UNITED FOR LOBITOS is EcoSwell’s first crowdfunding campaign after more than a year carrying out initial social assessments, finding out the real needs of the local people, undertaking a lot of base work and basically
getting to know this beautiful place in-depth. Now the time has come to really make a call for action. This is more than a mere campaign:
we want to establish a movement!
A movement that seeks to conserve the rich natural environment of Lobitos (northern shore Peru) while
enhancing the livelihood of its inhabitants through a variety of
sustainability projects with the direct involvement of the community’s members. Being a coastal arid zone in the northern desert of Peru, most of the population’s livelihoods depend directly on the environment and are
very vulnerable to climate change and impacts on their beach and marine ecosystems.
We want to make an example out of Lobitos in terms of what can be achieved in the developing world
when the right development frameworks are applied in an inclusive manner, working
hand-in-hand with the local fishing community.
With the proceeds obtained, environmental and social projects which benefit the Lobitean community will be developed. The projects will address different issues such as
water supply, sanitation, energy and productivity in Lobitos, a coastal town of fishermen of around
1,500 inhabitants, a third of which lives in
poverty and lacks basic services.
Lobitos is currently experiencing a new boom due to surf tourism, since it gathers close-to-perfect natural conditions for
world-class wave breaks since 1998, when the last strong “El Niño” hit. The town is growing quickly, but not in the most orderly fashion and
without any long-term integrated management plan. It lacks, among other things, a proper sewage system and a consistent water supply. Amazingly, there are no signs that these
urgent issues are going to be addressed anytime soon. We can begin to turn this around, but we need your help!
Abundant marine life, artisanal fishing boats and an oil platform in the background, showcase the need for an integrated approach in Lobitos. June 2014
Also, most fishermen don’t benefit from this recent economic growth, nor from the industrial oil-extraction that has been happening for the past one hundred years in the area itself, both inland and at sea. Furthermore, their traditional
and artisanal fishing dock and equipment are suboptimal, conditioning their
productivity and development opportunities.
This campaign and the projects that will be implemented with the proceeds obtained, will be the
first step towards a real long-lasting change that can only be achieved if
everyone from NGOs, local government, private enterprise, local community, surf tourists, travellers and
anyone around the world comes together: UNITED FOR LOBITOS!
The 3 Projects
The objective of the projects to be implemented with the funds raised is to
strengthen the Lobitos’ Artisanal Fishermen Association (the most important grassroots organization there) through the application of
appropriate and sustainable techniques and technologies.
Specifically, the lack of sanitation in the area of the artisanal fishing dock in Lobitos and the
constraints to fishing productivity will be the main problems that will be tackled with these
3 projects:
- Solar Panels for Lighting the Artisanal Dock of Lobitos
Over the years, the lighting of the dock has fallen into disrepair. This is a severe issue for the fishermen as they sail into the sea during early hours of the morning, before dawn,
and the absence of light has led to accidents and injuries. In 1995, four solar panels were donated by the government, but amazingly no training was given on how to use them... Luckily, however, they still work! So to reactivate them is not
only of great use AND low cost, it means that the local folk will be a responsible partner in the project, as they would be contributing heavily with equipment in a non-monetary way.
Mark Hazelton, environmental engineer, tries out the solar panels of the Lobitos Fishermen's Association with its president, Juan Eche Ruiz, March 2014. Mark is writing his Master's thesis for the University
of Newcastle on the feasibility for solar energy in Lobitos, facilitated by EcoSwell.
- Biodigester for the Local Fishermen
Currently, the building next to the dock where the Fishermen Association operates does not have a sewage system. As a result the
wastewater contaminates the ground, which eventually filters through and pollutes the beach. The installation of a biodigester is a
simple and easy way to treat and reuse the wastewater while at the same time helping to curb the pollution and the greening of the area.
The local population will also contribute to the project, this time by providing their labour and time necessary to dig the trench for the installation of the pipes and tank, while at the same time
learning about the process in order to replicate at home or elsewhere.
Community member, Enrique Basurto, shows us the use of his Biodigester in his home at Lobitos. There is no reason why this can't be replicated elsewhere in the community. August 2014.
- Volunteer Program
Lobitos needs specialists for the research, design and implementation of projects that will contribute to the sustainable development of the town. EcoSwell seeks to
channel the knowledge of Glocal Thinkers (local and international well-rounded students, researchers, engineers, experts and project developers) through a
Volunteer Program to be launched in early 2015. This campaign will help cover the costs required to
develop the program and ensure its continuity.
Our first volunteers! Mark Hazelton (Environmental Engineer) and Jen Hazelton (Ph.D.) from Newcastle, UK, at the fishing dock. Lobitos, March 2014.
"Lobitos is an incredible place, and the EcoSwell team are extremely well placed to help the town to develop in a sustainable way which will preserve its security and tranquillity whilst improving livelihood opportunities
and infrastructure provision in harmony with the environment, which is definitely needed." ~ Jennifer Hazelton (Ph.D.) our first volunteer from the NIReS Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability.
“The great climate problems that are changing our planet and putting it at risk, tell us that one of the most affected sectors is fishing.”
- Juan Eche Ruiz, president of the Fishermen’s Association.
Old and young Lobitean generations participating in one of EcoSwell’s workshops and discussing plans for their future, September 2014.
“The most important thing now is to strengthen the grassroots organizations that exist in Lobitos, for example the Fishermen’s Association. It is vital that they become stronger, so that they can be capable of developing
projects.” - Enrique Basurto, community member.
Ready to Unite for Lobitos? GET THESE SPECIAL PERKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
(Disclaimer: Shipping costs for delivering perks have to be paid by the donor)
Already feeling like joining the movement? Please do it now and pledge your support towards making this first but big difference!
