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El Fuego del Sol GeoTourism EcoVillage, Dominican Republic www.elfuegodelsol.com
Ubicación
El Fuego del Sol provides cultural programming, voluntourism, and sustainable development excursions to our rural ranch site in the Eastern tourist region and across the island. Interactive historical, ecological, and cultural excursions connect tourists with local Dominicans and the unique qualities of life in the DR.
The Dominican Republic is the business and tourism center of the Caribbean, but international visitors are often unaware of the country’s rich GeoTourism options. The vast majority visit the beach, then go home.
Tours are coordinated from the EFdS facility, across the DR and into Haiti, visiting NGO social action sites in regions with the greatest human need and ...
Sobre ti
Información de contacto
Title
Mr.
First name
Kevin
Last name
Adair
Your job title
President / Founder
Name of your organization
El Fuego del Sol GeoTourism EcoVillage
Organization type
Dominican Triple-Bottom-Line Business
Annual budget/currency
US $50,000 - $100,000
Mailing address
Please email or call
Telephone number
809-710-5381
Postal/Zip Code
Country
República Dominicana
Website
Email address
Alternative email address
tu idea
Esta será la dirección usada para marcar tu participación en el mapa.
Street Address
Higuey
City
Higuey
State/Province
La Altagracia
Postal/Zip Code
Country
República Dominicana
Geotourism Challenge Addressed by Entrant
Quality of tourist experience and educational benefit to tourists , Quality of benefit to residents for the destination , Quality of tourism management by destination leadership , Quality of stewardship of the destination.
Organization size
Small (1 to 100 employees)
Indicate sector in which you principally work
Destination-stewardship business
Year innovation began
2005
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Indicate sector in which you principally work
History, Living culture, Nature, Destination aesthetics, Culinary or agritourism, Adventure, Education, General tourism, General destination stewardship/management.
Name Your Project
El Fuego del Sol GeoTourism EcoVillage, Dominican Republic www.elfuegodelsol.com
Describe Your Idea
El Fuego del Sol provides cultural programming, voluntourism, and sustainable development excursions to our rural ranch site in the Eastern tourist region and across the island. Interactive historical, ecological, and cultural excursions connect tourists with local Dominicans and the unique qualities of life in the DR.
The Dominican Republic is the business and tourism center of the Caribbean, but international visitors are often unaware of the country’s rich GeoTourism options. The vast majority visit the beach, then go home.
Tours are coordinated from the EFdS facility, across the DR and into Haiti, visiting NGO social action sites in regions with the greatest human need and ...
BID/FOMIN
Si perteneces a un pais de Latinoamerica y el Caribe tienes la oportunidad de presentar tu iniciativa para acceder a fondos para innovaciones en turismo sostenible del BID/FOMIN (para mayor informacion leer la seccion sobre la oportunidad BID/FOMIN en la pagina principal del Desafio).
Deseo postularme.
Si perteneces a un pais de Latinoamerica y el Caribe tienes la oportunidad de presentar tu iniciativa para acceder a fondos para innovaciones en turismo sostenible del BID/FOMIN (para mayor informacion leer la seccion sobre la oportunidad BID/FOMIN en la pagina principal del Desafio).
Consumidores (viajeros), Agentes detallistas, Operadores de Turismo, Prestatarios de servicios turísticos, Prestatarios de servicios no turísticos (proveedores), Grupos comunitarios autóctonos, Atractivos naturales y culturales.
Indica cuales de estas tematicas cubre tu innovacion (elige todas aquellas opciones que apliquen)
Planificación y Gestión de destinos, Innovación y diversificación en el desarrollo de productos turísticos, Profesionalización, buenas prácticas y certificación de servicios turísticos sostenibles, Estrategias y herramientas innovadoras para la promoción y puesta en mercado de destinos y productos en turismo sostenible y geoturismo..
Innovación
What is the goal of your innovation? Please describe in one sentence the kind of impact, change, or reform your approach is intended to achieve.
