EXPLORING ECOTOURISM

Tourism and Microphilanthropy

PLANETA FORUM

What kind of a world do you want for everybody?
- Collaboration Notebook

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PHOTO GALLERY: Be Generous

Travelers play a key role in microphilanthropy. Visitors can support local craft-makers, musicians and others through gifts and financial purchases. Our recommendaiton: be generous

Philanthropic donations of time, money, propery and work have the power to create mutually beneficial experiences for travelers and locals. The challenge at hand is to evaluate how well travelers and locals engage one another.

The difference between microphilanthropy and philanthropy is that the first has meaningful grassroots connections. Donations can be channeled through and to individuals.

MICROPHILANTHROPY

Working with local food and craft producers, we are developing the Oaxaca Market Project to provide internet training to locals and tipsheets and guides for visitors.

For those who wish to support this work, we are collecting funds for the workshops and to buy select goods direct from the artisans that will then be auctioned to raise additional funds for Planeta.com. Purchases are made at local markets, holiday fairs and from the homes of artisans. Donations are received via Chipin.

ECOCLUB

ECOCLUB funds micro-projects initiated by members to improve local well-being and protect the environment according to the principles of ecotourism. The award entered its fourth year in July 2007. The total prize funds have been raised to 3,000 Euros (about $4,000 U.S. Dollars).

STEP UP TRAVEL

StepUp Travel launched an advocacy grant in which travelers document work in the realm of sustainable travel.

QUESTIONS

In terms of cash awards and grants, what is available for those working toward responsible travel?
How well documented are microphilanthropic initiatives?