Sustainable Ecotourism Seeds: Compost, Conservation, Community and Comfort
Location
Black Sheep Inn is a small eco-lodge and permaculture demonstration site in Chugchilán Ecuador. Its unique location in the middle of the Latacunga Loop boasts four distinct climates in a ten kilometer radius: high alpine paramó, Andean Humid cloud forest, semi-tropical in the canyon’s lower elevations and patchwork sierra fields.
Chugchilán, a rural Andean village at 10,500 feet above sea level, three hours from the Pan-American, nearest Bank or Post Office, is a sustainable tourism destination that has become popular over the last decade.
Black Sheep Inn guest facilities are in harmony with the land, contributing to its biodiversity and sustainability. Property has nine adobe buildings, ten composting toilets, gray-water recycling, organic gardens, ponds, a wood-fired sauna/hot-tub, greenhouse, treehouse, zipline cable-swing, solar-powered waterslide and Frisbee golf course. Animals include: llamas, guinea pigs, geese, ducks, chickens, dogs, cats, and of course a Flock of Black Sheep. Guests learn about ecotourism, enjoy fantastic scenery and experience intercultural exchanges while day hiking, horseback riding or cycling in the area.
Village population: 500+/-;
Total guest accommodations in three hotels: 45 rooms;
Average tourists/night in village: 30+;
Locals working directly/indirectly in tourism: 50+;
Tourists: 44% North American, 40% European, 10% South American, 6% other.
Your idea
This will be the address used to plot your entry on the map.
Street Address
Chugchilan - Sigchos Road
City
Chugchilan
State/Province
Cotopaxi
Postal/Zip Code
05-01-240
Country
Ecuador
Year innovation began
1995
Geotourism Challenge Addressed by Entrant
Quality of tourism management and impact on the destination
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Indicate sector in which you principally work
Destination-stewardship business
Geographic location
Rural, Mountain.
Plot your innovation within the Mosaic of Solutions
Main insight addressed
Develop community assets
Name Your Project
Sustainable Ecotourism Seeds: Compost, Conservation, Community and Comfort
Describe Your Idea
Black Sheep Inn is a small eco-lodge and permaculture demonstration site in Chugchilán Ecuador. Its unique location in the middle of the Latacunga Loop boasts four distinct climates in a ten kilometer radius: high alpine paramó, Andean Humid cloud forest, semi-tropical in the canyon’s lower elevations and patchwork sierra fields.
Chugchilán, a rural Andean village at 10,500 feet above sea level, three hours from the Pan-American, nearest Bank or Post Office, is a sustainable tourism destination that has become popular over the last decade.
Black Sheep Inn guest facilities are in harmony with the land, contributing to its biodiversity and sustainability. Property has nine adobe buildings, ten composting toilets, gray-water recycling, organic gardens, ponds, a wood-fired sauna/hot-tub, greenhouse, treehouse, zipline cable-swing, solar-powered waterslide and Frisbee golf course. Animals include: llamas, guinea pigs, geese, ducks, chickens, dogs, cats, and of course a Flock of Black Sheep. Guests learn about ecotourism, enjoy fantastic scenery and experience intercultural exchanges while day hiking, horseback riding or cycling in the area.
Village population: 500+/-;
Total guest accommodations in three hotels: 45 rooms;
Average tourists/night in village: 30+;
Locals working directly/indirectly in tourism: 50+;
Tourists: 44% North American, 40% European, 10% South American, 6% other.
Innovation
What is the goal of your innovation?
Improving local community and natural environment while providing a comfortable, educational experience; and teaching about the area, local customs and Permaculture.
How does your approach support or embody geotourism?
Mission Statement and Vision:
Black Sheep Inn (BSI) aims to provide a comfortable, educational experience for guests, teaching about the local area, local customs and Permaculture, while contributing to and improving the local community and the natural environment. BSI’s goal is to be a leader in environmental stability and ecotourism.
Eco-Permaculture Features include: solar panels, adobe construction preserving traditional architecture, composting toilets, recycling, roof-water collectors, gray-water systems, organic gardens, community education and aid work, reforestation, and erosion control.
We moved to Chugchilán in 1994 with the goal of creating an affordable sustainable tourist destination. Before 1994, the village of Chugchilán was unknown by tourists, travelers, and agencies. There were no accommodations. Fourteen years later Chugchilán has preserved its cultural charm and has several community businesses that profit from sustainable tourism. Businesses include: horseback riding tours, women's knitting cooperative, 2 locally owned hostels and restaurants, local native guides, student folkdance troupe, transportation cooperative, Public Library/Computer Learning Center, and Recycling Center. Other improvements in the community since 1994 include: telephone service (both landlines and now Cellular), new health clinic, an ambulance, pavement in the plaza, new market, public park, over 200% more bus routes, and police station.
Describe your approach in detail. How is it innovative?
Quote-Ecotourism-Inspector, Arnaldo Rodriguez:
“Black-Sheep-Inn (BSI) is one of the most honest, grassroot lodges I’ve seen in Latin-America. A true example of sustainable tourism: environmentally-sound practices and installations, composting toilets, gray-water recycling, garbage separation and rain-catchments.
BSI shares business opportunities with locals, for instance advising visitors to use local guides, horses, transportation and bicycles, instead of having their own. Oddly enough, BSI encouraged locals to build their own lodges, even under the risk of competition. Owners of these lodges acknowledged that BSI was inspirational and always willing to share expertise.
