The Red Indígena de Turismo de México (Indigenous Tourism Network of Mexico) promotes a self-reliance approach to indigenous community development, emphasising sustainable livelihoods in communities working for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The organization, primarily focused on ecotourism and microenterprises, mobilises indigenous communities through a collaborative and participatory network with the aim of overcoming economic marginalization.

The Network includes 17 groups in 15 states, and over 5,000 members. It is leveraged to attract investment, offer training, find markets for local products, and advocate for indigenous rights. Training services focus on improving the operational, administrative, and financial capacity of indigenous microenterprise. Artisans are trained to use local materials and to cultivate herbal and medicinal plants, and 'tourism circuits' have been established to direct income generating opportunities to the Network's members.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2010

Founded: 2002

Location: 15 of 31 Mexican states

Beneficiaries: 17 indigenous Mexican groups

Biodiversity: Wildlife Management Conservation Units

 

Case Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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