A Journey with
Two Meanings

International Cooperation Actions

In order to achieve its mission of supporting local entrepreneurial initiatives and developing sustainable tourism in remote areas, Village Monde has developed expertise in field action. This expertise consists of intervening at the level of specific communities through local initiatives, as well as through global structuring projects within several communities, a region or a country. A true laboratory for social innovation, this field action expertise is based on and enriched by the creation of new reference models in sustainable development, tourism, entrepreneurship, impact measurement and financing.

Africa
Asia
Latin America

Cooperation project

In progress

Jesús de Machaca, La Paz, Bolivia

Title: “ Women’s Economic Empowerment, Support For Green and Agroecological Entrepreneurship in the Aymara Communities of Jesús de Machaca”.

Empowerment of Aymara women through training in agroecology and green entrepreneurship, as well as raising awareness of gender equality, inclusive governance and “Buen vivir”.

Increased training and awareness among women and local stakeholders of the importance of healthy eating, agroecological production and the valorization of Andean food and socio-cultural heritage.

Strengthening and upgrading the leadership and management skills of women with agroecological enterprises, for equitable, inclusive and sustainable management of natural resources and local biodiversity.

Coaching and setting up solar cooker businesses, agroecological businesses and businesses for the enhancement of socio-cultural heritage (community tourism).

Partner: Asociación Civil Boliviana para el Desarrollo Rural (Pro-Rural)

Funded budget: $34,530
Contribution from Village Monde and its partners: $19,800

Cooperation project

In progress

Senegal, Lower Casamance, UKB marine community protected area

Title: Development of a green and resilient local economy promoting the protection and enhancement of mangrove areas in Lower Casamance

Improving the living conditions and resilience of targeted vulnerable rural communities, particularly women and young people, and protecting fragile ecosystems through the development of a resilient local economy.

Implementation of an innovative, integrated management model for the restoration of mangrove ecosystems.
Carrying out research-action projects focusing on climate and social resilience through agroforestry, afforestation/reforestation and mangrove restoration activities.
Rehabilitation of the Pointe Saint-Georges village camp and training in ecotourism service provision in 3 village camps.
Increased knowledge and skills of beneficiaries in developing new sources of sustainable income and integrating short circuits.

Local partner: Agir Autrement pour le Développement de l’Afrique (AG.A.D.A)

Quebec partners: CIRODD, UQAC and Université Laval

Funded budget: $646,075
Village Monde and partners’ contribution: $311,770

Cooperation project

In progress

Jesús de Machaca, La Paz, Bolivia

Title: “ Women’s Economic Empowerment, Support For Green and Agroecological Entrepreneurship in the Aymara Communities of Jesús de Machaca”.

Empowerment of Aymara women through training in agroecology and green entrepreneurship, as well as raising awareness of gender equality, inclusive governance and “Buen vivir”.

Increased training and awareness among women and local stakeholders of the importance of healthy eating, agroecological production and the valorization of Andean food and socio-cultural heritage.
Strengthening and upgrading the leadership and management skills of women with agroecological enterprises, for equitable, inclusive and sustainable management of natural resources and local biodiversity.
Coaching and setting up solar cooker businesses, agroecological businesses and businesses for the enhancement of socio-cultural heritage (community tourism).

Partner: Asociación Civil Boliviana para el Desarrollo Rural (Pro-Rural)

Cooperation project

In progress

Antanambao Dzamandzar, Northern Madagascar

Title : Voa-Jary: Support for Rural Entrepreneurship and Integration into Green Employment in Antanambao Dzamandzar, Northern Madagascar

Empowerment of rural communities, in particular young disadvantaged women and girls, through income-generating activities in agribusiness and resilience to climate change, thanks to :

-Training in green entrepreneurship, agro-ecological techniques, arboriculture, cooperative management, etc.

-Support and awareness-raising activities on the environment, human rights, gender-based violence and sustainable tourism.

-Technical and material support

Partner: Madagascar Tourisme Rural (MATOR)

Funded budget: $32,412
Village Monde and partners’ contribution: $2,250

Cooperation project

In progress

Ouidah, Kpomassè, Comé, Bopa and Grand-Popo, Benin

Title: Strengthening a resilient, green economy in the mangrove areas of southwest Benin

Improving the living conditions and climate resilience of targeted vulnerable rural communities in the mangrove areas of southwest Benin.

