Planeterra Foundation

In the Peruvian highlands, food, community, and environment are closely connected. Parwa Community Restaurant demonstrates how tourism can strengthen these connections through a locally embedded model.

The restaurant sources its ingredients from local farmers, creating a sustainable value chain that supports agricultural livelihoods while reducing dependency on external supply systems. This approach ensures that tourism revenue circulates within the community.

Beyond economic impact, Parwa reinvests 100% of its profits into community development projects, including health, education, and essential services. This model ensures that tourism contributes to collective wellbeing rather than individual gain.

Environmental considerations are also integrated into this system. Afforestation efforts in the surrounding area help prevent soil erosion and protect native biodiversity, strengthening the resilience of the landscape.

This reflects a broader shift towards a nature-positive approach, in which environmental protection is embedded in how tourism operates. By aligning local food systems, community investment, and ecosystem management, tourism becomes a tool for social and environmental sustainability.

In Mexico, Mezcal Real Minero is showing how tourism can support biodiversity, cultural preservation, and community development. 🌱

Through guided visits, travellers learn about agave cultivation, traditional mezcal production, and the environmental challenges impacting local ecosystems. The initiative also supports Proyecto LAM, which focuses on conserving native agaves, local plants, and seeds while educating visitors about biodiversity and climate change.

Tourism plays an important role in creating long-term employment opportunities, while strengthening local skills and supporting community-led development.

This is what community tourism can look like when local knowledge, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage come together.

Share this story to help amplify community-led conservation.

In the Philippines, Tribes and Nature Defenders is leading community-driven forest restoration rooted in Indigenous knowledge, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.

Established by the Tribal Council of Elders, the organisation works to restore ancestral landscapes, protect sacred forests, strengthen food security, and support local livelihoods. Through community-led conservation efforts, they are helping protect biodiversity while ensuring future generations remain connected to their land, culture, and traditions.

This is a powerful example of how local leadership and Indigenous knowledge can drive long-term environmental resilience.

One of the key benefits of being part of Planeterra’s Global Community Tourism Network is access to funding opportunities like the Global Community Tourism Fund (GCTF).

The GCTF supports community tourism enterprises in strengthening their operations, improving their experiences, and growing their long-term impact. It’s an opportunity to access financial support to build resilience, enhance your offering, and connect more effectively with the tourism market.

Applications for this year’s funding round are now open to network members. If you’re part of Planeterra's Global Community Tourism Network and have been thinking about a project to expand your impact, this is your chance to apply.

You should have received an email with full details, but if you have any questions, please reach out to your regional representative or email [email protected].

Not part of the network yet? If you’re an impact-driven community tourism organisation, you can learn more about how to join here: https://planeterra.org/community-tourism/