Community-based ecotourism projects in Ecuador have failed because initiatives didn’t start in the communities, but were created by NGO’s or development agencies, which normally lack experience in tourism management. These initiatives focused efforts on building infrastructure and then left communities on their own, without any further training. In Chugchilán the model is different, because locals have the opportunity to learn from BSI’s experiences, developing products well designed for the target client, and most importantly, learning first-hand how to provide good service. I’ve been related with community-based tourism for several years and I can assure that Mama-Hilda and Cloud-Forest are amongst the best locally owned lodges in Ecuador, both in terms of infrastructure and service.”
What types of partnerships or professional development would be most beneficial in spreading your innovation?
Instead of private lodges individually seeking eco-certification, it would be advantageous to share best-practices and lessons-learned through a united ecotourism association. People mutually benefit when working together. The spirit and style of partnerships at BSI can be adapted to new locations.
Partnerships/donations to create Chugchilán’s Public Library/Computer Learning Center:
Tourists donated books, computers and money,
Foundation Room-to-Read donated hundreds of books,
Press Attaché US Embassy provided a shipping address,
Catholic Church gave library room and furniture,
Cloud Forest Hostel donated renovation materials,
BSI provided labor, technical support and librarian’s salary,
British School Quito annually gives computers, programs and tech-support.
Impact
In one sentence describe what kind of impact, change, or reform your approach is intended to achieve.
Sustainable development takes time, patience and commitment: in one decade the village of Chugchilán is “On-the-Map” as a Geotourism tourist destination.
Describe the degree of success of your approach to date. Clearly define how you measure quantitative and qualitative impact in terms of how your approach contributes to the sustainability or enhancement of local culture, environment, heritage, or aesthetics? How does your approach minimize negative impacts? 200 words or less
BSI offers best-practice examples: composting toilets, water conservation, organic vegetarian food, building with local materials, reforesting with native-trees and community participation.
Best-practices are copied by other hostels in Chugchilán. Both have built with homemade adobe blocks, planted native-trees, purchase or grow organic produce, offer vegetarian options, have improved water installations and employ local labor and guides.
BSI sponsored several workshops including: knitting, family-planning, first-aid, natural history, guiding etiquette, animal care, soap making, health and nutrition. Cloud-Forest-Hostel hosted lunches for workshops. A Peace Corp Volunteer started native-tree nurseries at the BSI and Hostel-Mama-Hilda.
Public Library/Computer Learning Center, with 1000+ books and 8 computers, provides incentive to learn to read. Older students can do research and investigations. As the 1st-world moves ahead with new technology, communities like Chugchilán get left behind. The Library/Computer Learning Center bridges that gap.
Recycling Center is a similar success story of people in Chugchilán working together to solve a common problem. Organic/inorganic wastes are sorted, composted and stored for recycling. The village is healthier and cleaner.
In 1994 only one guidebook described Chugchilán, "a very poor village in one of the most scenic areas of Ecuador" no accommodations listed. Now there are positive reviews in every Ecuador guidebook.
How does your program promote traveler enthusiasm, satisfaction, and engagement with the locale?
Chugchilán community participates and benefits in all aspects of local tourism; primarily in OWNERSHIP of hostels, restaurants, women’s coop, transportation coop and guided activities. Community also benefits from employment, food selling, providing materials and labor for building including local inventions and designs. Chugchilán has a new economy based on eco-tourism.
Andres and Michelle are well accepted community members participating in local meetings. In 2005 BSI invited county Mayor and local officials to discuss issues including garbage disposal. This meeting initiated the Recycling Center. Andres is now the ‘King-of-Garbage’ and the elected water committee President. Michelle volunteers teaching high school since 1997.
Describe how your innovation helps travelers and local residents better understand the value of the area’s cultural and natural heritage, and educates them on local environmental issues. How do you motivate them to act responsibly in their future travel decisions?
Guests leave the BSI feeling inspired to address ecological problems at home. We have received messages from guests saying they have become ‘Eco-Warriors’ after their experiences in Chugchilán.
Chugchilán receives more tourists than surrounding villages because local people realize that it’s valuable to preserve the cloud forest, that a clean village is healthier but also attractive and that keeping traditions alive such as dancing, folk music (BSI has a Folk Instrument lending library) and knitting are also profitable.
BSI supports the preservation of historic adobe buildings and is outspoken in village meetings about architectural materials and styles. Other hostels also build with natural materials.
In what ways are local residents actively involved in your innovation, including participation and community input? How has the community responded to or benefited from your approach?
Guests return from hikes or horseback excursions exhilarated by the amazing scenery and because they have had direct contact with local people and one of their first conversations in Spanish. Guided activities are with local natives who don’t speak English, but know how to communicate with tourists slowly, changing words and offering explanations, instead of simply repeating the same words louder. Guides profit directly.
Local dance troupe performs regularly at all three hotels in Chugchilán. Girls, aged 8-12, perform entertaining participatory Andean folkdances in traditional dress for tips, which supports buying schools supplies and improving their costumes and music.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Sustainability
Is your initiative financially and organizationally sustainable? If not, what is required to make it so? What is the potential demand for your innovation?
Triple-bottom-line of sustainable tourism in Chugchilán: it is profitable and benefits both the community and environment. Poverty is being reduced from a new economy and cultural heritage is being protected. Natural environment continues to improve because of ecological practices.
All three accommodations in Chugchilán profit, which means they use extra income to improve facilities. Hotels pay a higher rate for water, subsidizing the town’s system. Tourism provides employment and a market for local goods and services. Local hotels lead the village in problems and concerns such as garbage disposal and water supply. Tourism is still growing in newly discovered Chugchilán.
How is your initiative currently financed? If available, provide information on your finances and organization that could help others. Please list: Annual budget, annual revenue generated, size of part-time, full-time and volunteer staff.
