The Nunkui Project: Action & Impact Plan
🧭 Vision
To restore and protect the Amazon rainforest, creating a thriving ecosystem where biodiversity flourishes and local communities thrive through sustainable, eco-conscious tourism.
🎯 Mission
To reforest, rewild, and protect reforested and forested areas of the Amazon while empowering local communities through meaningful employment, cultural exchange, and eco-tourism.
✅ Goals
- Reforest and protect deforested land in the Amazon starting with 20 hectares.
- Create sustainable, eco-conscious jobs through tourism for local community members.
- Educate and engage visitors (especially students) in conservation and cultural appreciation.
- Grow the project annually in scale, impact, and community benefit.
🌿 Current Activities
- Hosting student groups who contribute by planting trees and learning about composting.
- Charging $10 per student to support the project.
- Beginning infrastructure: a meal shelter and space for cultural exchange.
- Local artisans are employed (e.g. jewelry making workshop).
- Initial camping set-up for overnight visitors.
- Active Instagram promotion.
⏳ Short-Term Plans (0–12 months)
🌱 1. Infrastructure & Land Development
- Finalize shelter for cooking and gathering.
- Set up on-site plant nursery for reforestation.
- Create designated camping spots with basic eco-toilets and fire-safe cooking areas.
🌍 2. Educational & Experiential Tourism
- Continue hosting student groups.
- Launch Amazon Camping Experience: Campfire cooking, tree planting, guided walks.
🧑🏽🌾 3. Community Training & Capacity Building
- Host workshops for community on:
- Tourist interaction & itinerary design
- Basic English
- Hospitality & safety
- Using the Ministry of Tourism platform for certifications
🛤️ Mid-Term Plans (1–3 Years)
🌳 1. Expansion
- Acquire additional hectares of deforested land with support from carbon-offsetting companies.
- Plant and rewild new areas annually with help from visitors and partners.
🏕️ 2. Diversified Tourist Activities
- Each family can offer unique activities, such as:
- Shuar cooking class
- Day & night hikes
- Guayusa ceremony
- Fishing excursion
- Survival training & spear making
- Music workshops
- Restaurant or traditional meal service
👨👩👧👦 3. Sustainable Income for Families
- Goal: at least 10 tourists per night to ensure reliable income distribution.
- Develop a rotating system where families host or guide on a schedule.
💸 Revenue Streams
- Student Programs – $10/person + potential education grants or sponsorships.
- Eco-Camping Fees – Overnight stays with minimal-impact infrastructure.
- Carbon Offset Partnerships – Funding from companies for planting & protection.
- Workshops & Cultural Experiences – Add-on experiences for campers.
- Donations & Crowdfunding – Via website and social platforms.
📣 Marketing Strategy
🎯 Target Audience
- Eco-conscious travelers (both Ecuadorian and international)
- Student groups and universities
- Adventure seekers
- NGOs and green companies
♻️ Sustainability & Growth Strategy
- Monitor Tree Growth & Biodiversity – Use photos, mapping, and community-led monitoring.
- Transparent Impact Reports – Show progress to sponsors and tourists.
- Annual Expansion Goals – Purchase 1 to 5 hectares per year with carbon offset funds.
- Long-Term Goal – Create a privately protected forest reserve run collaboratively with the community.
