5. Jacqueline in Chile

On behalf of Enviu I work for the Lakutaia lodge in Puerto Williams, the world’s most southerly point. Puerto Williams lies on the island Navarino in the archipelago of Maggelhaenes. Tourism in Puerto Williams is still in the teething phase and is still (in contrast to the nearby Argentinian Ushuaia) of relatively low quality.

Many sole traders only last a few years in business. Also people on the island are almost entirely dependant on Punta Arenas, a city which lies about a one hour flight away from Puerto Williams, for vital supplies. No vegetables are grown on the island itself and there is no livestock production.  The fisheries sector is very important but the greatest part of the catch is directly exported. There is no such thing as a fish shop or something similar for local consumption! Once a week a ferry comes from Punta Arenas bringing supplies to the island.

The lodge I work for serves the higher segment of the tourism market and wants, by working together with local suppliers, to reach a higher level of quality and more self-sufficiency in the areas of for example vegetables and meat.To realize this, a Development programme for entrepreneurs has been set up. This is a programme for 3 years whereby the cooperation between the suppliers and entrepreneurs in the village and the cooperation with Lakutaia is reinforced on all fronts.The Development Plan encompasses many things.

For example placing more focus on the tourist (what they are and aren’t interested in), hospitality, learning English, doing business administration, sustainable use of energy, Quality Certification (ISO) etc.

An important component is that by means of courses and workshops about these topics that the mutual coherence is reinforced and a stronger feeling of community develops which will in turn reinforce people’s commitment to the programme. I have already begun with teaching a course in English wherein we gave a simple introduction to the subjects of the programme while also including teambuilding activities to stimulate cooperation.

Read more about Jacqueline’s project and her experience in Chile >>>