Tourism in Chugchilán was privately financed by individual entrepreneurs with small piecemeal grassroots reinvestments. BSI was self-financed, mostly with a commitment to succeed and approximately US$75,000. As business grew, reinvestments were made in the facility, local community and promoting the area.
BSI took the initial risk, unsure if tourists would visit Chugchilán. We encouraged neighbors to open hostels and take advantage of tourism. Now two locally owned hostels work closely with BSI: Hostel-Mama-Hilda and Cloud-Forest-Hostel. BSI provided a no-interest loan to help establish a local horseback riding business.
BSI employs nine full-time staff (and several part-time) who receive full legal benefits: maternity leave, paid vacation, over-time pay, tips, social security and scheduled bonuses. Most have worked at BSI for ten+ years.
BSI receives approximately 5000 people nights/year. Guests spend an average of $35/person/day. Other hostels receive a similar number of guests at lower rates and also provide local employment.
What is your plan to expand your approach? Please indicate where/how you would like to grow or enhance your innovation, or have others do so.
BSI would like to consult and unite tourism operations in ecological best-practices.
As a lodge, BSI has chosen not to expand, but remain a small sustainable lodge constantly making improvements: solar-powered waterslide, hot-tub heated from thermal-siphon installed on the same woodstove that heats the sauna, a Frisbee-golf course, and a multifunction Yoga studio are all improvements in the last year.
Future long-term sustainable improvements include: self-sufficiency in organic food and energy production, signs along the Iliniza Ecological Reserve, a community native-tree nursery using compost from the recycling facility, environmental education and to seek financing to add internet access at public/library.
What are the main barriers you encounter in managing, implementing, or replicating your innovation? What barriers keep your program from having greater impact?
Community development takes time and patience. Often sustainable solutions are not the most obvious or easy paths. Sometimes communities prefer ANY and ALL development that is offered for free. We are trying to teach people to take ownership of their village and to be able to say ‘NO’ to development ideas that do not fit with the needs of the community.
As much as we highlight success stories such as: the Public Library/Computer Learning Center, Recycling Center, transportation coop, women’s knitting coop, student girls dance troupe etc… there are some development projects that have failed. For instance: elementary schools phone-line was disconnected because they did not pay their phone bill. Often new classrooms are built without funding for teachers and school supplies.
And of course, when there is new money flowing and available through tourism, some people feel left out and become envious. This is also a sign of success; there was nothing to be envious of before! A challenge is to find new opportunities that help increase services and products available so both tourists and community members can gain.
BSI strongly feels there is a need for a forum, such as ChangeMakers, to help share common problems and successes.
The Story
Please provide a personal bio. Note this may be used in Changemakers' marketing material.
Michelle Kirby, from Rochester MA, graduated with a BA in Communications and Public Relations from North Adams State College MA, but her passion was adventure travel. In addition to administrating the BSI she volunteers teaching English and computers in Chugchilán’s local high school since 1997.
Andres Hammerman, from Highland Park IL, traveled and worked across the Americas before settling down in the Andes. In addition to designing and building new features at BSI he is the current President of Chugchilán’s Water Committee and proclaimed “The King-of-Garbage.” He holds a PhD in Design from the School of Trial and Error.
What is the origin of your innovation? Tell your story.
Andres Hammerman and Michelle Kirby, founders of BSI, first visited Chugchilán in 1993 as backpackers; we loved to travel and explore ‘off-the-beaten-track’. There was no hotel in town, so we knocked on a few doors looking for a bed and ended up staying with a local family. We fell in love with the area: dramatic sierra landscape, great hiking, canyons, cloud forest, Laguna Quilotoa, excellent cheeses and most of all the friendly people. We spent two weeks in Chugchilán and did not want to leave. Previously we had looked for work outside of the United States, but had never considered buying land until a family offered it to us.
“If you like this place so much, why don’t you buy our land?”
We had to ask ourselves, “Was this a dream come true? An opportunity we could not pass by?” Here in the heart of the Andes, we could tread lightly and live sustainably. We could create a home and realize our ideals: organic gardens, friendly animals, ecological toilets, recycling waste, wastewater systems, caring for the earth and fostering our talents. Here we could live in community and have the freedom to be creative, experiment, and learn from our mistakes.
The idea of the BSI was born in 1993. The name was created before the place. We chose: “Black Sheep Inn & La Posada Oveja Negra,” because everybody recognizes the symbol of the Black Sheep, because it sounds great in every language, because there are many white sheep in the area and because many travelers are ‘Black Sheep’ that have strayed far from the flock.
After discovering Chugchilán in 1993, we returned to the USA and each worked three jobs, saving money to invest in our future. We were sure that Chugchilán was the place to put down roots, and we were determined to build a sustainable tourist destination. We moved to Chugchilán in October 1994, purchased the land in April 1995, and have been receiving guests since 1996.
Dreams have become a reality.
None of this would have been nor could continue to be possible without the support of the community and our guests. We share our home and lives with visitors from around the world in order to create an example for visitors, as well as the community of ecologically sound practices, and to encourage everyone to follow their dreams.
BSI is a work in progress. We strive to improve the facility and nurture the land. We’ve designed buildings and property using Permaculture ideas. We have built with natural and renewable resources such as adobe and straw and local labor. We harvest rainwater and humanure (abono turistico). We have reforested with native trees in terraced rows called swales and we involve ourselves with the community in the most positive ways we think possible. Everyday we learn more from the land, the neighbors, the animals and the guests. Life is a learning experience. We strive to live in harmony with and respect our surroundings.
Please write an overview of your project. This text will appear when people scroll over the icon for your entry on the Google map located on the competition homepage.
