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Our ECO-TOURISM GUIDELINES
Buy local and locally made
souvenirs where possible. (But avoid souvenirs made from
coral, skins, other wildlife or authentic artefacts.
Reproductions make ideal souvenirs.)
Support locally owned, private- and community operated
tourism initiatives. Only go on tours endorsed by the
local people. Always ask before photographing people (or
filming them). If you don't speak the language, a smile
and a gesture will be well understood.
Don't give
money or sweets to children! It encourages begging and
demeans the child. A donation to a community project,
via the development association šEl Progreso” is much
more constructive.
Respect local
etiquette. It will earn you respect. In Pedro Sanchez,
loose and lightweight clothes are preferable to
revealing shorts, skimpy tops or tight fitting wear.
Please wear bathing suits when swimming in rivers near
community. Learn a little of the local language, history
and current affairs of the country. It prevents
misunderstandings and you will get more out of your
visit.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
We will
involve in various community activities. The local
Community Technology Centre (CTC) has a library for
adults and kids, and is using the books left-over or
donated from our guests.
We sponsor
some musicians, by helping towards the cost of a new
guitar or drum needed, and showcase them here at Mirador
"Vista del Valle". Our staff will be educated and fully
trained in all of our environmental policies.
There are so many places and
attractions offered under the name of "Eco", thus we
first want to let you know of what we mean when talking
about an "Eco-Tour", or an "Eco-Lodge" or "Eco-Behavior":
What is an Eco-Lodge and
what should be the pre-requisites for an Eco-Lodge?
- An Eco-Lodge is located in an
area which is quiet, without traffic or any pollution.
- It is a small building made of natural material
reflecting the local way of living in that area.
- Where possible, use of facilities or systems which
don't damage the environment (e.g. solar panels, wind
mills)
- the availability of Literature, Books, Posters, Maps,
or any other means to inform our
guests or
visitors about the biodiversity of the region
- An Eco-lodge contributes to the local economy, and
demonstrates that it contributes to a long-term income
without destroying the habitat for short-term profits.
For maintenance, cleaning, laundry, etc., only local
people are employed.
- An Eco-lodge permanently informs and educates all
guests, staff, and visitors about the importance of a
healthy Eco-system, and of how to enjoy the area without
damaging it.
In the description of our Eco-Lodge you will find that
our accommodations fully matches above requisitions. We
offer an authentic and affordable "Eco-Lodge" in the
East of the Dom. Republic.
What we expect from our
Guests:
We expect our
guests to be real "Eco-Tourists", in the sense of the
word usually defined as follows: "Responsible
traveler who conserves natural environments and sustains
the well-being of local people."
As such you are welcome here. For
our guests at Ecocenter "Vista del Valle" in Pedro
Sanchez, responsible travel is simply: treating others
with the same respect you would ask for in your own
community. While tourism officials have branded famous "Destinations"
- here you are in fact simply entering someone else's
home. Behave accordingly.
HISTORY:
The Eco-Centre is operated by a local family under
management by a German professional, which enables local
people to profit directly from ecotourism.
WE AIM TO:
* disperse the positive aspects and minimize the
negative impacts of tourism.
* systematically allocate income among the local
inhabitants of the village
* provide guests an intimate and safestay without
overburdening the village or their resources.
* support sustainable and responsible tourism that
ensures just returns to the community.
* promote and preserve the culture and values of local
peoples
* protect and respect both the environment and the
quality of village life through controlled tourism, and
by educating visitors and residents alike about the
unique natural surroundings with which they interact.
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