism projects that result
in active forest conservation.
(c)Oscar Mujica
First, we choose sites with world-class natural attractions.
Experience has taught us that we can’t rely on the goodwill
of eco-conscious tourists to fill our lodges. Travelers insist on seeing as
much as possible in their limited vacation time. Generally, this means they
demand easy access, superb wildlife viewing, and expert guides. Tropical Nature
recognizes and meets these demands more reliably than the privately owned
lodges with which we compete.
As Tropical Nature has identified more viable sites than our current funds
can support, we narrow our efforts to the most pristine forests and to those
sites facing the most severe threats. Presently, these include prime locations
in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
(c)Charles Munn
Second, we help communities plan for successful and sustainable ecotourism.
In some situations we educate communities about the benefits
of ecotourism over extractive economies (logging, mining, agriculture, etc.).
With increasing frequency we are able to work with communities that have already
the set the foundations for their own ecotourism initiatives but were stalled
for lack of expertise, marketing contacts, and access to capital.
In either case, Tropical Nature’s ecotourism-savvy professional biologists
work closely with local communities to develop a site-specific ecotourism
management plan. Tropical Nature typically provides the start-up capital on
new projects, and the communities agree to protect their forests from unsustainable
resource use, such as destructive logging, overhunting, or hunting of threatened
species. Our biologists also identify and implement strategies to improve
biological richness, thereby enhancing the ecotourism value of each location.
(c)Katherine G. Osborne
Third, we use our broad base of expertise and resources to get new projects up and running.
Tropical Nature uses a proven strategy for launching lodge
and ecotourism projects. Our on-site specialists secure land titles and permits,
design lodges, manage construction, develop tourism programs built around
unique biological attractions, and oversee employee training. Our broad network
of ecotourism sites allows us to train workers from new projects at our established
locations. Staff often travel to other communities and projects to gain first
hand experience in guiding and project management.
At all projects, Tropical Nature works side-by-side with in-country non-profit
organizations. Often, we develop new nonprofit organizations specifically
designed to manage for-profit ecotourism ventures. Tropical Nature-established
nonprofits benefit from robust organization, management, and accounting that
make them strong competitors in both the business and non-profit arenas.
Though Tropical Nature gains strength and outreach through local alliances,
we are not inextricably tied to partner organizations and we do not write
blank checks.
(c)Peter
Finally, we assure success and door-to-door satisfaction by overseeing all marketing and travel arrangements.
Tropical Nature’s network of national and international travel agencies represents our lodges and tour programs worldwide. This integrated service guarantees quick commercial success for new projects, maximum customer satisfaction, and optimal use of ecotourism income. From the first call to the final trip home, our travelers are received by expert personnel who know the lay of the land. And every step of the way, tourist dollars are reinvested into new projects. Take a look at Tropical Nature Travel and see for yourself!
(c)Oscar Mujica
But the best is yet to come.
Tropical Nature has positioned itself at the head of the pack in community-based ecotourism. With over 125 years of combined staff experience, Tropical Nature offers the skills, resources, and on-the-ground know-how to stretch your support the farthest—into communities prepared to save rainforests for themselves. And for visitors like you. For further information Tropical Nature and how our partners are a part of this exciting process, please contact Tropical Nature.
(c)Elyssa Kellerman
