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Section 1: Project Objective
To establish and enable a visitor center and provide training for ecotourism promoters to develop ecological activities for the conservation of marine and coastal resources, as a legacy of love for the next generation, and to achieve economic independence and sustainable economic development for the community of El Salado in Aguadulce, Coclé, Panama.
Section 2: Needs Assessment
Community meetings were a key process for gathering information on local needs. During these meetings, participants expressed their concerns and needs regarding various key issues, including health, the environment, and the economy. One of the main concerns expressed was the impact of strong waves, whose impact is progressively eroding and weakening the coasts. He urgent need for a permanent supply of drinking water was also highlighted. However, a significant aspect that emerged during these discussions also caught our attention: the shared desire of many participants to bequeath a prosperous future to future generations, and the initiative some residents have taken to promote the community as a remarkable place for the richness of its coast. Hence the importance of creating a visitor center and ecotourism promoters, as well as research, since NGOs and organizations periodically establish themselves in the area for this purpose. A formal approach was made to a local entrepreneur in this area, who was present during the meetings; the young Mr. Francisco Pitti, who shared a personal experience as a resident of the El Salado community, and began by stating the following: "I experience each of these concerns daily, which allows me to get to know them closely and understand their profound impact on our lives." He outlined the reasons why he created Sala 'os Tour and the unexpected success of his initiative. However, he pointed out the limitation of not having a place to receive visitors and help from other locals.
Section 3: Project Design in Phases:
1- Ecotourism Facilities
• Establish a modular facility in a suitable location.
• Infrastructure Adaptation
• Equipment
2- Training:
• Train leaders who contribute to the community's socioeconomic development
• Develop an ecological culture that positively impacts others
3- Establish the Project:
• Visitor Reception Area
• Promote or market local cuisine, exhibits, crafts, and tours
• Educational Program Development Room, Tour Guide Training
• Scientific Research Office
Section 4: Beneficiaries
Direct beneficiaries: 25 (5 family groups), with additional families being added each year, considering their participation and support in the training center's activities in the community of El Salado.
Indirect beneficiaries: The entire community of El Salado, approximately 200 people.
Section 5: Theory of Change
The project's expected impact is primarily to generate a change in our own culture. This will raise awareness and appreciation for our coastal marine resources. It will also promote a sustainable economy, linked to the gifts of nature, adding value to everything we do daily, serving as local leaders in an environmentally friendly community. This would also positively improve the economy of the El Salado community, bringing with it more visitors, which in turn will impact tourism, the purchase of fresh seafood, local cuisine, the sale of handicrafts, scientific research, lodging, and recreation.
Section 6: Sustainability
Strategic partnership with NGOs for training, promotion, and participation in all activities carried out, serving as national and international benchmarks.
Work directly with local authorities to strengthen the project and provide support and participation in high-impact activities in the province.
Ongoing training for families to become multipliers and agents of change, positively impacting others.
Supervised management that involves partnerships with organizations, institutions, and community stakeholders.
Section 7: Collaborators
Audubon, Wetlands International (among other NGOs that join), IPACOOP, universities, local authorities: the mayor of Aguadulce, representatives of the Barrios Unidos district, and government institutions such as: MEDUCA, MIAMBIENTE, the Ministry of Tourism, AMPYME, Universities, INADEH, ARAP, the Red Cross, SINAPROC, and the Rotaract, Rotary, and Cadres Clubs.
Category
Activity Cost in USD
Infraestructura Elements related to the improvement or conditioning of the physical structure of the place. 5,956.73
Equipment Elements that are part of the conditioning of the space for its operation (chairs, desks, tables, curtains, etc.), others: tour boat, protective equipment, thermo coolers, outboard motor. 12,743.57
Equipment Functional or technological elements used for training: screen, computer, tablet, audio video, 2 air conditioners, fans, radio frequency. 3,543.92
Operations Elements related to electricity, water supply, area cleaning, telephone - internet, rental 1,200.00
Personnel Administrator or assistant 7,400.00
Monitoring and Evaluation Hiring of professionals with knowledge of the various activities. 360.00
Supplies Workshop accessories, materials required for the development of activities. 1,200.00
Advertising Hiring for management of promotion of the place and objectives. 1,200.00
Training Expert professionals for training or formation 7,200.00
10% 4,080.42
Total= 39,141.64
Section 8: Budget
Detail the project budget in the following boxes: Categories may include: Infrastructure, equipment, training, housing, equipment, monitoring/evaluation, operations, personnel, project management, advertising, signage, supplies, travel.
Section 9: Local Funding
Detail whether your project has local funding, meaning whether your club, clubs in your district, or your district will contribute.
# Fountain Details Amount (USD)
1 Cash from club Rotary Club Rotario 4,560.00
2 District Designated Fund (DDF) XXXX
3 Private companies and local merchants or organizations premises 3.000.00
4 Tourism Authority, INADEH - SENADIS, MINSA, Universities, RED CROSS, SINAPROC, AMPYME, IPACOOP, ARAP, MIAMBIENTE, NGOs, Municipal Authorities, universities. provincial
8,400.00
5 community board local 7,400.00
Total= 23,360.00
MINSA: National Ministry of Health
INADEH: National Institute for Vocational Training and Capacity Building for Human Development
SENADIS: National Secretariat for Disability
IPACOOP: Panamanian Autonomous Cooperative Institute
ARAP: Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama
AMPYME: Micro, Medium, and Small Enterprise Authority
SINAPROC: National Civil Protection System
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