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Who we are
The Paria Springs Project is a venture that seeks to show that man can earn a respectable living while caring for the natural environment and the people around us. It is the result of several years of effort of its founding members who all share a deep interest in conservation and a love for our local culture. While we all wish to earn financial rewards from the Paria Springs Project, this is not the measure of success. The final measure of success is that we conserve our natural heritage and our culture while generating financial returns.
The Paria Springs Project subscribes to The Ecotourism Society's and the IUCN's definitions of ecotourism. The Ecotourism Society says "Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people." IUCN defines it as "Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features - both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations."
In order to achieve these objectives while escaping the problem of one aspect of ecotourism overriding the other, the founders decided to start two companies: Paria Springs Eco-Community, which is a for profit company, is charged with developing the tourism aspects of the Paria Springs Project. Hence it will seek loans or funders seeking a return on investment to provide the needed finances to develop an ecolodge on Paria Springs Estate. It will also provide off estate accommodations along with conservation oriented tours and ensure that all arrangements are made to provide tourists with unsurpassed vacations. Paria Springs Trust is a non-profit company whose aim is conservation. Its lead project is an Ocelot Conservation Project that has Research and Conservation, Education, and Advocacy components.
Each company will have its own staff dedicated to their specific functions. The Boards will also have separate personnel, though some founders, such as Mr. Rooks, at times will be on both Boards.