The Lost Explorer Mezcal is committed to advancing a more sustainable and equitable world, starting in Oaxaca, Mexico.
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 stems 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, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is looking far beyond themselves to truly understand and invest in projects that will have a sustainable impact on the local Oaxacan community.
The Lost Explorer Mezcal recognizes 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 – RAIN FOREST 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 will begin with supporting an additional four rainwater harvesting systems within the Oaxacan communities of San Jose Tenango, enabling Isla Urbana to reach their 2021 goals in Oaxaca.
SIKANDA – MOVING TOWARDS A MORE EQUITABLE WORLD
Mexico has one of the lowest female labor force participation rates in Latin America (World Bank, 2020). Concurrently, only 16% of businesses in the country are women led (INEGI, 2016).
The Lost Explorer Mezcal is partnering with Sikanda to support their WEAVE program (Women in Entrepreneurship) that provides “Make Your Business Grow” seed capital funding for essential supplies & equipment to women-led businesses. The program also provides training, professional coaching, and activities that promote wellness, health, and self-confidence.
MAESTRO NOEL MARTÍNEZ – 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.
Maestro Noel Martínez is a renowned artisan, craftsman, and community leader in Oaxaca dedicated to mentoring and teaching young artisans. Over many years, he has established an artisan residency center where the houses marginalized young families while teaching them a variety of artisanal skills and crafts. The Lost Explorer Mezcal’s partnership will support Maestro Noel in supplying free tool kits to participants, enabling them to earn a living through their newfound craft.
To learn more check out The Lost Explorer Mezcal and The Lost Explorer Mezcal Journal
