V Social Foundation

24/04/2026

How can regions that are highly threatened by mass tourism build solidarity-based models that improve local living conditions? To support this change, V Social collaborates with and supports local initiatives giving local communities voice and vote in decision-making. If travel companies join this path, seeking for partnership with CBT intiatives, tourism becomes a powerful driver for lasting change.

We want to present a prime example, a union of coorperatives called "Co’ox Mayab" on the tourist-heavy Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

Co’ox Mayab provides professional training for young people in Yucatán communities. The cooperative is committed to responsible tourism and shares its revenues fairly with the entire community. To achieve this, Co'ox Mayab promotes local guides in this popular region, creating lasting perspectives for local youth while reducing the reliance on external travel operators.

As an organization, V Social has supported Co’ox Mayab since 2017, both financially and through expertise, primarily by backing their youth camps and educational programs. One example is the Festival de las Aves: This festival, organized by Co’ox Mayab, took place across various communities (such as Tekit, Cenotillo, San Felipe, Tohopkú, Ek Balam, and San Agustín). This approach allows them to reach children, teenagers, and adults alike, sensitizing them to sustainable development strategies.

The festival includes over 50 activities dedicated to the observation, conservation, and awareness of both local and migratory birds. It combines birdwatching, workshops, cultural presentations, and environmental education to promote responsible tourism and appreciation for biodiversity. By integrating scientific data with traditional Mayan knowledge, Co’ox Mayab offers unique, interpretive experiences.

We hope, others take Co'ox Mayab, and mayb launch their own bird festivals. Above all, this project demonstrates to all stakeholders in the tourism industry that community-based tourism concepts are key drivers of true sustainability.

More about Community Based Initiatives on our Web (see bio)

24/04/2026

How can regions that are highly threatened by mass tourism build solidarity-based models that improve local living conditions?

To support this change, V Social collaborates with and supports local initiatives giving local communities voice and vote in decision-making. If travel companies join this path, seeking for partnership with CBT intiiatives, tourism becomes a powerful driver for lasting change.

We want to present a prime example, a union of coorperatives called "Co’ox Mayab" on the tourist-heavy Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

Co’ox Mayab provides professional training for young people in Yucatán communities. The cooperative is committed to responsible tourism and shares its revenues fairly with the entire community. To achieve this, Co'ox Mayab promotes local guides in this popular region, creating lasting perspectives for local youth while reducing the reliance on external travel operators.

As an organization, V Social has supported Co’ox Mayab since 2017, both financially and through expertise, primarily by backing their youth camps and educational programs. One example is the Festival de las Aves: This festival, organized by Co’ox Mayab, took place across various communities (such as Tekit, Cenotillo, San Felipe, Tohopkú, Ek Balam, and San Agustín). This approach allows them to reach children, teenagers, and adults alike, sensitizing them to sustainable development strategies.

The festival includes over 50 activities dedicated to the observation, conservation, and awareness of both local and migratory birds. It combines birdwatching, workshops, cultural presentations, and environmental education to promote responsible tourism and appreciation for biodiversity. By integrating scientific data with traditional Mayan knowledge, Co’ox Mayab offers unique, interpretive experiences.

We hope, others take Co'ox Mayab, and maybe launch their own bird festivals. Above all, this project demonstrates to all stakeholders in the tourism industry that community-based tourism concepts are key drivers of true sustainability.

More info about Community Based Initiatives on our Web (link in bio)

10/03/2026

Confirmado: los ocelotes aprueban la conservación comunitaria.🐆🌿

--English below--

Hace unos días, una de nuestras cámaras trampa captó a este ocelote caminando por el bosque del proyecto Sinchi Warmi, en la Amazonía ecuatoriana. 🌿

Los ocelotes son depredadores clave en el ecosistema. Su presencia es una buena
señal: significa que el bosque todavía mantiene el equilibrio necesario para
que muchas especies puedan vivir.

Esta cámara forma parte de la iniciativa Forest Guardians, liderada por V Social, que apoya la protección de zonas de alta biodiversidad colocando la conservación en manos de las comunidades locales.

