Enterprise Brief: From Relief to Self-Reliance

From Relief to Self Reliance has won one of five 2008 SEED Awards for its work to expand employment opportunities, strengthen local economic and cultural activity and promote sustainable resource management through community based tourism.

Andaman Discoveries offers responsible tours and volunteer placements in the community, creating numerous employment opportunities through activities such as home-stays, handicraft production and guiding. The organization grew from an NGO with a strong track record of work in Thailand’s tsunami-hit communities. All activities such as eco tours, interactive handicraft workshops, cultural exchanges and volunteering were developed in collaboration with the villagers. A compulsory 20% donation from visitors and volunteers will support local projects such as community education, handicraft marketing, recycling, and youth-led conservation programmes