Arajuno Jungle Lodge/Arajuno Foundation

The Arajuno Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity.

If you wish to donate to the Arajuno Foundation, please mail your check to:

Arajuno Foundation
11422 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 208
Omaha, NE 68154-4420

Arajuno Jungle Lodge (AJL) and the Arajuno Foundation (AF) represent a private forest reserve located on the banks of the Arajuno River. The reserve is adjacent to a scientific research station called Jatun Sacha in the foothills of the Andes mountains of eastern Ecuador, part of the headwaters of the Amazon basin.

Arajuno Foundation consists of seven volunteer members. For further info on the Foundation Board.

AJL/AF protect and manage this forest reserve and ecotourism operation with the following Goals and Objectives:

Goals
#1: Create an ambiance that permits visitors to have a profound and unique experience that will educate and motive them to take a greater and more active role in the conservation and protection of the Amazon Rainforest and the other environments in which AJL visitors live.

#2: Create a model of sustainable development and minimum impact that can be followed by others and serve to teach how to live in harmony with nature.

#3: Develop conservation programs that, through direct action, contribute to the conservation of natural resources while improving the quality of life of the local indigenous population.

#4: Promote the highest quality of Ecotourism possible with special emphasis on quality vs quantity.

#5: Protect the 65 hectares of primary forest of AJL/AF in perpetuity and expand the protected area to the maximum extent possible.

Objectives
# 1: All activities of the AJL/AF ecotourism operation minimize possible impacts caused by the use of the local natural and human resources. AJL/AF will respect, observe and enforce all existing laws related to protected areas within the realm of its operations.

#2: Respect for local indigenous populations.
a. All visits to local indigenous populations as part of the operations of AJL/AF will be to support and appreciate the local culture and way of life. No activities of AJL/AF will allow the interference or alternation of local traditions.
b. AJL/AF will hire personnel from the local area to the greatest extent possible. c. Respect for historical and archeology sites. AJL/AF activities will not contribute to the damage or destruction of local historical and archeology sites. AJL/AF will incorporate local communities in the presentation and exhibition of traditional practices such as Shamanism, medicinal plants use, and local handicrafts and art.

#3: Reproduction of native and other appropriate species.
a. AJL/AF will investigate and promote the reproduction of native plant and animal species with the objective of recuperating local populations of certain species that are heavily exploited by the local population.
b. AJL/AF will not support the commercial exploitation of plants and animals that cannot be accomplished in a sustainable manner and in compliance with Ecuadorian laws.
c. AJL/AF will promote the proper use and management of both native and non-native species where their use and management serve to relieve the pressure of exploitation on native species.

#4: Direct support of conservation
AJL/AF will actively cooperate with and support conservation efforts by other environmental and governmental organizations through donations, use of AJL/AF facilities, logistical support and promotional activities to the greatest extent possible.

#5: Coordination with the scientific community.
AJL/AF will support scientific investigation and monitoring within its forest reserve

#6. Support of educational activities
AJL/AF will organize and promote training and other educational activities with both national and international educational institutions and acadamies as well as with the local community.

#7: Guides and Environmental Interpretation/Education
a. All guides will incorporate a conservation theme into all guided activities for groups visiting AJL.
b. All visitors, upon arrival at AJL will recieve a general orientation concerning the conservations issues in the general area, conservation practices of AJL/AF and expected behavior of guests during their stay at AJL.

#8: Group size
AJL/AF will maintain a maximum group size of 25 visitors at any given time. Groups larger than 12 will require dividing the groups in half. Each group will have its own guide and different activities planned so as to not adversely affect their experience or impact on any given site.

#9: Norms for lodging
All lodging will be constructed to the greatest extent possible from local materials, in a safe and secure manner that allows for maximum comfort, health and security of visitors.

#10: Waste treatment
a. All waste, organic, inorganic and waste waters will be managed with appropriate technology to minimize their impact on the environment.
b. AJL/AF will follow a strict policy and practice of reducing, reusing and recycling its wastes to the greatest extent possible within local conditions.
c. AJL/AF will promote and support the development of alterative and appropriate technology for waste management in local indigenous communities.

#11: Energy management
a. AJL/AF will operate to the greatest extent possible with alternative energy sources such as solar electric and micro/hydro electirc.
b. AJL/AF will promote and support the development of alterative and appropriate technology sources in local indigenous communities that are currently without energy.