Txai Social Projects: Companions of Txai

17.5.08

Companions of Txai

In May 2003, TXAI created the "Companions of Txai", a program aimed at helping small farmers in the Itacaré/Serra Grande Nature Reserve to use the resources of the Atlantic Rainforest in a sustainable manner, enabling economic viability in the region, in a partnership principally with the Instituto Floresta Viva – the Living Forest Institute.The Companions came about from the need to generate an alternative income for small farmers, showing these families that the treasure was in their backyard. All that was needed was to improve these products, encourage their production, transport and sell them.The production is completely organic, (a condition for being a Companion) and a large part is bought by TXAI to serve to guests and staff. The alliance between TXAI and these 23 COMPANION families therefore arose in this way. Each doing their part for the benefit of the other:

COMPANIONS – conserving their fields, planting, producing and improving
TXAI – bringing together, selling and administering production

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The word Txai

In the language of the Kaxinawa indigenous people, living in the Amazonian state of Acre, the word “txai” means “companion”. It is used as a term of respect and affection by rubber tappers, Indians, locals and by all the allies of the “peoples of the forest”. It also means “my other half” a summary of the Txai philosophy: the wellbeing of all who come here, from the native population to the ecosystem around it. The sustainability of the elements is what is most important to us: preservation in harmony with nature, thinking of a better world for tomorrow in this, our home, Planet Earth.

The seven principles of sustainable tourism

Some basic criteria guide the activities of sustainable tourism and its relationship with the socio-environmental system at the Txai:
1) Respect the legislation in effect;
2) Guarantee the rights of the local population;
3) Preserve the natural environment and its biodiversity;
4) Respect local culture and values;
5) Encourage the social and economic development of ecotourism destinations;
6) Guarantee the quality of products, processes and attitudes;
7) Establish responsible planning and management.

Sustainable density

Since the beginning , Txai has carried out sustainable low-impact tourism with a low density of occupation. There are just 40 bungalows, normally occupied by couples. The hotel’s built area covers no more than 3% of the 100-hectare area of Atlantic Rainforest, which is being preserved and reforested with native species. The buildings are all in harmony with nature, blending into the native landscape.

Water: source of life

Use it without using it up. Give back to nature only respect. The responsible use of water has been top of Txai’s agenda since its creation. All the water used in the hotel is treated by a modern filter system that returns it to nature free of impurities.

Waste: our responsibility

Separating waste and disposing of it correctly is a responsibility taken seriously at Txai. All waste produced here is sent to a sorting center and for separated collection. Organic residue is composted to make an excellent organic fertilizer, used in the vegetable gardens and farms of the region. Bottles, cans, glass, plastics and paper are being re-utilized as packaging for the products of the “companions” project, or recycled or sold.

Growing with us

Txai gives preference to employing staff from among local inhabitants, who then have an opportunity for growth and making a career in the company, with skills-training and language courses. A good part of the team working in the Shamash Healing Space, for example, are native to the region, receiving professional training in holistic therapies. As part of the company’s philosophy of sustainability, Shamash uses herbs and flowers from its own herbarium to produce the teas and aromatic essences used in its treatments.

Tours: Leaving no trace

Txai aims on its tours to ensure the minimum of environmental impact, complying with the regulations for nature reserves, employing local tour guides who respect the local population and environment, in addition to aiming at reverting economic benefits to the local communities and preserving the environment.

The 10 commandments of the Companions of Txai

It is the small farmer’s responsibility to follow the Commandments below:
1) Practice organic agriculture: to be certified and/or taking part in the certification process;
2) Maintain the property along environmentally appropriate lines: DO NOT deforest, DO NOT cause fires, etc.;
3) Receive and practice the technical guidance given by the TXAI SOCIAL and FLORESTA VIVA technical staff;
4) Be regular and punctual in the supplying of products, within the stipulated standards of quality;
5) Participate in the project’s activities: meetings, training, etc.;
6) Use the products received via the CSA – Compensation for Environmental Services, to improve the property;
7) Comply with the stipulated deadlines for delivering products;
8) Have personal documents and those of the family in order: National ID, Social Insurance ID, Birth Certificate, and others;
9) Comply with legal and social requirements: children of school age enrolled in school, up-to-date vaccination for all the family, DO NOT commit acts of violence, act within the project’s ethical and moral principles, with family members, etc;
10) Behave ethically with the family and other COMPANIONS.

It is Txai Social’s responsibility to:

1) Supply continued technical assistance;
2) Effect payment for the products delivered to the TXAI RESORT and the release of the CSA funds, by the 30th of each month;
3) Acquire the products requested that comply with the standards set by the hotel.

17.5.08

Companions of Txai

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