RICANCIE

RICANCIE is an association that was promoted by the Indigenous Federation of Napo in 1993. Its aim is to develop sustainable community tourism in the region. The organization now federates nine Quechua communities in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve.

The inhabitants have built rustic huts with local materials and set up a programme of activities dedicated to visitors, which has enabled them to regulate tourist numbers and minimise negative social impacts. RICANCIE offers stays of 1 to several days focused on nature and culture, immersed in the communities.

More than 200 families have committed themselves to this community project; the benefits are distributed equitably and make it possible to finance local development projects.