I'm curious why such an enterprise has no political component since it is based in a colony of the United States? I realise that many think of the US Virgin Islands as being part of the USA, but it is in fact a colony outside of the continental USA. Alternative tourism in such an environment might better serve its stakeholders by illuminating the colonization process.

The islands were in fact 'sold' to the USA by Denmark as if the indigenous inhabitants were a commodity. To this day the residents have limited citizenship in the USA and are an extraterritorial possession of the state.

Lacking a political component, the work of an otherwise commendable enterprise is thus compromised and inherently colonial and patronizing, especially since Mr. Olive is not indiginous to the island.

I visited your farm in March and delighted in its warm inviting presence. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a slow down dinner with you--all seven courses products of your joyful labor! And the cherry on top, your beautiful staff, not only so very knowledgeable, skilled and talented, but very personable, inviting and aware. I truly appreciate your hospitality while you allowed me to taste first hand the fruits of your loving and caring hands and hearts.

It is a so beautiful to see true changemakers in this world!
Thank you!!

I'll be back.

Bobbi Jo

What the VISFI is doing to make our world a much better place to live in and teaching students to continue its efforts is a joy to see!

On July 1, 2009 the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Geotourism Challenge 2009: Power of Place Sustaining the Future of Destinations” competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators. If possible, please take the time to respond to some of the provocative questions and issues that were raised by the judges. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.

All the best, The Changemakers Team.

“Great entry! I thought this project was scalable and could be replicated globally. Could there be plans to incorporate mentoring as a system for conserving cultural heritage? For example, a traditional style of weaving. These things are being lost by globalization.”

“Commendable entry. This was an interesting engagement because tourism generally has a very negative impact on a place. Passing on skills and mentoring the tourists increases the sense of pride and knowledge of the destination. Most importantly, it increases the respect tourists have for a place, which in turn encourages them to protect that space.”

“I believe this project would very sustainable and impactful because it involves local communities and tourists working together to improve respect. From the geotourism perspective, it may not be at a global scale financially but the model itself can be replicated anywhere. I would like to see more innovation in the replication aspect. Is there a way to package this type of program?”

- Changemakers “Geotourism Challenge 2009: Power of Place Sustaining the Future of Destinations” Judges: National Geographic Society, United Nations Foundation, Tribe Wanted, The Green Belt Movement, Lonely Planet, Southwest Forestry University.

I am a long time friend of Ben Jones, a colleague of Nate Olive in graduate School at UGA, and former farmer at VISFI. The time and effort VISFI and its team have devoted to the education of sustainable living, organic farming, biodiversity conservation, and community development is recognized locally throughout the Virgin Islands and respected by professionals globally. To have their hard work awarded in the GeoTourism ChangeMakers competition is well deserved and a move towards greater awareness. Good luck FARM-U!

Have been there and done volunteer work with Ben and others at the farm. This is a great group and their education in farming with the youth of the island is so needed and helpful to the agriculture setting on St. Croix. Larry

It's so wonderful to know that programs like this exist in this world! In our quest for constant "progression", mankind has neglected the basis of all life and that is the natural habitat around us... that sustains us.
The VI Sustainable Farm Institute is the embodiment of this concept. We need to appreciate the land that feeds us and learn to co-exist with it. Love it!

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~~ Learn to Love the Life you Live ~~

Estimados ..he necesitado un traductor ,pero el resultado ha sido de gran sorpresa !!Al otro extremo del mundo exiten quienes sueñan mundos similares.Nuestro proyecto en granja Abambaé hoy dia se asemeja mucho al vuestro, busca las mismas soluciones para similares inconvenientes.
Adelante con su innovación , y a las órdenes si desean algún dia visitar nuestra granja!!
Abrazo fraterno.
Lady Rodriguez,

www.biouruguay.org
http://bio-uruguay.bogspot.com

Dana,

Thanks for the note.... and the insightful questions. The first step Ben and I are doing to share this model is to develop more literature on this concept. As you see, this is a pilot project at this point and we are seeing what works and how the response is on an individual mentor and community level. As you know in your constructive work, the details are equally important as the ideals behind the model. So in a one way, we are still constructing the inside of the model before seeding in in other locations. From the looks of the other entries in this competition, we have a lot to learn from from other exciting projects around the world.

However, in another way, we are already sharing our program model as we provide direct exposure to visitors to the program. One network of world changers that we work with is Gaia University, who is establishing a regional educational center at VISFI, and Natural Mentors is one educational model that participants can learn about. We do the same in our Ridge to Reef: Beneficial Farmer Training program, where for two months we learn how this model can benefit farms as a form of value-adding to conservation aspects of small farms. So we already do use our facility to share this model. We would like to host more groups to learn about Natural Mentors as educational training.

Currently we run the program from K-12. There are different levels of qualification per age group, and we keep track of participants and their progress. However, the core material is strikingly similar across all age groups, including adults.

We do have grant funding that provides free participation for public school children on the island. We charge private schools a small amount to defray costs and work with summer camps to generate income. -N8

Hi Nate,

Its great to see your entry in the competition and thank you for sharing so many excellent photos! It's clear that you have a great model and that it could be applicable to other regions and cultures. What are you doing to share this model?

Are there different levels or grades for repeat students so that they are advancing their experience and learning year after year?

Lastly, you mention that the program is too costly for some students to participate. Is there anyway that you could find sponsors to help establish a scholarship program? Experiencing this kind of travel, culture and learning at a young age can be so transformative. Its a shame for some of the youth to be left out.

Thanks again and I look forward to hearing your responses.
Dana Frasz
Ashoka's Changemakers