Arriving in Managua, we’ll head just down the road to Masaya where we’ll spend time getting to know each other at the Selva Azul lodge at Laguna de Apoyo an eco-preserve home to one of Nicaragua’s many crater lakes. After two days of introduction and orientation we’ll make our way north to Lake Apanas in the department of Jinotega. The area surrounding the lake is home to lush forests, stunning views from atop the hills and an organic coffee farm and family run lodge where we’ll stay as a group during the first week of our trip. We’ll receive Spanish language training, explore the natural wonders of the island and work in impoverished local communities to improve health and sanitation. When the work is done we’ll explore the mountains and the lake and enjoy the sunsets from the porch of the lodge.
Leaving the farm, we’ll head even further north, almost to the Honduran border where we’ll be joined by our local guides and lead through the Somoto Canyon by foot, inner tube and boat as we navigate the walls and waters of this hidden ecologic gem of Nicaragua. From Somoto we’ll hed south again to the village of San Rafael del Norte, a small agrarian village outside of Matagalpa, which sits among the lush mountain forests of north central Nicaragua. While living in this remote agrarian village with no running water and limited electricity we’ll work with the villagers on environmental conservation, install appropriate technologies and assist in creating sustainable farming practices. In return, the villagers will welcome us into their homes, make us members of the family during out stay and share their traditional lifestyle with us. Leaving San Rafael del Norte, we’ll head towards the Pacific coast, where we’ll enjoy sun-baked days on pristine beaches learning to surf with the assistance of our trusted Nicaraguan surf instructors. We’ll spend some time at a local elementary school to provide our young friends with a day of arts and crafts before heading to Laguna de Apoyo, a crater lake nestled in a dormant volcano and stay at the Monkey Hut lodge. At the lodge and in the surrounding parks, we’ll enjoy the sun and water, zip-line across the Mombacho Cloud Forest, top the Masaya volcano on foot, descend into its caves below and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Howler and White-faced Capuchin Monkeys. Lastly, we’ll visit Historic Granada and the local artisans Market at Masaya to grab a couple of ‘recuerdos’ before heading to Managua where our plane awaits us to head home.
Project Snapshot: Reef protection and Lionfish Capture on Bay Islands, Honduras
Problem:The Lionfish is an invasive non-native species damaging the reef and reducing the population of the native species.
Solution:Work with local marine biologists to remove the lionfish from the area through capture and the training of natural predators.
Impact:Restores balance to the natural marine environment and protects the livelihood of the local people.
Project Snapshot: Solar Power
Problem:Lack of electricity.
Solution:Working cooperatively with local NGO’s and solar companies to install community level solar power for off-the-grid communities.
Impact:Green renewable energy provides electricity which creates access to education, modern construction, public information through radio and internet and improvements to water and sanitation.
Project Snapshot: Soil & Water Conservation
Problem:Deforestation and torrential rains compromise the integrity of farmlands and river beds and remove nutrients vital to a successful harvest.
Solution:On susceptible areas of farming parcels and ephemeral stream beds we use rocks and boulders to build low retaining walls and low head dams.
Impact:Retains important nutrients in the soil allowing for a more abundant and nutritious crop. In stream beds, it retains more water in the basin, allowing for improved water table levels, retention of the richest soils for horticulture and a consistent and cleaner source of domestic water.
Project Snapshot: Horticulture
Problem:Poor nutrition, lack of vegetables in diet, financial restrictions of traditional horticulture.
Solution:Through a simple and appropriate design using rope, rebar and anti-viral mesh, a small green house can be inexpensively constructed to enable families to supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Impact:In agrarian communities where rice and beans is the staple of the diet and sometimes its only ingredient, nutrition improves when it is supplemented with fresh, organic vegetables with little added work.
Project Snapshot: Education
Problem:Poor education due to lack of infrastructure and proper government assistance.
Solution:Provide student-lead lessons in English and extra-curricular activities in the arts.
Impact:Exposes local students to native english speakers and allows for diversity in classroom activites and exposure to new ideas.
Project Snapshot: Eco-stoves
Problem:Existing ‘open flame’ adobe stoves use for cooking in the home lack ventilation and create smoke-related health issues.
Solution:Using local materials construct an eco-stove which burns more efficiently and ventilates smoke through the roof.
Impact:Reduces the amount of wood needed for cooking, reduces deforestation, reduces lung disease and other smoke-related diseases.