En Sinchi Warmi, el monitoreo y la protección del bosque están liderados por las mujeres de la comunidad. Su conocimiento del territorio, los senderos, los ríos y los
ritmos del bosque, se combinan con herramientas como las cámaras trampa para
cuidar este lugar día a día.

La conservación que nace desde el territorio es la que realmente puede durar en el
tiempo. 🌱

Turns Out Ocelots Are Fans of Community-Led Conservation 🐆🌿

A few days ago, one of our camera traps captured this ocelot moving through the forest of the Sinchi Warmi project in the Ecuadorian Amazon. 🌿

Ocelots are key predators in these ecosystems. Seeing one is always a good sign, as it usually means the forest still holds the balance needed for many species to thrive.

This camera is part of the Forest Guardians initiative led by VSocial, which supports the protection of biodiversity hotspots by placing conservation in the hands of local communities.

In Sinchi Warmi, the monitoring and protection of the forest are led by the women of the community. Their knowledge of the territory, the trails, rivers, and rhythms of the forest, works together with tools like camera traps to care for this place every day.

Conservation that grows from within the community is the kind that can truly last. 🌱

For more info about the Forest Guardian initiative, visit theforestguardians.org.

01/02/2026

Huellas (Traces)

Peace signatories in Colombia launch a new community-based tourism brand.

Created by 15 community organizations of the network, Huellas invites you to go beyond tourism - to build peace through shared moments, meaningful encounters, and purpose-driven journeys.

Proud to accompany this process alongside and

🔗 Link in bio | Expeditions honoring 10 years of the Peace Agreement

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Huellas
Firmantes de paz en Colombia lanzan una nueva marca de turismo comunitario.

Creada por 15 organizaciones de la , Huellas es una invitación a ir más allá del turismo: construir paz a través de encuentros, experiencias compartidas y economías locales sostenibles.

Orgullosos de acompañar este proceso junto a y

🔗 Link en bio | Expediciones en homenaje a los 10 años del Acuerdo de Paz

10/10/2025

From Support to Self-Sufficiency: How Mucuyche’s Community Thrives Through Tourism
🌎 Location: Mucuyché, Yucatán, Mexico
(Español abajo)

Meet a group of incredible Maya women who turned their dreams into a reality. Doña Mechita and her compañeras decided to open their homes and share their traditions with visitors — creating new opportunities and improving livelihoods through community-based tourism.

From 2016 to 2025, V Social Foundation supported this journey — from the very first idea to a thriving tourism collective with capacity building, infrastructure funding, and connections to international travel networks.

Today, the women of Mucuyché proudly run their tourism business independently — creating jobs, strengthening local identity, and offering young people the chance to stay and build their future in their own community.

Their story is one of perseverance, unity, and transformation. We captured their inspiring journey in a video — watch the full success story on our YouTube channel! 🎥
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S44GcgIv02o



🌎 Ubicación: Mucuyché, Yucatán, Mexico

Conoce a un grupo de mujeres mayas que transformaron sus sueños en realidad. En la comunidad rural de Mucuyché, cerca de Mérida, decidieron abrir las puertas de sus hogares y compartir sus tradiciones con viajeros — generando nuevas oportunidades y mejorando los medios de vida en su comunidad. 💫

Entre 2016 y 2025, la Fundación V Social acompañó este proceso — desde la primera idea hasta convertirse en un colectivo turístico próspero. Nuestra coordinadora Ififgenia Carita Ganet apoyó al grupo con formación, fondos para mejorar su infraestructura y vínculos con el turismo internacional.

Hoy, las mujeres de Mucuyché, como Doña Mechita y sus compañeras, gestionan su emprendimiento turístico de manera independiente — creando empleos, fortaleciendo su identidad y ofreciendo a los jóvenes la posibilidad de quedarse y construir su futuro en la comunidad. 🌱

Su historia es una historia de perseverancia, unión y transformación. 💪✨
Hemos documentado su camino en un video — mira la historia completa en nuestro canal de YouTube 🎥
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S44GcgIv02o

01/09/2025

✨Central America Update: Focus Mexico✨
✨Have you ever felt the magic of truly contributing to the wellbeing of others? ✨

Through the work we have been doing at Mucuyche Mexico, our project coordinator Ifigenia says proudly, it’s one of the most extraordinary feelings in her life. "My heart races, my mind expands, and my whole being vibrates with gratitude knowing that our actions are transforming lives and opening doors of opportunity." 💙❤️‍🔥

"Just recently, I had the honour of meeting Obeth, a bright 23-year-old who today serves as translator for the groups we welcome, thanks to our alliance with ResiRest Her presence turned my trip into a dream — reminding me that when you dedicate with passion, with appreciation, and education to communities that need it most, the impact goes far beyond what you imagine."

