I thought we could have a page here devoted to discussion of new ideas.

A few Ideas I have been having since Antonio and I worked on the project outline are:

Conservation Ideas

Amazon World Cafe 

1. Create a network of people from all walks of life and all levels of power to come together in conversation about the amazon. This conversation would be done in the World Cafe style (www.theworldcafe.com) which is designed to accommodate many diverse points of view and draw from the collective wisdom while avoi conflict. People involved could be logging company owners, indigenous people, poor land owners, government workers, local and national politicians, conservation groups, lodge operators, brazil nut harvestors, wood exporters.  The idea would be to get all these people together for a weekend with the idea of coming up with ideas that protect the amazon, create economic sustainability, and social equality. The process starts with a blank slate, just a very loose opening, and people talk in small groups of 4 at small tables for 15 minutes, then they switch to a new table where they continue in another conversation, etc. eventually ideas is collected from each table and shared with the over all group. There is more to the process and we could invite facilitators to come in and assist. One possible result is the creation of a network of concerned people from totally diverse backgrounds to help solve the problems. 

Sustainable Development Micro Finance

2. Another idea would be to partner with existing micro finance banks in south america to extend their services to support sustainable development. (at present, their focus is mostly on poverty) There is a organization called Pro Mujer (promujer.org/) that might be interested. Otherwise would could potential start a new micro finance organization with the right financial backing that could support micro sustainable develop initiatives in the Amazon. If this model works in Madre de Dios, it could easily expand to help others amazon areas. I'm quite excited about this idea, even though it is quite ambitious it is also quite possible, and very effective. 

Ethical Wood Extraction 

3. This may sound crazy, but starting an ethical logging company could actually end up protecting a lot of rainforest as well as push the industry towards more sustainable practices. We could learn from eco-forestry experts in Canada and around the world (I have some experience in this area.). The income from the business would go to fund conservation and cultural projects. 

Fundraising Ideas

Canada Educational Tour

Antonio could make a 6-week tour across canada to various cities. (victoria, vancouver, nelson, calgary, toronto, montreal, halifax) Antonio could hold ceremonies at a slightly increased price with the idea that all the profits go to Amazon conservation. There could also be explicit fundraising events/dinners that would be educationally focused. After running the numbers I estimate $40,000 to $150,000 as income all depending on the number of ceremonies and participants. Similar to his first tour, Antonio could make valuable contacts.

Sowewankeri

Antonio's beautiful retreat center in the amazon, Sowewankeri, is almost nearing completing. Only a small amount (est. $20,000) would be needed to finish the construction, and to bring the facilities up to high quality standards. With a good website in place Antonio could focus on attracting groups every two months. Antonio could schedule these in the times when Diego is not doing ceremonies. Improving the center would create a steady income for Antonio and be a place where people could connect to his vision. 

I'd love to hear some comments and have discussions about these things. I think the first idea of the network is very workable, and probably in process in other amazon areas. the other two ideas are ambitious and require large investments, but they could be helpful.

Deryk