Connecting international visitors with our integrated, ecological, Fair-Trade community; exploring Dominican culture, history, geology, social outreach, innovation, and sustainable development.
Please write an overview of your project. Include how your approach supports or embodies geotourism or destination stewardship. This text will appear when people scroll over the icon for your entry on the map located on the competition homepage.
El Fuego del Sol provides cultural programming, voluntourism, and sustainable development excursions to our rural ranch site in the Eastern tourist region and across the island. Interactive historical, ecological, and cultural excursions connect tourists with local Dominicans and the unique qualities of life in the DR.
The Dominican Republic is the business and tourism center of the Caribbean, but international visitors are often unaware of the country’s rich GeoTourism options. The vast majority visit the beach, then go home.
Tours are coordinated from the EFdS facility, across the DR and into Haiti, visiting NGO social action sites in regions with the greatest human need and ecological risk. Trips are customized to connect with the specific interests of each visiting group, from colonial history to adventure tours to bird-watching to philanthropic travel. Our EcoIndustry center manufactures Sun Ovens which cook delicious food by the power of the sun, fighting deforestation and creating Fair-Trade jobs. The Sun Ovens produced are available for sale or tax-deductible donation for Dominicans in need, in conjunction with the project’s US-based non-profit partners. Our Outdoor Classroom program offers classes in English, Spanish and Ecology. All programs feature the use and demonstration of alternative energies and sustainable technologies.
Explain in detail why your approach is innovative
Four million tourists per year visit the Dominican Republic, but most only see the beach. Many never come to understand that the DR is a huge, culturally and historically rich country which forms the economic center of the entire Caribbean. The crucial Dollars that flow into the country from tourism mostly fly right out again into the hands of international developers and resort owners. Individual Dominicans miss most of the benefit of tourism commerce, and the huge financial gap between rich and poor Dominicans is perpetuated. Almost a million Dominicans drive luxurious cars while their fellow residents subsist far below international poverty standards. Globally, the DR is uniquely suited to leap forward in renewable energy initiatives: located only a two-hour flight from Miami, with a pro-business / pro-renewable energy / solidly Democratic government, in a nearly perfect sun and wind rich climate year-round. If a poor country like the DR could become energy independent, rich countries would likely follow this example. Costa Rica has 2,000,000 tourists per year, but the primary tourism there is ecotourism. EFdS is uniquely poised to provide international focus, economic opportunity, financial services, Fair Trade jobs, NGO facilitation and successful GeoTourism benefits to the DR.
Impacto
Describe the degree of success you have had to date. How do you measure, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the impact on sustainability or enhancement of local culture, environment, heritage, or aesthetics? How has it transformed or contributed to the power of place or demonstrated the sustainability of tourism? How does your approach minimize negative impacts?
Our success is developing well. Connections have been made with local and international non-profit organizations, tour operators, US and DR governments, sustainable energy technology providers, and interested Dominican residents. Funding has been achieved for the donation of 56 Sun Ovens. We have established a matching program to offer Sun Ovens locally at discounted prices. Our project is unique in the area integrating beneficial programming with ecological residences. We have received media coverage from NPR’s Worldview and Conscious Choice Magazine. The websites are extensive. El Día Dominicano explores the Dominican past, present and future. The programming is likely to draw other tourism organizations to concentrate more on culture, history and ecology. We have introduced the concepts of Free Trade and Ethical Trade status to key officials of the DR government. Our use and donations of Sun Ovens offsets our own carbon footprints, and jobs created are Fair Trade labor. The ultimate goal is to create a community that will address the large problems of waste disposal and energy production on a country wide scale. If a country such as the DR can come from behind to achieve energy independence it can serve as an excellent example to more developed countries.
In what ways are local residents actively involved in your work, including participation and community input? How has the community responded to or benefited from your approach?
