Black Sheep Inn ECUADOR Wins $20,000 in the Smithsonian Magazine, Tourism Cares for Tomorrow 2005 Conservation Award

Black Sheep Inn Ecuador, a small grassroots ecolodge, effectively demonstrates the importance of local community leadership and global environmental conservation. Black Sheep Inn will use the prize money to convert to Solar & Wind Power. This award is a step towards reducing carbon emissions worldwide.

ECUADOR (PRWEB) December 7, 2005 -- Black Sheep Inn ECUADOR Wins $20,000 in the Smithsonian Magazine / Tourism Cares for Tomorrow 2005 Conservation Award.

“Thanks to the Black Sheep Inn, the destination (Chugchilán) has achieved a level of service that surpasses other destinations in Ecuador, without changing the traditional flavor of the site or producing notorious negative impacts,” said Arnaldo Rodríguez, of Ecuador's Green Consulting, an Inspector for 2005 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.

Black Sheep Inn will use the prize money to convert to solar and wind power energy www.blacksheepinn.com/HybridSolarWindDesign.htm. Owners Michelle Kirby and Andres Hammerman say that this award is a step towards reducing carbon emissions worldwide.

ABOUT THE INN
Black Sheep Inn offers affordable lodging in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Truly off the beaten path, guests enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking and day hiking.

Black Sheep Inn has spectacular mountain and canyon views, delicious vegetarian cooking, home baked deserts, sauna, zipline cable swing, family fun, adventure and budget vacations.

From the Inn, it’s easy to visit local Indigenous markets, Laguna Quilotoa - a volcanic crater lake at over 12,500 feet in elevation, Rio Toachi Canyon, and the Iliniza Ecological Reserve.

Black Sheep Inn’s goal is to become self-sufficient in energy, water and food production. Significant steps have been made in this direction: such as researching and designing for alternative energy installations, expanding gardens and improving water collection.

According to Michelle Kirby and Andres Hammerman, Black Sheep Inn will never be a finished project. Change, efficiency and improvements are a part of Black Sheep Inn’s everyday process.

Permaculture ideas are used to connect features and buildings on the property for a more efficient use and re-use of resources. Work includes environmental education programs, participation in a community-recycling program, enhanced protection for the Iliniza Ecological Reserve and participation in online ecotourism conferences to share successes and best practices.

ECO RECOGNITION:
Honorable Mention in the First Choice Responsible Tourism 2005 Awards in the Mountain Category.

“Congratulations on the win; you so deserve it,” said Sally Brodrick of Winnipeg Canada. “You have raised my consciousness of eco everything.”

“We have been so inspired by the place and the community you have created. We hope you continue this path toward sustainable futures here in Ecuador and beyond,” said San Francisco-based travelers Jessica and Tom.

“Black Sheep Inn is a great example of tourism that is ECO, and people-friendly. Congratulations,” said Mexico-based journalist Ron Mader.

CONTACT INFO:
Michelle Kirby and Andres Hammerman
Black Sheep Inn, Ecuador
www.blacksheepinn.com
tel. (593) 3 281-4587

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 05-01-240
Chugchilán, Cotopaxi
Ecuador

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