Use of adaptive technologies and innovations (ATI) for climate action in the development of a resilient local economy integrating mangrove protection and enhancement.
Ecotourism
Socio-economic empowerment of communities, particularly women and girls

Partner: Eco-Bénin

Funded budget: $415,802
Village Monde and its partners’ contribution: $139,613

Cooperation project

Finished

community of Ampahomanitra, Vatovavy Region, Madagascar

Title : Miavotra: sustainable and resilient economy in the rural community of Ampahomanitra, southeast Madagascar

To diversify the economy of the Fanatenantsoa association in order to increase the income of the peasant members and to promote the integration of resilient agricultural practices in the daily life of everyone and to promote the sustainable development of the community.

Diversifying agricultural production to adapt to climatic conditions and become income-generating
Capacity building of the association and its members in useful and accessible areas
Raising awareness among young people about the protection of ecosystems and motivating them to integrate sustainable development practices

Partner: Madagascar Tourisme Rural (MATOR) & Mahay Expédition

Funded budget: $27,288
Village Monde and partners’ contribution: $2513

Cooperation project

Finished

Karen Mogensen Reserve, Nicoya, Costa Rica

Implementation of an environmental education programme for 120 students from 10 villages and towns around the reserve.

Improvement of the living conditions of the targeted rural communities
Protection of the Karen Mogensen Reserve through environmental education of young people and promotion of sustainable tourism.
Increased capacity and knowledge of local communities in the preservation of the forest and its biodiversity and in the use of resources in the context of the challenges posed by climate change.

Partner: Asociación Ecológica Paquera Lepanto Cobano (ASEPALECO)

Funded budget: $10,400
Village Monde and partners’ contribution: $2495

Cooperation project

Finished

Regions of Diana, Sofia and Boeny, Madagascar

Sustainable empowerment of women and young people in rural areas of Madagascar through the promotion of sustainable tourism practices as a source of employment and financial resources.

Highlighting the potential of the sustainable tourism sector among women and young people to accompany and support them in their integration into the labour market
Training and workshops for capacity building in relevant and accessible areas (entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, marketing)
Support and technical assistance to local partners in promoting sustainable tourism initiatives

Partners: Madagascar Tourisme Rural (MATOR) & Mahay Expédition

Funded budget: $16,105
Village Monde and partners’ contribution: $25,236

Cooperation project

Finished

Benin, Communes of Grand Popo, Comé and Kpomassé

Development of a resilient low-carbon local economy in mangrove areas in South Benin.

Mangrove restoration
Ecotourism
Resilient local economy

Partners: Eco-Benin & Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) & CO2logic

Funded budget: $738,748
Village Monde and partners’ contribution: $286,904

Cooperation project

Finished

Campung Dunia, Flores, Indonesia

Design and creation of an ecolodge in the village of Wolokoro in order to promote and develop village tourism off the beaten track in respect of the environment and local cultures.

Promotion of village tourism and development of an accommodation network on the island of Flores
Empowerment of local people through entrepreneurship
Supporting a resilient local economy through ecotourism

Partner: Campung Dunia Otonomi

Explore New Horizons

The contribution of tourism to the GDP of developing countries is non-negligible. However, beyond the question of the wealth created, there is also the question of its distribution and the impact on local populations, who often find themselves on the fringes of the benefits of mass tourism. Village Monde’s mission is to use sustainable tourism as an economic motor so that local communities are at the heart of tourism initiatives and their benefits.

Africa
Asia
Latin America
North America

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Mexico

Explorer: Rafael Forteza

Duration: 30 days

Exploration area: Teotihuacan Valley, then the municipality of Marquelia, located in the south of the state of Guerrero.

Capital: Mexico City
Languages: Spanish and 68 indigenous languages
Population: 136.9 million
Currency: Mexican peso

Context: Mexico is a country of great cultural and natural wealth. The country boasts over 42 areas belonging to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (Calmard, 2023). The country is a must-see for tourists, especially for its heavenly beaches and impressive waterfalls. However, this…

Partner: Association Red Indígena de Turismo de México Asociación Civil (RITA)

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia

Explorers : Andrée and Nicolas

Duration : 40 days

Exploration area : Japan (Tokyo, Isaka, Kyoto, Hakone), Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Hué, Hoi An), Cambodia (Angkor, Phnom Pen)

Capital : Tokyo / Hanoi / Phnom Penh
Language : Japanese / Vietnamese / Khmer
Population : 124 752 000 / 103 808 319 / 17 227 142
Currency : Yen / Dong / Riel

Background : The destination choice was made during the pandemic lockdown. We dreamt of a confounding cultural trip, but were worried about the promiscuity or the weakness of health measures in certain destinations. Vietnam seemed like a secure and seducing destination through its cultural practices like…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Chile