Black Sheep Inn is a small eco-lodge and permaculture demonstration site in Chugchilán Ecuador. Its unique location in the middle of the Latacunga Loop boasts four distinct climates in a ten kilometer radius: high alpine paramó, Andean Humid cloud forest, semi-tropical in the canyon’s lower elevations and patchwork sierra fields.
Chugchilán, a rural Andean village at 10,500 feet above sea level, three hours from the Pan-American, nearest Bank or Post Office, is a sustainable tourism destination that has become popular over the last decade.
Black Sheep Inn guest facilities are in harmony with the land, contributing to its biodiversity and sustainability. Property has nine adobe buildings, ten composting toilets, gray-water recycling, organic gardens, ponds, a wood-fired sauna/hot-tub, greenhouse, treehouse, zipline cable-swing, solar-powered waterslide and Frisbee golf course. Animals include: llamas, guinea pigs, geese, ducks, chickens, dogs, cats, and of course a Flock of Black Sheep. Guests learn about ecotourism, enjoy fantastic scenery and experience intercultural exchanges while day hiking, horseback riding or cycling in the area.
Village population: 500+/-;
Total guest accommodations in three hotels: 45 rooms;
Average tourists/night in village: 30+;
Locals working directly/indirectly in tourism: 50+;
Tourists: 44% North American, 40% European, 10% South American, 6% other.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Public Library Computer Learning Center.JPG | 677.37 KB |
| Recycling.JPG | 1 MB |
| Andean Folk Instrument Library.JPG | 171.32 KB |
| Dance Troupe.JPG | 202.83 KB |
| First Aid Work Shop.JPG | 91.59 KB |
| Pres. of Community during Search for new Water Source.JPG | 106.73 KB |
| Sports Equipment for School.JPG | 162.78 KB |
| View from Composting Toilet Sunset.JPG | 141.54 KB |
| Guides Receive Jackets and Backpacks.JPG | 189.99 KB |
| Hostal Mama Hilda.JPG | 205.75 KB |
| Hostal Cloud Forest.JPG | 222.96 KB |
| Textbooks for School.JPG | 136.72 KB |
| Recycling Center.JPG | 133.51 KB |
| Laguna Quilotoa Panorama.jpg | 148.7 KB |
| Public Library Computer Learning Center 2.JPG | 149.39 KB |
| Black-Sheep-Inn-Lodge.jpg | 233.62 KB |
 | smills said: I stayed at the Black Sheep inn in 2006...not only do they embody eco-tourism (with fully vegeterian meals using locally sourced produce ... about this Competition Entry. - 1344 days ago read more > |
| wiggles said: I stayed at the inn a few years back and was affected enough by it to keep the site bookmarked. The owners work ethic and commitment is ... about this Competition Entry. - 1350 days ago read more > |
| JavierQ said: The work of these guys is amazing!!! Keep the good work!!! about this Competition Entry. - 1351 days ago read more > |
| Black Sheep Inn said: Great Views - "Eco" Toilets - Contributions to the Community You must have really been disappointed with the Black Sheep Inn. I ... about this Competition Entry. - 1351 days ago read more > |
| Macarra said: Great views... totally overpriced!!. I have been twice in the BSI... First time 6 years ago 2nd time last year... not impressed with the ... about this Competition Entry. - 1351 days ago read more > |
| AREwell said: My wife and I stayed at the BSI in 2006 and were very impressed with their technological innovation. But more importantly, we were awed ... about this Competition Entry. - 1352 days ago read more > |
| planeta said: Great question. Among the pluses - there would be plenty of fresh-baked cookies AND the trust system. I agree 100% with Blewter, Black ... about this Competition Entry. - 1352 days ago read more > |
| Blewter said: The Black Sheep Inn was one of my first stops on a two and a half month backpacking trip across South America. After the trip was over, ... about this Competition Entry. - 1352 days ago read more > |
| deb m said: In 2006 I traveled to Ecuador with a group of friends from a Minnesota Rovers, an outdoor group. We spent 4 nights at Black Sheep in and ... about this Competition Entry. - 1352 days ago read more > |
| liles said: Having stayed at the Black Sheep Inn over New Years Eve this year, I fully support everything they say. It felt that every aspect of ... about this Competition Entry. - 1352 days ago read more > |
Comments
This is one of my favorite eco lodges in the world. Like Andy and Michelle I toured Ecuador in the early 90s and was profoundly impressed by Alandaluz, the environmental center that became a lodge to support its programs. It also had the distinction of having bright, cheerful dry toilets. Andy and Michelle took that nuget and many others in developing the Black Sheep Inn. Their work in the Andes receives high praise and kudos to Arnaldo Rodriguez for his sterling summary.
There is so much good work being done in the field of ecotourism... ChangeMakers is showcasing projects around the globe in this 'Geotourism' contest. We just read about Yachana in the New York Times today and we are glad to see them featured. The Black Sheep Inn has been showcased with several of the entries in this contest in the past.
It would be great to unite and consolidate and cooperate, sharing best practises across the board amoung these leading ecotourism enterprises and projects. Conservation and Geotourism needs to become the norm for all travel. By supporting one another and openly sharing lessons learned the world can become a better place.
Hello Andres Hammerman,
It is great to see your entry in the competition. It is clear that the Black Sheep Inn is a hollistic geotourism location that really works to involve and give back to the local community. Do you consider the primary innovation of The Black Sheep Inn the way in which you work to seed community businesses? Thank you for your response.
