Our Focus

Q: What is a “sustainable community?”

Sustainable communities are difficult to achieve because they require persistent, cooperative participation by a majority of residents working on interdependent projects. But with steady leadership and committed residents, and by focusing on a few achievable projects at a time, a community can gradually transition toward independence, social equity and sustainability.

Travler believes today’s biggest threats to building strong sustainable communities are the climate crisis, social injustice, financial inequity and abuse of resources.

Inspiring examples of successful sustainable communities can be found here and here. Links to more information can be found at the bottom of this page.

Q: Does Travler build sustainable communities?

Travler helps local entrepreneurs, NGOs and volunteers succeed with local sustainability projects. Each successful project is an important building block toward creating a sustainable community. Some of the projects we support are on our Projects page.

Q: What kinds of “education and information” does Travler provide?

We educate and inform residents, volunteers and donors by

• publishing, maintaining and hosting NGO websites,
• publishing an online magazine that promotes community news, organizations and events,
• helping NGOs with newsletters,
• teaching technical, entrepreneurial and publishing skills to underprivileged youth, and
• mentoring and assisting local entrepreneurs with organizational and operations issues.

For example, Travler created and hosts websites for San Pancho Animales and Radio San Pancho; assists Project Tortuga with web, social media, newsletters and outreach efforts; and mentors aspiring young journalists who publish in San Pancho Voz.

Q: How does Travler help “preserve local environments?”

We support projects that protect and enhance local marine, watershed and forest environments, both flora and fauna. For example, Travler advises Sierra Verde, a fledgling eco-restoration and bird tourism project in the Sierra Vallejo mountains; promotes Project MILA, an estuary wetlands restoration project; and volunteers to protect endangered marine wildlife at Project Tortuga.

Q: How does Travler help “protect equal access to critical resources?”

We actively support local initiatives to

• promote conservation and equitable distribution of fresh water and sanitation services in growing communities,
• support renewable energy and recycling programs,
• develop and preserve public areas such as community gardens and beach access,
• preserve critical ecosystems like mountain biospheres and lowland estuaries, and
• support human resources such as medical and prenatal care.

For example, Travler supports the Recicla San Pancho recycling program and the children’s Recycled Playground; consults with Project LILHA on water conservation; and works with Mujeres por Amor to contribute medicine and supplies to needy families in the Bahia de Banderas region.

Q: How does Travler strengthen communities through “multi-media and social organization?”

We participate in various community and NGO planning meetings, and promote worthy projects by mentoring, funding, volunteering, and profiling with articles, video and photos via social media, websites and our online publication.

Q: Where is Travler active?

Travler currently supports projects that benefit the Bahia de Banderas, Sierra Vallejo and Lake Chapala regions of Mexico, primarily around the towns of San Francisco (“San Pancho”), Sayulita, Ajijic and Chapala in the Mexican states of Nayarit and Jalisco.