Dominicans are involved in all aspects of our project, including the planning, programming and earning of employee-equity. We are also working closely with local social service organizations, including the Rotary Club, and Grupo Jaragua for our cultural and social programs. Under-privileged Dominicans benefit from our Sun Oven distribution and donations. And, our community includes volunteer hours to the nearby underserved area of Villa Hortencia. Every job that we create is a Fair Trade job. Our events create venues for genuine Dominican artists and natural product producers, including storytellers, painters, sculptors, and crafters of jellies, honey, sweet cheese and holistic remedies.
How does your program promote traveler enthusiasm, satisfaction, and engagement with the locale?
We offer classes and events developing connection with DR culture, ecology and Spanish language. Director of Educational Programming, D. Karim Johnson is creating the Outdoor Classroom program of El Fuego del Sol. Karim's program combines classroom time with the large ecological resources of EFdS. Diverse flora and fauna and the Sun Ovens on site form the basis of Karim's multi-disciplined approach to education. Classes are now available in English, Spanish, and Ecology. As the program grows, we willl involve more children and adults from the area and around the world. Evening programs feature cultural performances including traditional Perico Ripiao music.
Describe how your work helps travelers and local residents better understand the value of the area's cultural and natural heritage, and educates them on local environmental issues.
Most tourists do not leave the resort zones of the island. Few realize that the DR has over 500 years of cultural heritage, over 12,000,000 people and is larger than many northeastern states. Blog sites indicate that tourists are seeking to help Dominican people. Many Dominicans pay little attention to their own diverse heritage. Profit is key in the DR. Once cultural programming is shown to be profitable, it is likely to catch on as it has in other destinations. Once travelers understand the economic power of their choices, they are likely to make more beneficial choices in the future.
Esta presentación se trata de
Sustenibilidad
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.
Initial payments originated from Real Estate profits in Chicago. The intention was to find financing in the DR, but after seeking Dominican financing options for over three years, and paying high DR interest, the project has recently been financed through a principals-backed US loan. The debt is less than 30% of the project value. We are seeking to refinance to generate funds to increase Sun Oven production and complete the tax-exempt product certification. We have multiple income sources: micro-lending, Sun Oven business, events for tourists, ecological weddings, rental income from residents / business tenants, and a proposed organic restaurant. EFdS has a Dominican staff that ranges from three to 15 depending on need. Over 50 Dominicans have financially benefited from the program so far, including our Sun Oven manufacturers. Our expenses are currently $850 per month; we expect to break-even this year with profits increasing in years to come.
Is your initiative financially and organizationally sustainable? If not, what is required to make it so? Is there a potential demand for your innovation?
EFdS will be an optimum example of triple-bottom-line business. A strong profit potential is crucial since sustainability requires we are not dependant on donations. By simultaneously dedicating our efforts to improving ecological and social environments, we are open to the new markets of sustainable / renewable products that are encouraged by new regulations, but have only been sparsely applied in the DR. Tourists say they are seeking opportunities to help the Dominican population. We have the programs to facilitate that support. Potential clients include the 1.5 million visitors in the area annually and the additional market sector of GeoTourists worldwide.
What are the main barriers you encounter in managing, implementing, or replicating your innovation? What barriers keep your program from having greater impact?
DR regulations and customs procedures are difficult to navigate. However with 3.5 years active experience, initial issues are conquered. Scarce Dominican financing continues to be the greatest limiting factor for our development. Local banks are only willing to finance equity up to 30% of land value, and they charge prohibitive interest rates and application fees. We have completed our purchase of the former motel property, have the titles in hand, and seek financing options.
We are looking to increase our local and international exposure, and increase our long term relationships with tour operators to increase frequency of tourist group visits and increase frequency of El Día Dominicano cultural / historical events.
The delay and fees associated with the renewable energy certification process of our Sun Ovens has slowed down the effectiveness of our solar cooking process. Now we are working to add additional NGO partners as we work to maintain current partnerships in consideration of the various delays. Everything in the DR takes much more time and paperwork than in most other locations. There are laws being implemented this summer to improve and streamline business process in the DR, but the process has taken much more time than expected.