Dana Frasz
Changemakers
Yes, that is one of our many innovations. We had a hard time stating what is the best innovative practice at the Black Sheep Inn. Every aspect of the BSI has been innovative. The model for community development is very different than what we have seen in other parts of Ecuador and it has proven to be successful. The community participates and benefits directly from sustainable tourism, which has proven to be a new economic lifeline in the village.
In the past we have also highlighted our composting toilets as innovative, because they have multiple functions and built-in efficient systems such as: roof-water collectors for handwash sinks that use biodegradable soaps and drain into gardens (auto-irrigation) inside the bathrooms. The bathroom itself is a functioning greenhouse and all bathrooms have a great view. We often find guests taking photos inside the composting toilets and it is the first stop during a tour of the property for our neighbors.
Thanks for the question and let us know if there is anything else you are curious about the community of Chugchilan and Black Sheep Inn. Where are you writing from Dana?
Thank you for your response. I'm writing from Arlington, Virginia where the Ashoka office is located - right outside of Washington D.C. The composting toilets sound great! What do you grow in your garden? I just planted mine! Best, Dana.
As a former guest at Black Sheep Inn, I appreciated reading about the further developments in Chugchilan, and at the Black Sheep Inn. Just last night, we were showing our Ecuador photos to friends who are about to revisit Ecuador, and encouraging them to visit you.
I'm impressed with this unique combination of factors that I think contributes to the success of the BSI and Chugchilan as an ecotourist destination more broadly. It's clear that Andres & Michelle have deep respect for the environment, but also for the community of Chugchilan and the people they work with there. I admire how they've worked to both teach and learn from locals, how community members trust one another over the long-term to figure out what works and to work well together, but also how they've used the work as an opportunity to be creative and play. They clearly take their work seriously and have developed a huge number of initiatives to improve the lives of people in the village, to improve the environment and the local economy, to teach people about sustainability, and generally to make a difference. But they've also made beautiful buildings and delicious food and nurtured opportunities for people to sing and dance and play (frisbee golf anyone?) and relax (hot tub and sauna) and be renewed (yoga room) and much more. The "King of Garbage" is clearly laughing, even as he helps people clean up the environment and create much needed compost. This is an example of how people can make their dreams come true, enrich the lives of all of us, and have fun doing so all at once. The Black Sheep Inn and Chugchilan are an inspiration!
It has been almost ten years since I first saw the smiling faces on the internet of Michelle and Andres and fell in love instantly with their energy and dedication to the people of Chugchilan. Since then I have followed their innovations with amazement as they taught and worked to turn the village and their own area in to a sustainable and important place. They did not think of themselves primarily, but of the villagers, and how first and foremost they could improve lives there without losing the culture of the people as so often happens.
The results of their work....the sharing and teaching will last through several generations.
I have never had the chance to visit BSI but still hope, before my life ends, to ride the top of the bus with the chickens and to experience first hand the fruits of their work and dedication.
I had the pleasure of staying at Black Sheep Inn in the summer of 2006 after living 2 years in Ecuador. I have traveled throughout the world and was very much impressed and inspired by the total dedication to sustainable eco-tourism.
Many places claim to be sustainable, eco-friendly, while helping the locals but Black Sheep Inn really lives up to its claims!
I hope others will be inspired by their work, patience, and dedication.
Kathleen Miszuk
After travelling in many destinations around the world, and staying in many a lodge that claimed to be eco-friendly it was exciting to stay at the BSI that truely lived up to its beliefs. The BSI provides one with a unique travelling experience whilst reducing the tourist impact on the community and environment that surrounds it. Michelle and Andy's passion for sustainable tourism, environmental practices and cultural awareness is matched by their commitment and dedication to the community of Chugchilan.
Keep up the great job!!
We visited BSI in November 2006. It is an amazing place, and they really follow through and do what they say. The sensitivity to the environment is wonderful, and links to the community are stronger than any others I have seen in South America. They practice what they preach, and the project description for their entry is the real deal. They also make it easy to visit, with very responsive connections to travellers - they made it possible to get there and away and to understand the experience before we arrived. We have travelled a lot, and this place is unique.
As detailed as this is, it can't tell the whole story or capture the magic that is the Black Sheep Inn. From the beginning, Michelle and Andres have been more concerned about being a part of their community than about their personal gain. They have brought water to local communities, supported local residents in any number of endeavors, helped locals learn about and practice permaculture, and helped to create a thriving eco-destination out of a formerly poor and remote town.
The Black Sheep Inn is a remarkable place where real, positive action is being taken to create a unique place in this world. I was a visitor twice during a summer in Ecuador, and it is still my most memorable stay in any of my travels.
The inn has nestled into the hillside in a way that feels comfortable and natural - the sensitivity towards the needs of the community and the environment has informed all aspects of how life works at the Black Sheep. There is deep and evident truth in all of the statements in the application - each visitor could attest to it. They have accomplished not only blending in, but bringing beauty to the place... the "composting toilets" are not only environmentally aware but aesthetically beautiful: an open window lights the flowers watered from the sink and allows a breathtaking view across the Andes.
What BSI has accomplished is amazing, not only for themselves but for the community. They truely believe in what they do and what ecotourism stands for. After our visit to BSI we came home determined to make change in our home and community. Good luck with your future. We hope to make it back someday.
Cheers Shelley and Mark
I can't wait to visit.
The Black Sheep Inn provides a venue for "First World" cultures and the local Quechuan culture to interact. The result can benefit both sides as face-to-face contact gives a chance for both to see the humanity in each. The local indigenous culture can learn and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of their visiting guests and the outside visitors can learn an important lesson of how important the attachment to our Mother Earth is for human survival and happiness.
