PRODISOL

Project Summary

With the PRODISOL project, Socodevi aims to sustainably increase the economic autonomy of women and youth in 11 municipalities in the Lake Atitlán basin, Guatemala. The project also helps revitalize the tourism sector by promoting the protection and enhancement of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Objectives

  • Promote the socio-economic empowerment of Indigenous women and youth
  • Improve their participation in decent work and professional activities in sectors related to sustainable tourism
  • Increase their participation in decision-making within organizations working in sustainable tourism
  • Strengthen innovative practices among public and private actors in support of inclusive economic development

Results and impact

Key results

  • 12 municipalities in the Lake Atitlán region supported in developing sustainable and inclusive tourism.
  • 300+ people trained through specialized programs in sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship, and hospitality.
  • 64 business plans developed, 39 of which received financial support to accelerate their implementation.
  • 3 co-operatives strengthened to improve their governance, business performance, and range of products and services.
  • 3 new innovative initiatives co-financed to promote inclusive economic development and sustainable tourism.
  • 1,538 people reached through awareness-raising activities on gender equality and the sharing of family responsibilities since the start of the project.
  • 87.7% of people who participated in the workshops demonstrate a better understanding of shared responsibility for domestic and care work.
  • 204 participants, including 71 women, 54 young women, 65 men, and 14 young men, completed the pilot tourism and hospitality training program developed with the Ministry of Labour.

Developing Entrepreneurial Skills

  • 300+ people trained in sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship, and hospitality.
  • 64 business plans developed, 39 of which received financial support.
  • Entrepreneurial, technical, and financial skills strengthened among women, young people, and co-operative members.
  • Development of a new generation of entrepreneurs committed to sustainable tourism.

Driving Innovation and Sustainable Tourism

  • 3 new entrepreneurial initiatives co-financed to enhance the tourism offering.
  • 3 tourism product lines developed and promoted by co-operatives.
  • Diversification of products and services based on the region’s natural, cultural, and culinary heritage.
  • Support for innovation to increase the region’s attractiveness as a tourism destination.

Strengthening Co-operatives and Collective Enterprises

  • 3 co-operatives supported in improving their governance and performance.
  • 30 management tools developed or adapted through the PerformCoop approach.
  • Management, planning, and marketing capacities strengthened.
  • Consolidation of stronger and more sustainable collective enterprises.

Promoting the Economic Inclusion of Women and Young People

  • 204 young people, including 71 women, 54 young women, 65 men, and 14 young men, completed the pilot tourism and hospitality program.
  • 87.7% of participants demonstrate a better understanding of shared responsibility for domestic and care work.
  • Improved access to economic opportunities for women and young people.
  • Promotion of more inclusive and equitable tourism development.

Mobilizing Local Stakeholders

  • 12 municipalities engaged in the development of sustainable tourism.
  • Partnerships strengthened with co-operatives, municipalities, public institutions, and tourism sector stakeholders.
  • Stronger territorial coordination to support local economic development.
  • Promotion of a shared vision of tourism as a driver of sustainable development.

Promoting Local Resources

  • 3 flagship tourism products developed: Surusic, Peces, and Nuestras Hierbas.
  • Promotion of local knowledge and expertise, cultural heritage, and the natural resources of Lake Atitlán.
  • Development of an authentic tourism offering that generates income for local communities.
  • Greater visibility for local businesses in tourism markets.

Partners

  • Asociación de mujeres luqueñas para el desarrollo integral (AMLUDI)
  • Autoridad para el manejo sustentable del lago de Atitlán y su entorno (AMSCLAE)
  • Cámara de turismo de Guatemala (CAMTUR)
  • Instituto nacional de bosques (INAB)
  • Instituto guatemalteco de turismo (INGUAT)
  • Ministerio de Economía (MINECO)
  • Mancomunidad
  • Red de empresarios indígenas (REI)

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