What is your plan to expand or further develop your approach? Please indicate where/how you would like to grow or enhance your innovation, or have others do so.
Our micro-financing program: www.carefulloans.net will build on the example of kiva.org, but pay our investors from 6-12% on funds that we lend out locally. Private DR lenders charge crippling annual percentage rates of well over 100%.
We are interested in hosting international sustainability events at EFdS. We have space available for additional residents and ecological businesses at our facility. We are seeking future-minded, ecologically conscious sponsors / additional financing for individual events, project divisions and the project as a whole. The network of individuals, ecoindustries, NGOs and financing could serve as an exportable example for developing locations around the world.
La historia
Please provide a personal bio. Note this may be used in Changemakers' marketing material.
Kevin Adair develops ecological projects, tourism / entertainment events, and business presentations. Clients include Hyatt Hotels, Sunscape Resorts, and the City of Chicago. Kevin has presented on NBC’s Today Show and ABC’s Good Morning America. Kevin owned, developed, promoted and sold 11 properties in the US. Kevin graduated Cum Laude from Illinois Wesleyan University. After years work in the US, Kevin came to the Dominican Republic to provide entertainment for four hotels. He was amazed at the country’s beauty and stark poverty. Kevin decided to make a social and ecological difference and is now a legal resident of the DR.
What is the origin of your innovation? Tell the Changemakers and media communities what prompted you to start this initiative.
After years of touring the US, promoting ecological development, performing shows, and giving business presentations, I received the dream call: to perform for 4 tropical resorts in the Dominican Republic. The job was great-- only 4 nights a week! I lived as a guest in the ultra-luxurious resorts. But I found that I couldn’t just sit by the beach all day. I felt the call to do something constructive, ecological and beneficial.
I saw extensive poverty on the ride between resorts: miles of concrete roofs baking in the sun, but no alternative energy. I decided to build and distribute Sun Ovens which cook delicious food by the power of the sun. I envisioned El Fuego del Sol, a GeoTourism destination, offering ecological development, socially conscious tours across the country, voluntourism and Fair Trade jobs.
I befriended a young man working as a taxi-driver. He brought me home to meet his family. I enjoyed real Dominican food that tasted better than the best resort food. Together we visited many available properties in the region. I decided on a large former motel, close to where my friend grew up. The property was sprawling and beautiful with fruit trees and many native plants growing inside the surrounding walls. It had been closed for 10 years. Turning the old motel into our GeoTourism ranch would be a recycling act in itself. We have transformed the property into an ecological garden, horse ranch, and event center with guest cabins and camping.
The property also has space for our Sun Oven factory. We sent a shipment of Sun Oven parts down in early 2006. We have now constructed 400 ovens and raised funds through our US NGO partners to donate over 50 of them. We first opened our factory in a Zona Franca to reduce customs fees on the ovens that would be donated. Now that the DR has passed renewable energy law 57-07 and joined CAFTA-RD, we have been informed by the National Energy Commission that our ovens certify as tax-free.
We are ready to significantly expand our project, but we have been hampered by the lack of financing options in the country. The banks have said that they don’t know how to approach our project because we don’t fit into any of their categories. It is difficult to be the first fully dedicated ecological GeoTourism project in the country.
We have created connections and partnerships with many of the NGOs working in the DR. One of our purposes is to help social outreach organizations work more effectively, through better communication between agencies and by networking with the global tourism community. We are also reaching out to the international business community to encourage developing renewable solutions in the DR. Decisions are being made as to how to initially develop much of the country. If those decisions can be made ecologically, the DR can set the international standard and become a GeoTourism industry leader, not just a bargain place to visit the beach.
Describe some unique tourist experiences that your approach provides. Be specific; give illustrative examples.
We coordinate day excursions in and around EFdS, and multi-day tours throughout the country and into Haiti. Tours are customized to focus on individual aspects of GeoTourism catering to each group’s preferences. Priorities include:
Social Action Sites and the work of community organizations/NGOs to help the poor
Voluntourism (work trips) / Philanthropic Travel and/or Projects in urban revitalization
Sites and stories of particular historical interest including the history of the native Taino People, the Colonial / Christopher Columbus era, pirates tales, the battles for independence, and the current period as a successful Democracy.
