Saving the rainforest is a big job. But every little bit helps.
The same can be said for fighting poverty in the Amazon basin. That’s why Yachana is proud to introduce our Micro Credit Conservation project!
Micro credit programs have been shown to have a huge economic impact on communities, where even a small loan can allow a person who may be struggling to support themselves to open a business. So far, two villages that have used the program have been able to incorporate as towns. And our 48 members have preserved 2,550 acres of rainforest!
The concept is simple: To get a loan, farmers sign a pledge that they will self-designate and preserve a certain amount of land for conservation. Their access to credit is then tied to their commitment to not cut the forest. They can then use the credit to establish other ways to supplement their income that don’t have the harsh environmental impact of farming. The other members of the village all help enforce the rules, so the forest remains protected or the credit is forfeit.
Now Yachana guests are adding to the pool of available credit, so we can fund even more family businesses. We’re asking guests to consider making a $50 donation to help capitalize loans. It’s a small amount to our guests, but it can make a huge difference in the life of a family here in Ecuador! So far the program has been so successful, one bank has actually increased its capitalization by 235%!