HKYWCA Y Eco Tour Tai O Cultural and Ecological Tour (“Y Eco Tour”) passed the assessments by Hong Kong General Chamber of Social Enterprises Limited (“HKGCSE”) and received the Social Enterprise Endorsement Mark (SEE Mark) for small scale social enterprises.
With reference to the experience gained from the Association’s Tai O Community Work Office, Y Eco Tour was set up in 2006 as a social enterprise and has then been promoting Tai O’s sustainable development. Firstly, Y Eco Tour promotes a balanced development between human activities and the environment, so that the natural resources e.g. mangrove swamp, wetlands, and the habitat of the Chinese white dolphins and herons, will be protected. Secondly, it enhances local economic growth by training local residents with low skills and low education levels to organise guided tours and workshops that promotes tourism in the area. Interesting activities include visiting stilt houses, crocheting traditional fishing nets, as well as preparing local specialties, e.g. duck egg yolks, beans porridge and glutinous rice dumplings.
Feedbacks from past participants:
“Going out on the boat and catching fish with the net impressed me the most, because it was fun and toil at the same time.”
“The people are simple, honest, and unspoiled, totally different from those living in the city. Children can learn from them and enjoy the nature.”
Mr. Ivan Yuen, assistant program officer of Y Eco Tour is glad about receiving the SEE Mark. “We are thankful that HKGCSE acknowledges our work all these years,” said Ivan. He will attend the SEE Mark Networking Session to meet different corporate partners, and to introduce how Y Eco Tour provides training and work opportunities to the locals.
Social Enterprise Endorsement (SEE) System is a professional, objective and comprehensive assessment system, targeting to raise the awareness of the general public about social enterprises so to solicit support. HKYWCA social enterprises with SEE Mark include Y Garden View Lounge, NWS Y Care (North District) and Y Eco Tour Tai O Cultural and Ecological Tour.