Huaorani Ecolodge and its Green Practices Brent Osinski Rachael Lynch Alec Stein

The Huaorani Background The Huaorani live in the headwaters of the Amazon (Ecuador) The Huaorani live in the headwaters of the Amazon (Ecuador) Lived as nomadic hunters/gathers with no outside contact until late 1950’s Lived as nomadic hunters/gathers with no outside contact until late 1950’s Missionaries was first contact Missionaries was first contact Threat of oil companies – live on top of one of largest oil deposits Threat of oil companies – live on top of one of largest oil deposits Approximately 2,400 individuals Approximately 2,400 individuals

The Huaorani aka “The people”

The Huaorani Ecolodge

Green Business Practices Increase productivity of inputs Increase productivity of inputs Biologically inspired production Biologically inspired production Solutions based business model Solutions based business model Reinvest in natural capital Reinvest in natural capital

Increase Productivity of Inputs Solar Panels provide electricity for lighting, two-way radios, refrigerators, and the water pump that provides potable drinking water at all times for visitors. In a location with no energy source, it is important that the ecolodge generates energy in a sustainable way with little or no impact on the delicate environment the people are trying to protect.

Biologically Inspired Production Housekeeping Services, and bathrooms use biodegradable cleaning products and soaps. The waste water is then recycled and cleaned by a bio-filter to clean the water and render it harmless before it is discharged into the river.

Solutions Based Business Model Wood for construction was selected by the Huaorani people from their surrounding rainforest in cooperation with a forest engineer so extraction was sustainable. Wood for construction was selected by the Huaorani people from their surrounding rainforest in cooperation with a forest engineer so extraction was sustainable. Huaorani were largely involved in lodges construction and make up the majority of the lodges employees. Also plan to create small businesses run by locals with minimal impact to increase local employment and boost local economy Huaorani were largely involved in lodges construction and make up the majority of the lodges employees. Also plan to create small businesses run by locals with minimal impact to increase local employment and boost local economy

Reinvest in Natural Capital Ecotourism – tourism activities take place in local community Ecotourism – tourism activities take place in local community Reinvest in local people to earn an income while maintaining their culture Reinvest in local people to earn an income while maintaining their culture Gathered wood from forests for construction of the lodge Gathered wood from forests for construction of the lodge Involve community members in the construction process Involve community members in the construction process Creation of low impact small businesses – creation of employment Creation of low impact small businesses – creation of employment Produce purchased on local level Produce purchased on local level Handcrafts and souvenirs can be purchased at local shop Handcrafts and souvenirs can be purchased at local shop

2010 RATES 5 Days / 4 Nights Double / TwinUS$ 750 Single SupplementUS$ Days / 3 Nights Double / TwinUS$ 600 Single SupplementUS$ RATES 5 Days / 4 Nights Double / TwinUS$ 860 Single SupplementUS$ Days / 3 Nights Double / TwinUS$ 690 Single SupplementUS$ 345 Prices of Visiting Huaorani Ecolodge

Conclusion and Bibliography We, as a group, believe that the Huaorani Ecolodge in the Amazon conducts ecofriendly acts of green business practices in the accommodations or attractions sector and that these practices are meaningful efforts at sustainable tourism. We, as a group, believe that the Huaorani Ecolodge in the Amazon conducts ecofriendly acts of green business practices in the accommodations or attractions sector and that these practices are meaningful efforts at sustainable tourism. Huaorani Ecolodge [Brochure]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 10, 2011, from

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