In Partnership with Voice for Nature Foundation
At The Lost Explorer Mezcal, we are committed to advancing a more sustainable and equitable world, starting in our own backyard here in Oaxaca.
In partnership with the global charity, Voice For Nature Foundation, we have identified three Mexican organizations to support, with projects that will have an immediate impact in Oaxacan communities this year. Each of these projects stem directly from the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Climate Action (SDG #13), Gender Equality (SDG #5) and Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG #8) – with plans to deliver long-lasting, sustainable impact well into 2022 and beyond.
In committing to these goals, we are looking far beyond ourselves to truly understand and invest in projects that will have a sustainable impact in the local Oaxacan community.
We recognize nothing exists in a vacuum: all is a part of an ecosystem of social and environmental responsibility. These projects will help advance local organizations’ efforts to combat climate change and its effects on access to clean water (#13); support gender equality and female empowerment amongst underserved indigenous communities in Oaxaca (#5); and help create access to equitable work opportunities through the sharing of sustainable ancestral knowledge and skills (#8).
Isla Urbana > Rainwater Harvesting
According to the United Nations, the world faces a water deficit of 40% by 2030. Water scarcity is an urgent and growing issue across Mexico.
Isla Urbana is an NGO dedicated to contributing to water sustainability in Mexico through rainwater harvesting, specifically in highly marginalized communities where access to clean water is limited. The Lost Explorer Mezcal’s partnership began in 2021 with supporting four rainwater harvesting systems within the Oaxacan communities of San Jose Tenango. This year, we will support the installation of an additional 4 rainwater harvesting systems, plus 4 arsenic-free water supply systems in the indigenous community of Tlamacazapa, Guerrero.
SiKanda > Moving Towards a More Equitable World
SiKanda is a non-profit organization in Oaxaca that promotes sustainable development within marginalized communities, with gender equity as one of their key areas of focus.
The Lost Explorer Mezcal is partnering with SiKanda to support their WEAVE program (Women in Entrepreneurship) to support SiKanda’s established way of working with the local community of Oaxaca and contribute more resources to support their critical work.
Master Noel Martinez > Artisan Residency & Mentorship Center
As a state rich in culture with a deep heritage in artistry, Oaxaca remains the most impoverished state in Mexico, resulting in many young people leaving to seek decent work elsewhere.
In honor of Maestro Noel, renowned artisan, craftsman, and community leader in Oaxaca who is dedicated to mentoring and teaching young artisans, we continue to support his artisan residency program and mentorship center. This year, we’ll be collaborating with the small team carrying on his vision to build a communal artisan workshop in a more remote area outside of Oaxaca city, to spread access and education to key tools for artisanal craftsmanship.