Who starts a foundation in the middle of the Ecuadorean Amazon? Proving that life can always provide serendipity; Douglas McMeekin found himself bankrupt in his forties but with an opportunity to move to Ecuador. Originally from the US, Douglas worked for six years in the Amazon as an environmental and cultural consultant for eight different oil companies. This experience provided the catalyst he needed to begin Yachana Foundation and a way to give sustainable help to the Amazonian people.
In 1992 he began by building six schools and training teachers in 27 communities. Within a couple years he started buying rainforest to preserve. Then, he started Yachana Lodge, a world-class eco-tourism lodge on the banks of the Napo River, in order to generate funds to support the foundation. Since then, in true entrepreneur spirit, he has built upon the foundation, starting a fair trade organization, medical clinics, more schools, community pharmacies, and a first of its kind Amazonian boarding school - and he’s not finished yet. The impact of one man’s vision has reverberated throughout the Ecuadorian Amazon, providing opportunities and education for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
YACHANA is a Kichwa indigenous word that means “a place for learning." Its mission is to provide community-based solutions to poverty and environmental conservation in the rainforest. Training programs create opportunities of employment, health and entrepreneurism with a focus on social, economic and environmental sustainability. Yachana has been internationally recognized for sustainable ecotourism by National Geographic – Ashoka Changemakers, Conde Nást Traveller, Skål International, Rainforest Concern, Smart Voyager and Rainforest Alliance.
I visited Yachana lodge and foundation and left with the inspiration to share his story. Douglas and I talk about the how and why of his foundation.
Yachana Lodge Information
Cary Tennis - Musings on the Writer's Life & Moving to Italy
How to Live Full Time on the Road and Be A Happy Nomad - RV Love
Find Work You Love - Lessons Learned from Roadtrip Nation
Life in a Ski Town - Starting a Business in Breckenridge, Worthy and Bond of The Bivvi
How to Design Your Own Career and Travel With Purpose / Tori Hogan
How to Visualize Success & Make It Happen: Michelle Roark, Olympian, Chemist & Perfume Entrepreneur
Want to Live in Spain? Teach English
Life in a Resort - Living in Telluride - World Class Ski Mountaineer, Hilaree Nelson
Life in a Resort - Living in Vail Colorado / Tracey Flower
Hollywood Life - Becoming a Writer / Joelle Cornett
Life in a Resort - Living in Crested Butte Colorado /Extreme Skier, Wendy Fisher
What's it Like Working for an International Humanitarian Organization
Always Wanted to Start a Nonprofit? Free the Girls
True Peace Corps Stories / Kelly in Tanzania
Hollywood Life - Becoming an Independent Film Producer / Scott Einziger
Want to Work as an Au Pair Abroad? Here's How.
What's it Take to Teach in International Schools?
Hollywood Life - Becoming a Reality TV Producer / Bill Pruitt
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Every L Podcast
The Empty Rooms of Gorski Manor
The Secret Room | True Stories
ACross Generations with Tiffany Cross
A Better You by Fernanda Ramirez