Although the technology of the developed nations gives humanity many great things it can lead us astray from our important responsibilities to the very ecosystems that have created us. The attachment of the Andean communities to the land and the unique ecosystem of tropical highland Ecuador is an important lesson forgotten by many of the so-called developed "advanced" cultures. A sensible, nurtured development of the people of this incredible land can preserve those values while benefitting its new generation.
This is a great comment. The "First World" often has a lot to learn to make their society sustaianble. Geotourism can be a tool for poverty reduction, but also an educational tool for travelers to open up their hearts and minds to sustainable living and cultural differences.
Good ecotourism, responsible tourism and geotourism breaks down barriers to help both worlds develop in a positive way.
My name is Jenny Aragundy. I work on ecological sanitation since 2000 in Ecuador and Latina America and the Caribbean by ECOSANLAC. I wonder always why the majority of the lodges or hostels that we have in Ecuador called themselves ecoturistic places if all that make them ecologically friendly was the marvelous biodiversity of the country, but the way in which those are managed isn't ecologically friendly at all. Black Sheep Inn on the contrary is one of the few resorts in Ecuador which can be called ECOTURISTIC and is doing a great job in this area, contributing also with the local development and being an example of integral and sustainable sanitation.
There is a difference between being a tourist location and creating lasting change and growth for an area and that is the difference you will find at the Black Sheep Inn. They are a part of the community and looking for opportunities to share the wonder of the area and the people with travelers all around the world while at the same time, embracing and encompassing all the area is instead of exploiting it. It is a place to be one with God in the beauty He created that surrounds you with people that want to keep it that way.
Black Sheep Inn was the highlight of our visit to Ecuador. Getting there is not for the faint of heart....but once there, it was everything we had signed on for. The Inn is an outstanding example of how sustainable practices can make it possible for outsiders to see "real life" in a developing country without being overly intrusive. From shared, organic meals of local food to the composting toliets, the BSI contributes to the local community and leaves a very small footprint. Hats off to Andres and Michelle for living out their dream and allowing us to participate in it and learn from the experience.
Funny how you stress how it is difficult to get to the Black Sheep Inn. We are just 85 kms or 53 miles as the crow flies from Quito yet Chugchilan is still extremely rural and it takes 4 to 5 hours to get here from Quito in a private vehicle.
People often define development as having good roads, but we at the Black Sheep Inn disagree: there are already too many roads and cars on the planet burning too much fuel. If you asked someone if making parking lots was a good development tool, they would probably disagree, but everybody speaks in favor of building roads.
Development should be defined by education, health and sustainable conservation of natural resources, not pavement.
If an area has good education, good conservation policies, and good health care - then prehaps development projects can open up the road to: ROADS.
We very much support this entry. The philosophy behind the Black Sheep is excellent and, having stayed there on more than one occasion we can testify that it works. The Black Sheep is also very much involved with community projects. A very worthy entry indeed
Dear Michel and Andy,
We travelled a lot around the world, and stayed in many lodges.This was one of the best -ecolodges. Food was good, very friendly staff. It was exciting to stay at the Black Sheep Inn. It was a unique travelling experience.Michelle and Andy's passion for eco tourism, environmental practices and cultural awareness is matched by their commitment and dedication to the community of Chugchilan. We visited the lodge 13/07/07 and 14/07/07 We came from Lasso. It is a perfect stop ( very quiet) between Lasso and Banos. Michel and Andy, thank you very much for your hospitality and we wish you good luck in the competition.
Keep up the great job!!
Rob and Ann
I took a break from motherhood finding BSI online while searching for a place to visit which was isolated. When I arrived at the inn I found myself in my personal paradise! I'm an obsessive re-cycler and guilt-ridden American and now I'm enthusiastically spreading the word about composting toilets to anyone with land to build one (I get funny looks). I loved the vegetarian meals, meeting the locals, and the positive impact the inn had on the surrounding community (I bought locally knit hats from them). Wow! Next time I'll bring the kids to show them how we can all vacation in a way to preserve the nature and culture of the places we visit. I know I'll be hard-pressed to find a place which is as faithful to its mission as Black Sheep Inn.
I was lucky enough to be able to personally get an impression of Chugchilan and the BSI and i am happy to say that it was an incredible experience. It was impressive to see how the various projects launched by the BSI in cooperation with the locals helped improve conditions and build new structures. The frequent interactions with locals always struck me as very honest and sincere. At the BSI itself, the water-management and preservations system, but most of all the composting toilets are nothing short of inspirational and should serve as models for sustainable eco-tourism projects.
All the best for the future and i am glad to hear that the recycling project is making good project!
2 thumbs up!!!
G.B.
Andres and Michelle,
Great to see your entry in Changemaker's competition. Hardly a day goes by that i don't think or talk about the experience our families had at BSI last summer. We're gradually trying to bring what we learned in Chugchilan back to Massachusetts. Yesterday Aidan got two chickens and had the first free range organic egg for breakfast this morning. Happy kid! I'm excited about your idea for an eco-tourism association to share best practices and expand the ideal. We will direct people your way with similar aspirations.
All the best, Ed McCarthy, Lexington, MA
BSI is inspirational, the work of Andres and Michelle in the community and postive outcomes and impacts is outstanding and a model for other grass roots community projects. The lodge is also a place for travellers to learn about practival environmetak solutions (love the composting toliet). It is great to BSI in the competition and I wish them all the best.
Hope to visit again.
Stan
What sort of changes have you seen in the nearby communities as they have developed tourism enterprises? And if you knew back when you started BSI what you know now, would you make any changes in how you developed your relations with the community leaders?
trying to post, but it keeps failing...
Difficult questions – thank you for asking them.
When we moved to Chugchilán there were no tourist facilities. We have effectively put Chugchilán on the tourist map.
