Sustainable Family Communities Moving Forward in Mexico

Sustainable Family Communities – Summary of Trip Report 8-30-13

Robert Miller, Mountain Foothills Rotary, US

Major Accomplishments form this last trip:

Evaluation of Design Options for a Prototype SFC Commercial Business

Our two design experts in the areas of aquaculture and greenhouses, Erwin Young and Nick Parker, the parcels of land being offered to SFC by the ejido were studied and evaluated.  Based on that,  to our existing designs were refined to achieve conformity to the specific characteristics of the land.  Work products from this effort will include updated cost and production projections as well as identification of market potential for our products, and calculated new jobs to be created , and assessment of local wholesale markets for our produce and fish were also completed.  Local retail demand was also assessed by way of visits to both high-end and neighborhood grocery stores.

The Viability of Establishing a Cellular Lightweight Block Plant (CLC)

Warren Rose, a member of the SFC Steering Team, has done considerable research into the CLC technology along with preliminary investigation of business opportunities for such a business in Mexico.  On this last trip, we learned from Past District Governor of Rotary District 4170, Victor Belendez, that such a business, if located within central Mexico, would very likely enjoy a robust market for the CLC products.  Evaluation will continue.

Project Funding from within Mexico

We met with Jesus Campos Orozco - President of FONDO FIDES ECOSOL, a US$100M International Development Fund focused on supporting projects that will promote development of social economy.  Senior Campos was enthusiastic about the SFC project and requested copies of the Master Plan and Financials.  This is especially encouraging due to his 25 years of experience working with indigenous workers and cooperatives across Mexico. Senior Campos informed us that he knows the location of several parcels of land in Central Mexico where the land needed for an entire SFC community may be acquired by donation.

We are pleased to also report that our friends in Mexico donated another $720.00 toward the costs for this latest trip, bringing the total of  donations from within Mexico to approxmately, $12,500.00.  Thank you Mexico!

Refining the Master Plan for Sustainable Family Communities

We are excited to report that we have been successful in acquiring commitments from noted professors and architectural students from within Anahuac University who have taken on the important task of tailoring our Master Plan to more closely conform to the social, cultural characteristics and traditions of Mexico. 

Forward motion is exciting, and progress is gratifying.

With gratitude,

Bob