www.perunature.com

The Project: Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) is a Peruvian ecotourism company founded in 1992. The company combines tourism and environmental education, research, and local sustainable development to support the conservation of 1,600 hectares (4,000 acres) within the Peruvian Amazon's Tambopata-Candamo Reserve Zone.

The Deal: In 2003, Verde Ventures approved an investment of $110,556 for infrastructure, transportation, and communications improvements at RFE's facilities. Verde Ventures also provided an additional investment of $250,000 to build a new RFE lodge called “Tambopata” in the Amazon basin of eastern Peru.

The Benefit to Conservation: One of RFE's two lodges is 100 percent owned and jointly operated by the local Infierno community. In exchange for training, employment, and 60 percent of the profits from the lodges, the community has agreed to no hunting, farming, or logging within their communal reserve- one of the most biologically rich places on Earth. The lodge employs more than 50 community members, who earn 38 percent more than the average earned from hunting and farming.

Related links:

Voices from the Field: Project Highlight - Rainforest Expeditions

Award Winner - 2005 TO DO! Contest for Sustainably Responsible Tourism
- General Information
- Award Rationale (PDF)
- Photo Gallery from Award Ceremony