INDIGENOUS TOURISM SUPPORT
Aid agencies and governments often promote Indigenous tourism as an environmentally friendly way to lift marginalized indigenous communities out of poverty. Scholars, however, are calling for a reality check on this industry because tourist interest has been low, communities lack adequate capacity to effectively participate and this form of tourism tends to breed community conflicts.
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In Bocas del Toro, however, where I live and work, there are more than 10 Indigenous run tourism initiatives filled with community members who have been striving since the early 2000s to leverage tourism visitation for community improvements.
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Currently, I focus my service efforts on direct assistance (i.e., raising funds, consulting, and providing marketing support) to these communities and on conducting research with my students aimed at making practical recommendations to community members.
Foster the Earth - Board of Directors
I am on the board of directors for this organization, which focuses on providing transformative and empowering outdoor and wilderness experiences to undeserved youth in the United States.
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Find more information here
MIDES Panama - Volunteer
MIDES is the ministry of social development. It is the main institutional arm for combating rural poverty in Panama. Since 2017, I have been helping procure funds for projects and helping to target government aid in more effective ways. I have also led student volunteer efforts with the local nursing home.