In 1995, we wrote to several guidebooks about the Black Sheep Inn, but more importantly we provided information about the entire area. We wrote 9-pages of information about bus schedules, hostels in small villages and provided hiking information. Travel guidebooks published this information to describe a ‘new’ area called the "Latacunga-Loop" and "Quilotoa-Circuit". Suddenly Provincia Cotopaxi had tourists staying more than just one night for Saquisilí Market or viewing Cotopaxi Volcano. Now tourists were exploring deeper into the rural countryside, getting to know indigenous populations, and spending their tourist dollars on services in the area.
1994 South American Handbook described Chugchilán as, "a very poor village in one of the most scenic areas of Ecuador." No accommodations were listed. Now the Handbook has 3-pages about the "Quilotoa-Circuit." Chugchilán is currently listed in over 15 different Ecuador and South America guidebooks.
Let'sGo! Ecuador describes the "Latacunga-Loop" with these words "the tiny town of Chugchilán has seen more than its share of visitors in recent years. Part of this may be due to its oasis of idealism: the Black Sheep Inn."
Some communities have taken advantage of this new economy while others have not been as ambitious. One negative impact is children occasionally ask tourists to give them money or things. This had never happened before tourists visited the area. We ask guests to donate to a community fund instead of giving handouts to individuals which encourages further begging.
We have learned an incredible amount establishing a sustainable eco-destination, but would we do it differently? Not necessarily… we have grown with the community and the community has grown with us.
I think that the success of this innovation is that it has always been a grassroots project. Learning can be done in leaps and bounds, but here mistakes have been valuable instead of costly.
Hope this answers your questions.
In the course of my work I have travelled extensively in Ecuador, visiting tourist installations, towns and villages, there's hardly a corner of this country I don't know.
The BSI is in my opinion one of the few Eco-lodges which understands what the word really means, and has acted on that knowledge. The use of permaculture, encompassing recycling, composting and care of the earth is very obvious in all the ongoing projects at the Inn and in the community. Chugchilan's residents have moved in a few short years, from barely sustainable existance with major migration of the young people to the cities, into a sustainable comunity with real wages, improved education, healthcare and opportunities. An example to all who still think that "eco" means a bit of greenery and better sales.
Took our kids to the Black Sheep - composting toilets were a firm favourite. The Inn is the most sustainable i've stayed in - from the loos to the permaculture to the recycling computers. Their work with the local community is though the most impressive and important part of their work and is a great example of how to go about it for anyone else considering a similar project
I could describe the Black Sheep Inn with innovating and exciting words as that is what it is. They have inspired, motivated and educated the local community, by supporting them and empowering them to start their own business, as well as assisting them in the substainable and educational side. The community still have that fastinating Andean character that tourist love, but offer so much more if you take or have the time to stay and find out. On the surface is a tripical and Andean community, my stay at the Black Sheep Inn, found more. The friendly and warm loving community that would embrace you; they saw Michelle and Andres as part of that community who were leading the way forward in innovation ideas. One instance in particularly that I exerience , was during the dry season, no rain, low water table, water was very scarce and often non-existence. This is a major problem world wide not just here in the Andean highlands, but Andres held discussions and developed ideas to deal with this problem, and for this community there was a solution. The positivity from the locals towards what Black Sheep Inn has brought to the community, without radically changing the character, is inspirational.
Even if my name was not Hammerman, I would rave about the Black Sheep Inn! Andy and Michelle have built the perfect sustainable ecolodge. After a short stay of only 2 nights, we continue to rave about our experience in Chugchilan! Andy and Michelle's involvement in the community, the 'handbuilt' sustainable accommodations, the more than friendly atmosphere, proximity of the rainforest, local cheese factory, and more - all contribute to this perfect environment. We recommend it to anyone - a great nomination!!
We spent several days at the Black Sheep Inn in July 0f 2006. We wished we could have stayed longer. The Black Sheep Inn is a shining example of sustainable development. The Inn has enhanced the lives of the people in its community as well as those of its visitors, demonstrating committment, intelligence and compassion as it educates. From its composting toilets (perhaps the most beautiful bathrooms we have ever seen)to its amazing meals, it was a wonderful place to stay. The BSI and the community have formed a partnership that was undeniable and apparent to any visitor. The BSI connected us to local guides for our hikes, and the BSI was very clearly much more than just a business in the town.
It became very clear to us, as we hiked in the area, that there was mutual respect and affection between the local people and The BSI.
I had the pleasure recently of staying at The Black Sheep Inn. Never before in my life have I experienced a more resourceful and welcoming place. To be in the presence of these two giving people on a daily basis was truly inspiring. Andres and Michelle are the definition of teamwork and community and definitely deserve this award!
Having studied International Development and spent my adult years roaming for sustainable community based innovations I can sincerely say that the Black Sheep is the finest example of two people keeping open hearts and making a real difference in the lives of others.
I've known the Black Sheep Inn and its efforts as a business and members of the community. It is a beautiful location. It is fully integrated in the community in a positive way that promotes home-grown leadership. The BSI has made every effort to care for the local ecosystem and encourages their neighbours to do the same. The positive impact is due to the BSI's holistic approach, meticulous efforts and deep compassion.
You've got my vote.
Love unconditionally,
Iain
It is ten years since we visited the Black Sheep Inn but we were very impressed when we stayed there and have recommended others to visit and watched its development ever since.
Arriving with some suspicions about just how environmental this place was going to be we were impressed by the direction and commitment of those involved and amused by the composting toilets with a view to rival anything.
As a wildlife artist with concerns about the environment it was very encouraging to find a small corner of Ecuador where some really positive things were happening.
