Huaorani Ecolodge and its Green Practices

Brent OsinskiRachael LynchAlec Stein

The Huaorani Background

The Huaorani live in the headwaters of the Amazon (Ecuador)

Lived as nomadic hunters/gathers with no outside contact until late 1950’s

Missionaries was first contact

Threat of oil companies – live on top of one of largest oil deposits

Approximately 2,400 individuals

The Huaoraniaka “The people”

The Huaorani Ecolodge

Green Business Practices

Increase productivity of inputs

Biologically inspired production

Solutions based business model

Reinvest in natural capital

Increase Productivity of Inputs

Solar Panels provide electricity forlighting, two-way radios, refrigerators, and the water pump that provides potabledrinking water at all times for visitors.In a location with no energy source, itis important that the ecolodge generates energy in a sustainable way with little orno impact on the delicate environment the people are trying to protect.

Biologically Inspired Production

Housekeeping Services, and bathroomsuse 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.

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

Reinvest in local people to earn an income while maintaining their culture

Gathered wood from forests for construction of the lodge

Involve community members in the construction process

Creation of low impact small businesses – creation of employment

Produce purchased on local level

Handcrafts and souvenirs can be purchased at local shop

2010 RATES

5 Days / 4 Nights

Double / Twin US$ 750

Single Supplement US$ 375

4 Days / 3 Nights

Double / Twin US$ 600

Single Supplement US$ 300

2011 RATES

5 Days / 4 Nights

Double / Twin US$ 860

Single Supplement US$ 430

4 Days / 3 Nights

Double / Twin US$ 690

Single Supplement US$ 345

Prices of Visiting HuaoraniEcolodge

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.

Huaorani Ecolodge [Brochure]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 10, 2011, from http://www.huaorani.com/

Questions?