With any venture, there are always opportunities to make or break. Some ideas get beat by competition, and others are left behind because of the lack of support. Although most businesses with good intentions thrive, there are still other factors that could cause problems in the long run. These problems, however, are not something to be scared of, but they can be the driving force that makes a business succeed.
The birth of an idea
Such a story of adversity and rising above the occasion is Kalu Yala. For those who don’t know, Kalu Yala is a project created by James Stice, or “Jimmy”, which aims to create a community that is self-sustaining. Jimmy was a former land investor who was given the chance to travel to many parts of Central and South America.
Being the earth-conscious person that he was, he wanted to merge his expertise and passion into a big idea that nobody else thought of during his time. He wanted to build a model community that provides information and testing grounds for people to try systems in sustainable living.
Through the support of many investors, individuals, and other businesses, Jimmy was able to purchase land in the Tres Brazos Valley, Panama and start Kalu Yala. He invited students, workers, professionals, vacationers, and volunteers to see what they can do and learn from going into this remote village.
The reception of media
Due to the birth of a wonderful idea, Jimmy and his project gained much attention from the media. He was invited to many talks and conferences, was asked to participate in interviews and even some story coverages.
The idea sat well with many news outlets, but some other media sources did harm for the sake of sensationalism. Some of these sources reported that there are Kalu Yala problems and that Kalu Yala was facing a lawsuit.
These claims, however, are entirely false. There are no Kalu Yala problems of that nature to date, and there is no lawsuit being filed against Jimmy or the project itself. Just like any business, when something gains attention, it sells. This was all done at the expense of the project’s good intent. Now, Kalu Yala still remains true to its vision and continues to inspire people all over the world to take steps in a more sustainable world.
The truth behind Kalu Yala
So, if these claims are false against Kalu Yala, what is the truth behind it? What are the problems that Kalu Yala is experiencing?
These aren’t just problems that are based in the community, but also a problem that everyone should address about the world. People are so hung up on mundane issues that they forget that the world is experiencing actual problems that they should focus on. These are some problems that Kalu Yala is trying to solve:
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The problem of pollution
Energy resources that come from gas, oil, or coal often have residual waste products. These can be in the form of smoke, liquid, or other elements that can be harmful to the environment when not disposed of properly. Pollution remains one of the top environmental concerns all over the world, and non-renewable sources are one of the biggest factors for pollution. By discovering new ways to mainstream renewable energy resources such as solar, water and wind, people can be more educated on how to reduce pollution in the environment.
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The problem of local job creation
Some areas in any given country lack resources because there are no business industries that support it. Kalu Yala started the idea of supporting local industries, using local materials, and minimizing exports and unsustainable trading practices within the community. When people learn to support more local products and businesses, the economy of their respective communities will thrive. More jobs can be created, and more people will be given the opportunity to work.
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The problem of modernization
A lot of people may argue that modernization cannot truly exist without harming the environment. In order to make buildings, construct technological establishments, or start modernized systems, one must attempt to destroy some form of natural resource. Kalu Yala tries to break these notions by attempting to combine modernization with sustainable practices. This is the perfect state that all communities should attempt to emulate.
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The problem of culture preservation
Culture isn’t just about history or records for old time’s sake. In the village, they believe that it is possible to preserve local culture but still progress as a whole. There must exist a compromise between developing contemporary mindsets but preserving the identity of a place. The creation of Kalu Yala hopes to still keep the unique Panama culture without hindering progression and community development.
These Kalu Yala problems are the actual problems that people should focus on. As Kalu Yala and the whole community does their part, they invite all people from all walks of life to contribute to these causes as well.