Yachana eco-lodge, Amazon rainforest, Ecuador

Question 1

How is Yachana Lodge socially sustainable?

Answer 1

• Visitors go to a neighbouring farm to harvest local produce to prepare a traditional meal under the guidance of an indigenous chef.
• Programs funded and supported by the lodge are taught in local schools promoting conservation of the Amazon’s biodiversity.
• Everyone goes to visit a traditional healer and participate in a cleansing ceremony.

Question 2

How is Yachana Lodge economically sustainable?

Answer 2

• The lodge employs many of the local inhabitants, including students from the local technical college as kitchen staff.
• It also uses local Amerindians as tour guides.
• More disposable income for the local area.

Question 3

How is Yachana Lodge environmentally sustainable?

Answer 3

• Minimal environmental impact as it is on a small scale (1,200 hectares).
• Only 14 cabins built to fit in between trees rather than having to deforest an area to accommodate them.
• All electricity is produced from renewable sources such as solar panels.
• The lodge recycles all of its waste.

Question 4

What are the problems?

Answer 4

• Dilution of the traditional culture as the local indigenous population become exposed to western culture and materialism.
• Some souvenirs have become mass produced.
• Local performances become more regular than intended.
• All forms of transport to and from the lodge are reliant on fossil fuels (motorised canoe, bus and car).