Explorers : Laura et Manon

Duration : 5 weeks

Exploration area : Chili

Capital : Santiago
Language : Spanish
Population : 19,6 million
Currency : Pesos chilien

Background : Chile, the jewel of South America, fascinates with its diverse culture and breathtaking natural landscapes. However, it faces major socio-economic challenges, particularly for its 9 indigenous communities, which make up more than 10% of the population and are struggling for economic development and the preservation of their cultural identity…

Partner : Karulafken

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Peru

Explorers : Leo and Alyssa

Duration : 3 weeks

Exploration area : Peru

Capital : Lima
Language : Spanish
Population : 34,05 million
Currency : Sol

Background : Peru is a country of great biodiversity, cultural wealth and natural heritage, particularly in the Andes. However, this wealth is threatened by the overuse of natural resources, pollution and climate change. Sustainable tourism, which takes into account the environmental, economic and social impacts of tourism, helps preserve biodiversity and local cultures while generating income for local communities…

Partners : Rednati, Kina8at

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Panama

Explorer : Malak Harakat

Duration : 4 weeks

Exploration area : Panama

Capital : Panama
Language : Spanish
Population : 4,4 million
Currency : Amerian dollars, Balboa

Background : Panama is a country of great cultural and natural wealth, with a huge proportion of natural parks. However, this wealth is threatened by the overuse of natural resources, pollution and climate change. Sustainable tourism, which takes into account the environmental, economic and social impacts of tourism, helps preserve biodiversity and local cultures while generating income for local communities…

Partner: Redturi

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Colombia

Explorer : Sabrina Labranche

Duration : 4 weeks

Exploration area : Colombia

Capital : Bogota
Language : Spanish
Population : 51.87 million
Currency: Peso colombiano

Background : Colombia is a South American country with a wide variety of landscapes, from the beaches of the Caribbean to the mountains of the Andes, from the Amazon rainforest to colonial cities. In recent years, Colombia has seen a significant increase in the number of tourists, attracted by its rich culture, history, exotic nature and friendly people…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Peru

Explorer : Guillaume Dartigue

Duration : 4 weeks

Exploration area : Peru

Capital : Lima
Language : Spanish
Population : 34,05 million
Currency : Sol

Background : Specialized exploration in partnership with a local tourism agency. The exploration highlights current or new partners of the Exquisito Perû agency, under the theme of community tourism, but also agrotourism. The explorer’s mission is to discover local agrotourism initiatives, to meet small local producers, and to label accommodations and activities for inclusion on the Vaolo platform, with a target of 12 accommodations and 5 activities per accommodation. He will also be responsible for creating video and photo content for Village Monde, as well as for the initiatives he encounters.

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Ecuador

Explorer : Justine Coutu

Duration : 6 weeks

Exploration area : Ecuador

Capital : Quito
Language : Spanish
Population : 18 million
Currency : US Dollar

Background : Ecuador is a country in South America, bordering Peru and Colombia. It also has a maritime border on the Pacific Ocean. As its name suggests, Ecuador lies on the equatorial line, which crosses the country from north to south. The capital of Ecuador is Quito, but the largest city is Guayaquil…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Gabon

Explorer : Cynthia Allard

Duration : 4 weeks

Exploration area : Gabon

Capital : Libreville
Language : French
Population : 2,2 million
Currency : Franc CFA (CEMAC)

Background : Gabon is a lesser populated country with a hot and humid Equatorial climate. The exploitation of the thick forest is an important ressource. It is one of the least populated State of Central Africa and at least three-quarters of the population lives in the cities, mainly…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Guatemala

Explorer : Sacha-Olivier Dulac

Duration : 8 weeks

Exploration area : Guatemala

Capital : Guatemala City
Language : Spanish
Population : 17 million
Currency : Quetzal

Background : Country of mountains, the Hauts-Plateaux Region goes through the center, formed by mountain ranges exceeding 3 000 m above sea level dominated by, in the south, the alignment of active Sierra Madre volcanoes. The entire northern part, almost a third of the country, is coverred by the tropical rainforest and a little bit of savannah. Neglected for a long time…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Uzbekistan

Explorer : Tanya Lécuyer

Duration : 16 days

Exploration Area : Uzbekistan – Tashkent, Chimgan, Forish, Nourata, Samarcande, Gilan, Boukhara, Khiva

Capital : Tashkent
Language : Uzbek
Population : 34 million
Currency : SUM ouzbek

Background : Uzbekistan is a country in central Asia sharing borders with Turkmenistan, Kirghizistan, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan. A small part of the country touches the Aral Sea, but it is still considered as doubly landlocked since you would have to go through at least to other countries to get to a Global Ocean. The capital of Uzbekistan is Tachkent, the city…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Mexico