Whilst cultivating the slopes measures were being taken to avoid soil erosion that were innovative but traditionally based and much was in progress to improve sustainability.
Local people were employed at the inn, given training and responsibility and treated with equality and respect.
There seemed to be a good rapport with the local community and from my point of view some interesting and varied wildlife to see and enjoy including some amazing moths, lizards and birds.
It was also a good place to network and we were able to share experiences with a wide range of travellers.
I stayed at the Black Sheep Inn in March, 2007, and was amazed by Andres and Michelle's commitment to improving the local environment, estqablishing a sustainable tourist facility, and engaging and educating the local community.
I stayed at the Black Sheep Inn in March, 2007, and was amazed by Andres and Michelle's commitment to improving the local environment, estqablishing a sustainable tourist facility, and engaging and educating the local community.
I visited the Black Sheep Inn in November 2006 and was utterly impressed. They have a fine operation there in the wilds of the Andes. This is eco-tourism at its best. The compost toilets, the first I have seen in Latin America. The involvement, long term, of local people was evident in the Inn every day.
I spent an afternoon at the local village school, and watched staff from the Inn volunteering teaching English to local children. Staff went to the village to collect the garbage, with local people. The whole thing was most impressive and has made a definite improvement in the quality of life of the village. Even though it was hard to get to I would go again, partly drawn by the impact the Black Sheep Inn has had on the local community. All positive. Wonderful. I recommend them for your competition. Mary O'Donovan, Vancouver Canada.
Dear Andres and Michelle,
I am delighted to learn how much further you have developed links with the local community. Your efforts in ecotourism at the Black Sheep Inn have been impressive for some years now, but it is particularly interesting to learn that you have supported local people in setting up their own inns and that you give them so much encouragement in recycling, etc. Chugchilan really is on the map now, but in a protected way.
Congratulations,
Wendy
The Black Sheep Inn is an incredible place. After spending a week there, I am humbled in how much I have to learn about truly living my ideals. They are amazing, thorough, and genuine in their efforts to not only live, but run a business in a sustainable way, but also to inspire others to do the same. The true beauty of the Inn is that they manage to teach and lead without ever condescending. The respect for the community and culture of the area are as powerful as the respect for the natural environment. It is a rarity to find a place that is so truly what it claims and hopes to be.
I had the priviledge of visiting Andy and Michelle at the Black Sheep Inn several years back. Their commitment to environmental friendliness and community relations is their top priority. Every choice they seem to make involves a deep contemplation of its impact on the environment and the members of their community. They have created an incredibly hospitable and comfortable eco-tourism lodge, without compromising the aforementioned values. As a result of their dedication to these higher values, they have created an enhanced tourist experience, one that moves guests to reevaluate their own impact on the world around them. On so many levels, The Black Sheep Inn is making the world a better place!
My husband took his daughters to the Black Sheep for a family vacation in 2002, scouting out places in Ecuador where he had been taken by his parents in the early 40s. He returned to the Black Sheep with me, his wife, for another visit two years later and we will return again and again, I hope, to this wonderful place.
The Black Sheep is a model geo-ecotourism community, offering comfort and hospitality to its guests in environmentally sound and sensible ways, preserving the natural and cultural milieu and fostering the well-being of the area's native population.
Hi Michelle and Andres!
So glad to see this entry in the geotourism contest. We still think about the trip we had to Chugchillan and how wonderful it was.
We only had a few minor comments about your answers above. The content was very good but thought some of the answers could've been clearer or more directly answered the question being asked.
1. With this question "Describe the degree of success of your approach to date. Clearly define how you measure quantitative and qualitative impact in terms of how your approach contributes to the sustainability or enhancement of local culture, environment, heritage, or aesthetics? How does your approach minimize negative impacts?"
I think your answer seemed scattered so the points didn't come across clearly. I would clearly delineate the positive impacts you've had on the community and the things you have in place to prevent negative impacts. All the content is there, just a little scattered.
2. The answers for these two questions look flipped "How does your program promote traveler enthusiasm, satisfaction, and engagement with the locale?" and "In what ways are local residents actively involved in your innovation, including participation and community input? How has the community responded to or benefited from your approach?"
Wish we had more helpful feedback. Good luck!!
Lara and Maneesh
The quantitative impact can be sited in some recent stats that we are benchmarking: Business generated in the community by the BSI in 2008:
Local Drivers: US$5400
Local Guides: US$900
Horseback Trips: US$2750
Quito Drivers: US$6500
Total guest accommodations in Chugchilán in 1994: zero rooms
Total guest accommodations in Chugchilán in 2008: 45 rooms
Average tourists per night in village: 35
Local people in tourism: 100+
You are also correct about the answers being flipped around about community involvement and tourist satisfaction… I have no idea how that happened. I will write to Changemakers and check if can be corrected.
Thanks for your comments!
You are correct about the answer to the question about ‘quantitative and qualitative impact.’ It had a 200 word answer limit and was written in several paragraphs which separated the ideas a bit, but it showed up scattered in the entry as a giant run-on.
The qualitative impact in Chugchilán is that it is now on the tourist map (quoting the difference between 1994 and current guidebooks), sustainable practices have been implemented at the other hostels (building with natural materials, native-tree planting, using organic produce, serving vegetarian food, improving water installations and providing employment), the community has received direct benefits (training workshops, education, Public Library/Computer Learning Center, schools and clinic have received continuous aid, employment, transportation coop, girls Andean folk dance troupe, etc) and the Recycling Center has dramatically helped the local environment.
Negative impacts… have been reduced completely by overwhelming positive impacts.