Any help is welcome, starting with US$5. However, the more you pledge, the better the
special perks you can obtain! We have put together for you the following:
Custom EcoSwell Surfboards! (2 @ US$2,000)
The two people that show they are truly United for Lobitos will receive a prize all our team members are dying to have! One of the
top shapers in northern Perú and good friend of the EcoSwell team, has also United for Lobitos and will be shaping
CUSTOM surfboards with the campaign motifs for two lucky donors. Get them before they are gone!
Lobitos Dream Weeked (3 @ US$1,000, travel costs & expenses not included)
If relaxing on a beautiful sunny beach watching surfers ride perfect waves while enjoying the most spectacular sunset in
Perú sounds enticing, you will love this perk! Come stay in any of our fantastic hotel sponsors for a
full weekend (3 days, 2 nights) and enjoy the wonders of Lobitos. We can feel your stress disappearing already!
Lobitos in your home (Unlimited Amount, big 76.2x114.3cm @ US$500, medium 50.8x76.2cm @ US$250 and small 20.3x30.5cm
@ US$50)
Taking photographs that capture the essence of places and people is a gift only few people are born with, both Renzo
Alva and Henry Espinoza have it! Renzo is a rising Peruvian audiovisual star and a dear collaborator in EcoSwell who has managed to capture the essence of the local community through his photographs. Henry is a Lobitos-born professional
photographer that has managed to portray the wonders of his hometown in a series of photographs that will transport you to this magical paradise! A selection of their best printed
pictures are available for you in different sizes: big, medium and small.
Big Wave Posters (5 @ US$100)
Ever imagine what it would feel like to surf a
15-foot wave? Well now you can! These amazing posters signed by Peruvian Big Wave Champion, Alvaro Malpartida, will make you feel like you are right there in the big wave of Puerto Escondido, Mexico where the shot was taken!
Handwoven-Bags by Lobitean women made from Recycled Material (1 big @ US$150 and 2 small @ US$80)
D-Surf it!, a project carried out by Nikki Drakeford in Lobitos, has been creating beautiful bags out of recycled plastic shopping bags in order to empower local women and help keep the
beaches of Lobitos clean. DONATE and take home one of these amazing bags which have taken 6 hours to be handwoven by the women in Lobitos!
Instant Board Repair! (6 @ US$100)
An innovation that has all of us surfers smiling,
Solarez, has also United for Lobitos! Get a 2 oz. tube of the #1 surfboard repair resin on the market and ensure no chips or scratches keep you off the surf.
Eco-Shirts for All! (Unlimited @ US$75)
Be a part of the EcoSwell team by wearing one of these spectacular shirts! Our sponsor RET (eco-textile gifts) manufactures all
sorts of apparel using organic and sustainable peruvian cotton. Donate US$75 and wear it with pride!
Don't worry about sunburns ever again! (6 @ US$25)
The sun can be a dangerous thing and even more so if you live somewhere as sunny as Lobitos! Not to worry, by donating US$25 you
will be able to take home one of these awesome ‘Bullfrog sunscreens’ and never have to mind about sunburns again!
BONUS! No matter how much you donate, every single backer will receive an Eco-Thank-You! And starting at US$10 and above, you will also get a digital computer wallpaper in addition to any other perk you
are claiming!
Lobitos in your computer
(Unlimited @ US$10)
Wouldn’t it be nice to open your computer and teleport to a beautiful sunny day in Lobitos?
Well what are you waiting for! Pledge now and we will send you a digital copy of one of several beautiful computer wallpapers taken by photographers in Lobitos that have united to support the campaign!
A big Eco-Thank-You (Starting @ US$5)
No help is too small and we want to thank you for pledging and uniting for Lobitos!
For pledges starting at US$5, we will shower you with love from our very own
EcoSwell facebook fanpage! We will also send you a personalized e-mail from the team at EcoSwell and be sure to
mention you in the list of backers for our project in our website!
(Disclaimer: Shipping costs for delivering perks have to be paid by the donor)
Out of money to donate? Don't worry!
You can help in many ways by
sharing us on social networks using the widgets above, blogging or
writing posts about the campaign and even sending personalized e-mails to your friends and contacts who you think might be interested in collaborating as well!
Everyone can make a contribution, there is no help too small!
A sunny common day of working activity at the fishing dock of Lobitos, April 2014.
Learn more about Lobitos! (Statistics)
27.3% of the population of Lobitos is considered
poor under the standards of INEI, the Peruvian national institute for statistics. However, most of the poor (52.4%) live under conditions of
extreme poverty, which means they do not intake enough food to produce the energy needed for moderate physical activity. The price value of the extreme poverty line in Peru is
between USD$ 44 and USD$ 62 a month.
These children may have been born into poverty conditions, but their future
can be different. You can do your part for them now. August 2013.
There are no statistics on the lack of sewage system, lack of drinking water or productivity impediments due to, for example, low lighting at the docks. Not only are some of these problems
evident to the observer without the statistics to prove them, but EcoSwell has also conducted a profound
qualitative social assessment with a scientific methodology consisting of focus groups and over thirty in-depth interviews with townspeople, communal leaders, local business owners and public authorities, which
confirm these as main problems in the locality.
Alejandro from EcoSwell carries out a focus group with members of the Mothers' Club in Lobitos. We take into account the different views from all the human groups involved while designing any project. "A mother always wants
what’s best for her family". August 2013.
EcoSwell also draws baselines and
indicators for every project that is implemented, in order to be able to tangibly
measure the impact of each of them and therefore provide
information open for everyone to keep building on and further advancing this collective effort.
Join in with your part now, you are just a simple click away!