Explorater : Debbie Imhof

Duration : 3 weeks

Exploration area : Mexico

Capital : Mexico
Language : Spanish
Population : 129 million
Currency : Mexican Peso

Background : The mexican culture is rich and complex. Born from the fusion between indigenous and colonial traditions and beliefs, it never ceases to fascinate historians, anthropologist and archaeologist. This mix of cultures has also…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Bolivia

Explorer : Denis Lyonnais

Duration : 20 days

Exploration area : Bolivie – La Paz, Copacabana, Santiago de la Huata

Capital : La Paz
Language : Spanish
Population : 11 million
Currency : Boliviano

Background : Bolivia is located in South America, and its administrative capital, La Paz, is perched at over 3,500 m altitude. Landlocked and wedged between 5 borders (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Peru), it is the poorest country in the region. One Bolivian in 8 lives on less than US$1.25 a day…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Argentina

Explorer : Claudia Vachon

Duration : 8 weeks

Exploration area :

Capital : Buenos Aires
Language : Spanish
Population : 45 million
Currency : Argentinian pesos

Background : Argentina’s landscapes offer a striking contrast: a desert separates the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains from the Atlantic Ocean, not to mention the jungle, crystal-clear lakes,…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Mexico

Explorer : Amélie Jette-Masse

Duration : 8 weeks

Exploration area : Mexico

Capital : México
Language : Spanish
Population : 133 million
Currency : Mexican peso

Background : Mexico is a Latin American country, bounded in the southeast by Guatemala and Belize, and in the northwest by the United States. It is a very large territory, with almost two million square kilometers…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Morocco

Explorer : Stéphanie Gravel-Couture

Duration : 8 weeks

Exploration area : Morocco

Capital : Rabat
Language : Arabic and Berber
Population : 37.34 million
Currency : Moroccan dirham

Background : Morocco is located in the extreme northwest of Africa, bordering Algeria, Mauritania and Spain. Bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the country offers a rich diversity of landscapes, mixing mountainous regions, desert areas and…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Algérie

Explorer : Tanya Lecuyer

Duration : 12 days

Exploration area : Algiers, Tipaza, Kalâa Ath Bès, Ghardaïa, El Menia, Timimoun

Capital : Algiers
Languages : Arabic and Berber
Population : 44.62 million
Currency : Algerian dinar

Background : Between sea, mountain and desert, Algeria is a North African country situated between Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Mali and Niger where nearly 45 million people live.

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Madagascar

Explorers : Isabelle Vitté and Charles Mony

Duration : 23 days

Exploration area : Pangalanes Canal in the East, Central and South-West regions

Capital : Tananarive
Language : Malagasy
Population : 27.69 million
Currency : Ariary

Background : Madagascar is a huge island off the southeast coast of Africa. It is one of the 5 poorest countries in the world and 75% of the population lives below the poverty line…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Tanzania

Explorers : Gaétan Mony, Elodie Pellequer and their two daughters aged 5 and 2 and a half

Duration : 10 weeks

Exploration area : Zanzibar Island, Arusha and the Kilimanjaro region, Southern Highlands (Morogoro, Iringa and Mbeya)

Capital : Dodoma
Language : Swahili
Population : 59,73 million
Currency : Tanzanian shilling

Background : Tanzania lies between the great lakes of East Africa and the Indian Ocean. The country covers just under 950,000 km2 and has a population of 60 million, 65% of whom live in rural areas…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Sri Lanka

Explorers : Laura Mony

Duration: 40 days

Exploration area : Itinerary through the whole of Sri Lanka

Capital : Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte
Languages: Sinhalese and Tamil
Population: 21.92 million
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee

Background: Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an island in the Indian Ocean, about 30 kilometres southeast of India, characterised by religious, cultural and linguistic diversity…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Kyrgyzstan

Explorers : Isabelle Vitte and Charles Mony

Duration: 13 days

Exploration area: Central (Naryn region), South (Osh region) and a bit of Central (Jalal-Abad region)

Capital : Bishkek
Languages: Kyrgyz and Russian
Population: 6.592 million
Currency: Som

Background: Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked, extremely mountainous Central Asian country (average altitude over 3,000m) along the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Ethiopie

Explorers: Charles Mony and Isabelle Vitte

Duration: 20 days

Exploration area: Northern (Tigray), Central (Amhara) and Southern (Southern Nations and peoples) Ethiopia

Capital: Addis Ababa
Language: Amharic
Population: 115 million
Currency: Birr

Background: Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is, with a population of 100 million, the second most populous country in Africa but one of the poorest in the world…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Mauritania

Explorers: Charles Mony and Isabelle Vitte

Duration: 9 days

Exploration area: North-West (Banc d’Arguin National Park) and North (Adrar desert) of Mauritania.

