In 2005, we will design sister projects that interconnect. We will be building a 20' x 60' rain forest greenhouse and composting center with the community of Rio Blanco Ecuador, under the direction of Don Augustin Grefa, owner and operator of an ecotourism lodge in Istandi, Ecuador. Don Augustin is also a founding member of the sister ecotourism community in Rio Blanco, Ecuador. We will also be providing an educational scholarship to a member of the community.

This article summarizes a study of Rio Blanco that was completed in 1996 by a graduate student in geography at the University of Minnesota.

The greenhouse and composting project is very valuable to the community, as most of the vegetation in the rain forest has grown on rock for thousands of years, and the soil is neither deep nor rich enough to grow most vegetables. It is difficult for the community to bring fresh produce to feed guests, as stores are far away, produce must be carried miles by foot, and refrigeration is impossible due to lack of electricity. With the animals, heavy rains and poor soil conditions, it is very challenging. With a properly designed greenhouse, composting center and protection from animals, the community will be able to economically grow food for themselves and their guests. Low cost nutritional support is key to radiant health, and, with radiant health, the community is better able to sustain their culture and their land.

The sister project, is to scholarship one member of the Quichua community, and, a member of our staff, to attend the apprenticeship program at Rio Muchacho Organic Farm's one-month practical and theoretical course. Rio Muchacho's farm program teaches permaculture, organic gardening, composting, biodynamic farming and other non-polluting farming methods, seed saving, including plant propagation-grafting, seeds, traditional use of the moon calendar in agriculture, irrigation systems, and bee-keeping, in addition to several crafts, which bring in additional income for the community. Rio Muchacho also provides tours to neighboring eco communities and farms who teach solar and alternative earth-honoring generation sources.

The purpose of this education is first to educate our staff on gardening and alternative energy techniques used in Ecuador, so that we better understand how to design the composting and gardens, find organic seed sources in Ecuador and set-up communications with other ecotourism sources to share a knowledge base.

Secondly, we hope to increase income to the Quechua community by educating a young leader of their community. The scholarship has been awarded to Clever Grefa, son of Don Augustin Grefa. Clever was selected due to his dedication to his family's ecotourism business, a true love for his people, and his devotion to protecting the land. He speaks Quichua, Spanish, and has a growing English vocabulary; he is able to use the internet for communications. Clever will be able to educate his people on a variety of income-producing projects, as well as assist Mariposa. This project will begin October 26, 2005, and be completed on November 27, 2005. I will be sending a newsletter every week with highlights of the project. Newsletter Subscription

Mariposa International Projects, Inc. will be financially responsible for all travel expenses, educational scholarships, supplies and designs for both projects.