Eco-Tourism and Indigenous Communities      

Eco- tourism is one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the tour industry in the developed World. Tourists are no longer content to simply lie on a beach soaking up the sun, they want to learn about the country they are visiting; its culture, history and its people and want to feel as though in some way or another they are contributing to the local economy without creating too much cultural or environmental impact.

Many of the most attractive destinations for Eco- Tourism are in areas inhabited by indigenous peoples. These regions are often incredibly rich in natural resources and beauty such as the Rain forests of Monte Azules in Chiapas , Mexico . The indigenous peoples of these areas live in harmony with their habitat.

Peoples such as the Lacandones who live within Montes Azules rely on the forest for food, building materials and medicine. Eco-tourism therefore must respect these habitats creating a type of tourism which will benefit the local people, provide an unforgettable experience for the tourists while at the same time minimalizing any cultural or environmental impact.

In order for Eco- tourism to be viable in such areas the local people must also be well organized and coooperative.   In the name of our co-founders Franz and Trudy Blom, we at Na Bolom have a responsibility to continue to respect and support the Lacandon communities of the Chiapan rainforest and to be extremely conscious that the places we visit are not changed or damaged by our presence and that by working alongside the people of the communities we help support them in maintaining their independent and unique lifestyles and cultures.

Here at Na Bolom we do not favour any particular members of a community and do not have the custom of tipping as this can cause tensions within the community. Instead we offer free medical attention to all Lacandones and send supplies to each community we visit sufficient for the whole community.