Capital: Nouakchott
Languages: Arabic and French
Population: 4.65 million
Currency: Uguiya

Background: Mauritania is a poor country, ranked 155th (out of 188) in the United Nations Human Development Index in 2016, and in 2018, 17% of the population was considered to be below the poverty line.

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Belize

Explorer : Denis Lyonnais

Duration: 16 days

Exploration area : Central and South : Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo

Capital : Belmopan
Languages: English and Kriol
Population : 397 621
Currency: Belizean dollar

Background: Belize is a tiny Central American country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala that declared its independence in 1981…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Groenland

Explorers: Isabelle Vitte and Charles Mony

Duration: 14 days

Exploration area: Kangerlussuaq, Southern Region (Narsarsuaq) and Illulissat

Capital : Nuuk
Language: Kalaallisut
Population: 56,421
Currency: Danish krone

Background: Greenland is a self-governing Danish territory with an area of 2.166 million square kilometres, 87% of its population being Inuit, the island’s indigenous community. The territory is characterised by very harsh climatic conditions that make the living conditions of the inhabitants difficult…

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

New-Brunswick, Quebec

Select, train and send young explorers from Quebec and New Brunswick on interprovincial mobility missions to promote the Canadian Francophonie and strengthen ties between Quebecers and Francophones and Francophiles in Canada

Promote the Canadian Francophonie in the Acadian and Quebec territories
Promote sustainable Francophone tourism initiatives
Strengthen the ties between Quebecers and Francophones and Francophiles in Canada

Partners: Acadian Peninsula Tourism

Exploration in solidarity lands

Finished

Ontario, Quebec

Training and coordination of the sending of several explorers from Quebec and Ontario from one province to the other. The purpose of these mobility trips is to promote a rich and mobile Canadian Francophonie.

Contribute to the development of Francophone and Canadian communities in Canada
Promote and encourage the use of French in Canada
Strengthen ties between Quebecers and Francophones / Francophiles in Canada

Partners: Société économique de l’Ontario (SEO)

Explorations in Solidarity Lands

Village Monde is always on the lookout for new destinations, well kept paradises, welcoming and proud villages, regions far from mass tourism.

This exploration mission is for travellers (alone, as a couple or a family) who wish to get involved as volunteers with Village Monde by giving their time during a trip that they finance. This mission is tax-deductible in the form of a donation receipt for tax purposes.

Our Explorations in Solidarity Lands program allows:

Identification of accommodation and activities with local impact;
Analysis of the existing structures and offer;
Meetings and exchanges with local actors;
Establishment of development partnerships;
Visiting committed communities;
Validation of the potential for sustainable tourism development;
Labelling of initiatives;
Raising public awareness for sustainable tourism.

Being an Explorer

The mission of the explorer is to meet, explore, certify and share travel experiences in order to be a vector of a more conscious, human and environmentally friendly tourism.

An explorer taking part in our Solidarity Lands program must respect various principles inscribed in our explorer’s charter.

Global and Environnemental Citizenship Education

In order to generate sustainable changes, as many people as possible must feel concerned. This involves raising awareness among travellers and educating them about global citizenship through various tools and events. These serve to highlight the inequalities generated by the current global system and to demonstrate that, through conscious travel choices, we can have a significant impact on the communities we visit and on the environment, in addition to living particularly enriching human experiences at a time when it is essential to know, talk to and respect each other. Also, a component involving youth exchange programs makes it possible to work towards a diverse and united Francophonie from coast to coast.

Promotion of Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

In order to facilitate the connection between impact tourism and travelers looking for new experiences, adventure and authenticity, Villge Monde has created and developed the collaborative platform called Vaolo.

Act With Us

Join us to be an actor of change!

Make a donation

You have a busy schedule but still want to contribute to our actions? It is possible to make a donation. We are accredited to generate donation receipts in Canada and in France.

Become a volunteer

If you want to contribute to a sustainable global society that respects people and ecosystems, join the Village Monde movement and become a member of our community of volunteers.

Village Monde is registered as a charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency and Revenu Québec and as an organization of general interest with the French government.

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Contact us

4187 Côte de Cap-Rouge, Quebec City, QC, G1Y 1V2, Canada

(418) 317-6466

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The use of the masculine gender has been adopted for ease of reading and has no discriminatory intent.

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