It is very easy to perceive this. With a fraction of what is invested in developing one traditional resort, literally hundreds of communities could receive this training. Over the years, our small consulting firm Consultoria Balam has developed a very effective training program designed specifically for communities. We have been financed by quite a few NGOs, but only very recently is the government interested in our programs. The funny part is that we specialize in the development of small ,community owned, touring companies, and get hired by the Secretary of the Environment, not the Secretary of Tourism.
Communities know nothing of eco-travel, but that is an easy thing to teach.
The true difficulty lies somewhere else. It lies in the way communities perceive themselves. Our society has convinced many communities that they are weak and stupid and therefore need leadership to evolve and succeed in a modern world. We have made them dependent on our money, policies, religions and market practices. We have rendered their Spirit helpless.