January 9 – 14, 2017
Join us on an adventure through the Mayan Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico to spend time with our longest standing coffee growing partners, Maya Vinic, and learn about the Chiapas Water Projects we support. In partnership with On the Ground, we'll visit organic and fair trade coffee co-ops working to create community sustainability through water projects and other development initiatives. The Delegation will meet with organic farmers, women’s fair trade artisan cooperatives, fair trade coffee co-ops, traditional healers, biodiversity and economic rights activists, and autonomous indigenous communities and leaders. While developing a deeper understanding of fair trade, delegates will see the farmers’ perspective of the coffee industry.
(Above: participants in the 2015 Chiapas delegation after a hike with Maya Vinic farmers)
Chiapas’ history offers valuable social and cultural context for a global citizen: the region emerged into global headlines on New Year’s Day, 1994–the day the North American Free Trade Agreement took effect–when an uprising led by the Zapatista movement reminded the world that indigenous people are still struggling for their rights, 500 years after the European conquest.
Trip Highlights:
- Spend the day at the certified organic, fair trade coffee cooperative Maya Vinic to learn about the positive impacts of fair trade.
- Visit coffee growing communities to learn about indigenous culture and the use of organic agriculture as a means to self-sufficiency.
- Learn about the struggle for a just and equitable world through the eyes and stories of autonomous Zapatista communities.
- Examine the issue of land rights and see firsthand the global threats to the Mayan communities’ very existence.
- Learn about innovative, sustainable water projects taking place to support communal access to fresh water.
- Meet with a successful women’s artisan cooperative in the highlands and learn about the production of fair trade artisan goods.
- Witness firsthand the effects of the global economy on indigenous people.
Cost:
$1500 (excludes airfare)
Trip cost includes:
- Double occupancy lodging
- In-country transportation
- Two meals per day
- U.S. and indigenous guides
- Compensation to host organizations and communities
For more information, please contact delegations@onthegroundglobal.org.