FUNDACIÓN TROPICALIA
Fundación Tropicalia is a non-profit organization that promotes the socioeconomic and environmental development of Miches, positioning this community as a sustainable tourism destination. The Foundation was established in 2008 by Tropicalia, a sustainable tourism and real estate development of Cisneros Real Estate.
With more than 10 years of on-the-ground experience, Fundación Tropicalia designs and implements programs for the local community in four key areas: the environment, education, productivity, and sociocultural advocacy; promoting high-impact, innovative projects in agriculture, gender equality, education, environment, entrepreneurship and microfinance.
The Foundation drives sustainable, socioeconomic development in the town of Miches by working in partnership with the community and institutions from the private, public, civil society and academic sectors. The diversity of its partnerships allows for innovative, high-impact programs and the efficient use of resources. This diversity of its alliances allows the Foundation to drive business solutions to the most pressing social problems in the region.
OUR TEAM
William Phelan – President
Kathy Durán – Education Manager
Mayra Sangiovanni – Education Assistant
Luisa García– Project Assistant
Advisors
Adriana Cisneros – CEO, Cisneros
Sofía Perazzo – Internal Advisor, VP Sustainability Cisneros Real Estate
Gustavo Román – Institutional Relations Manager, Tropicalia
TROPICALIA
Tropicalia is a sustainable luxury resort development created by Cisneros Real Estate, offering sophisticated architecture in a captivating and breathtaking site of diverse natural beauty in northeast Dominican Republic. The project embodies the philanthropic and cultural values of the Cisneros Family and is uniquely positioned to be a model for sustainable luxury tourism in the Caribbean and the world.
For more details on Tropicalia's sustainable initiatives, visit sustainability.tropicalia.com
MICHES
Miches, a coastal community nestled in northeast Dominican Republic, is home to Tropicalia and Fundación Tropicalia.
With a population of approximately 21,000, Miches has historically been an isolated community located in one of the poorest regions of the Dominican Republic. Its main industries include agriculture, cattle-raising, artisanal fishing, micro-business services and artisanal crafts.
In the last five years the number of visitors to the area and economic activity in general has increased notably thanks to the new highway that connects Miches with the eastern tourist corridor. However, Miches is not exempt from the socioeconomic challenges of emerging rural communities, such as unemployment, low levels of education, and underdevelopment.
This is why Fundación Tropicalia’s work is so important. With its natural beauty, welcoming people and extraordinary ecological features, this community is uniquely positioned to become a rare, internationally acclaimed tourist destination.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
EDUCA - Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Education 2019, within the XXIII International Education Congress Aprendo 2019 of EDUCA.
LATINOAMÉRICA VERDE 2019 - Finalist #62 among the 500 Best Social and Environmental Projects in the Region
SABRE AWARD LATIN AMERICA - Best Caribbean Region Campaign 2019.
SILVER STEVIE AWARD 2019 - Silver in the category Communications or PR Campaign of the Year - Non-Profit / Charity NGOs and Social Causes.
iNOVA 2019 - Silver in the Non-Profit Campaign and Corporate Social Responsibility categories.
UNWTO – United Nations World Tourism Organization Award for Innovation in Non-Governmental Organizations: Fundación Tropicalia was named a finalist for its sustainable tourism supply-chain program. In January 2017, it received the second runner-up award.
FORBES – Forbes’ Central American and Dominican Republic Edition ranking for Most Important Non-Governmental Organization in Central America and Dominican Republic in 2016: Fundación Tropicalia ranked 14th.
REDUCA – Latin American Network for Education (REDUCA) award for Best Innovative Practice in Inclusive Education: Fundación Tropicalia recognized for its Soy niña, soy importante Summer Camp.
ETHICAL CORPORATION – Ethical Corporation Responsible Business Awards – Most Effective Domestic Community Investment: In 2014 and 2016, Fundación Tropicalia shortlisted for its Education Programs.