"I’m deeply thankful to V Social Foundation for making these life-changing moments possible. Together, we are leaving a real mark, empowering communities, and shaping brighter futures. 🚀🙌🎉"

30/08/2025

✨ A story of courage in Mucuyché, Mexico ✨

From 15 women with a dream of rural tourism, four stood strong overcoming big challenges: Doña Mechita, Elbi, Silvia, and Alejandra.

These are the brave women who decided to face the challenges of living and working in rural Mexico, in a context where machismo, violence, aggression, and a lack of family support—even from their own husbands—often tried to extinguish their aspirations.

Far from giving up, these four women raised their voices, took a stand, and walked together, knowing that the path would not be easy and that they would need to learn, adapt, and endure. With what they themselves call "a lot of desire to champear," they remained steadfast in their desire to move forward.

With the support of the V Social Foundation, they participated in multiple training sessions: food handling, basic English, accounting, service evaluation, pricing, customer service, and even a virtual talk on the psychological factors that influence success, delivered in the midst of the pandemic. Each workshop was another tool in their hands, a step toward building their independence and professional development.
In addition, they had the valuable opportunity to share experiences with another group of women who manage a cenote in the region, opening their eyes to the potential of what they themselves could achieve. One of the most concrete and significant achievements was the construction of a community bathroom near the cenote, a need that had already been identified by the Foundation, but which was taken up and implemented directly by the local ejido (community), demonstrating that when women lead, they also inspire and mobilize their community.

Our project coordinator for Central America, Ifigenia waves goodbye as this project stands strong by now without Social: "Bravo chicas!!! I will never forget you all!"

Learn more about the story behind the collective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HIsUK4Mc3E

27/08/2025

✨ First steps in South Africa! ✨
This month, the first of four travellers of our partner .fr visited to Emzini Tours, a heartwarming and eye-opening experience in the Knysna Township, South Africa. Supported by the V Social Foundation and .de , these test tours aim to assess the appeal for European travellers, especially from Germany and France.

Founded in 2009 by Ella Mapurisa and Penny Mainwaring, Emzini Tours is more than just a cultural walk—it’s a powerful community initiative. All proceeds support the Lukhanyiso Safe House, which currently provides full-time care for 16 children in need.

Tour guide Fidele Tabino shared this feedback:
“The tour was inspiring and safe, led by a passionate guide. Emzini’s impact is profound—from mentoring youth to caring for children escaping abuse. I’d love to see even more of the safe house’s work showcased during the tour.”

💚 Traveling with purpose means experiences that change lives—both for visitors and the communities they meet.

06/08/2025

02/07/2025

Central America Update: CUBA!!! 🌞🌱

Despite the many challenges of working in Cuba, our commitment to the Sopillar community remains strong and steady since 2023 through our ongoing partner initiative: Transformación Comunitaria.

Transformacion Comunitaria is part of a sustainable tourism network which focuses on supporting projects in the community of Sopillar, a rural village in Cuba. Located in the important Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve, this area is close to beaches such as Playa Larga and Playa Girón, as well as nearby cenotes. The communities in this area depend on agroforestry and, more recently, tourism. Transformacion Comunitaria is run by the local people, and aims to benefit from tourism by offering hikes, horseback riding, bird-watching, homestays, and local gastronomy.

🗓️ We're gearing up for our next visit this September, and currently discuss local needs in Cuba — including solar panels and renewable energy solutions — to build sustainable futures. 💡🌿

Find out about Community Driven efforts in Cuba on our web:
https://hubs.la/Q03vzKzY0