Cultural sites and Museums including the work of local artists
Ecological Development and Conservation Sites and Projects (Including specific trips for bird watching, exploring endangered species, and all flora and fauna of the DR.)
Adventure trips i.e.: mountain biking, spelunking, rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, orienteering, hiking, and horse-back riding.
Dominican Religious Services and Holidays.
Visits often include the National Basilica in Higuey (featured on the RD$50 bill). The oral history of the region is shared, including the Miracle of Altagracia which inspired the construction of this national landmark. Tours feature local neighborhoods, markets, farms, mountains, rivers, natural parks, and some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful secluded beaches.
What types of partnerships or professional development would be most beneficial in spreading your innovation?
Tour operators, travel agents, EcoTours, camping groups. Professional trade groups and clusters. Government programs. International development: the UN, IADB, USAID. NGOs: The Nature Conservancy, Faith in Place, Rotary International, with programs in the DR or Haiti interested in reducing their missions’ carbon footprints with Sun Ovens. Media (local and international): including NPR and Conscious Choice magazine. Congregations and social service organizations looking for a site to base their work-trip. International Dominican and Haitian groups working abroad for the development of their home countries. Renewable, sustainable, alternative energy and building solution providers. Other EcoVillages and EcoLodges. Real Estate agents. Visionaries.
| Adjunto | Tamaño |
|---|---|
| SunOvenDonation.JPG | 75.23 KB |
| Sr. y Sra. Domingo.jpg | 81.42 KB |
| El Fuego del Sol Events.jpg | 185.12 KB |
| outdoor group.jpg | 75.18 KB |
| Outdoor Class.jpg | 47.54 KB |
| El Fuego Lagoon.jpg | 254.06 KB |
| El Fuego Horse.jpg | 330.08 KB |
 | kevadair dijo: Join El Fuego del Sol for the most important GeoTourism experience in 2009. Haiti is the poorest county by far in this hemisphere. Right ... sobre este Competition Entry. - hace 924 días leer más > |
| kevadair dijo: El Fuego del Sol is now debuting our Blog site: Ideas del Fuego. This will carry on the excellent concept of this comments page for ... sobre este Competition Entry. - hace 939 días leer más > |
| kevadair dijo: If we are chosen to be one of the finalists for the BID funding, we will continue with our Open Source design concept. We will encourage ... sobre este Competition Entry. - hace 959 días leer más > |
| kevadair dijo: Scott, Thanks for taking personal interest in El Fuego del Sol. In the open-source nature of our project, we have been hoping for a ... sobre este Competition Entry. - hace 977 días leer más > |
| srains dijo: Kevin, You are familiar with Rosanne Ramos' work here on a very light footprint inclusive eco-resort in the Caribbean? It had ... sobre este Competition Entry. - hace 977 días leer más > |
| srains dijo: Kevin, Here is a contribution in Spanish to your site localization project. Los Siete Principios de Dise?o UniversalView more ... sobre este Competition Entry. - hace 977 días leer más > |
| kevadair dijo: We are pleased to note that the skilled gentleman who crafted our bathroom facilities to our design is aided by a wheelchair. He was the ... sobre este Competition Entry. - hace 980 días leer más > |
| kevadair dijo: Dear Scott, Thanks for your questions regarding universal access to the website, facilities and programs of El Fuego del Sol! The ... sobre este Competition Entry. - hace 980 días leer más > |
| kevadair dijo: http://www.rollingrains.com/2009/05/melding-the-green-and-the-human-geotourism-challenge-2009.html sobre este Competition Entry. - hace 980 días leer más > |
| kevadair dijo: I want to see the travel & hospitality industry embrace diversity. As a Featured Commentator for "The Power of Place" I offer this ... sobre este Competition Entry. - hace 980 días leer más > |
