TESTIMONIALS
Itt is hard to know where to begin touting his professional
work, list of achievements is great and all directions pointed
to Gerhard. His work is beyond exemplary and validates what
the Colibri Award represents.
- Emilio Kifuri, Canyon
Travel
Gerhard has recognized that in order to develop conscientious
travel that connects Mexicans with foreign visitors, we Mexicans
must have the communication tools to get the word out about
local protocols, cultural history and the environmental diversity
of our country. Capacity building is a critical element that
requires teachers who able to share not just the technology
but the mindset of working with others. The result of Gerhard's
work is a tapestry of ecotourism success stories from the lancheros
in Celestún
to the mushroom collectors (and forest protectors) in San
Antonio Cuajimaloyas and now with the weavers in Teotitlán
del Valle. Those who value Mexico's outstanding artesania,
bird-watching and forest protection are advised to review how
Gerhard has managed to listen to rural communities and given
them a voice to connect directly with visitors.
- Marlene Ehrenberg, 2002
Colibri Award Winner
I recognise Gerhard's frequent contributions and influence.
Gerhard's list of achievements is great and my respect for his
work, from afar, very real, not least because of his obvious
passionate commitment to local communities. He keeps his feet
very firmly on the ground. If I may be so bold, what shines
through is his humility. In advance of the official announcement
in June, heartfelt congratulations to Gerhard (and Gabriela),
and to you, Ron, and the sponsor, for your tireless dedication.
- Steve Bridger, 2006
Colibri Award Winner
Having searched Mexico for a very special person who understood
how tourism needs to benefit local people if it is to be sustainable
and successful and who could deliver training on issues of social
and cultural impacts, all directions pointed to Gerhard Buttner.
Gerhard has been exceptionally open and flexible and professional
in delivering training that will enable villagers to better
manage the tourism that impacts upon them.'
- Patricia Barnett, Tourism
Concern
Me parece ideal y trasatlánticamente valioso que el
Colibrí este año vaya dirigido a una persona que
ha trabajado en áreas diversas y vitales para el ecoturismo;
En la elaboración de los siempre indispensables mapas,
en la capacitación de proyectos de comunidades en aspectos
tan necesarios como dar clases de inglés a los locales,
así como a un escritor de viajes. Celebro también
que vaya dirigido a un guía pero sobre todo a alguien
que se considera ecoturista. Enhorabuena.
- Fernando García Aguinaco, 2003
Colibri Award Winner
I have known Gerhard Buttner for several years. In all the
time I've known him, he has shown his joy for travel, at the
same time working passionately to help to preserve for others
the environments and cultures he enjoys so much. Since settling
in Mexico, he has done much to heighten other people's awareness
of the importance of responsible tourism, that respects environments
and people's cultures.
- Marianne Heredge, Mountain
Forum
Por medio de la presente me dirijo a ustedes para manifestarle
mi agradecimiento a Gerhard Buttner por haber participado de
maestro de inglés, interpretación ambiental y
ecoturismo, en Celestún, Yucatán. Por habernos
capacitado durante mas de un año por medio de Pronatura
Península de Yucatán, participando también
con nosotros en los monitoreos de aves (birdwatching), siendo
siempre muy entusiasta y amable tanto con adultos y niños
de la comunidad. Un cordial saludo de sus amigos los PEREGRINOS.
- Representante: Víctor Marín, Guía de
Celestún (con Ramiro Lara, Francisco Cutz, Luis Garma)
I know Gerhard as a man with a passion for applying his knowledge
on nature, geography and economics to the benefit of those around
him. This set of unique skills coupled with a humble character
makes him a perfect match for any ecotourism venture!
- Martin de Wit, Sustainable
Options, South Africa
I have known Gerhard well when he was a student and later
when he became a tour guide in South Africa. He was a very meticulous
guide who researched his tours and established good relationships
with everyone he worked with.
- Christien Malan (retired) Tourism manager at Kirstenbosch
Botanical Garden in Cape Town, part of the South African
National Biodiversity Institute.
Gerhard es una persona excepcional. Lo conocí cuando
llegó a México como voluntario de un proyecto
de ecoturismo en Yucatán. Desde entonces me deslumbran
su profundo aprecio y conocimiento de la cultura comunitaria
y de las riquezas naturales de nuestro país, su compromiso
y entrega al trabajar en proyectos comunitarios y de ecoturismo,
su insaciable curiosidad, su vitalidad y entusiasmo en los proyectos
y viajes que emprende, su sencillez, calidez y honestidad. Agradezco
a Gerhard compartir conmigo sus viajes y proyectos, sus aprendizaje
y experiencias, su alegría, su energía, su vida.
- Gabriela Ramírez Galindo (comunicadora ambiental y
esposa de Gerhard)
Mi opinión es que Gerhard ha tenido una buena disposición
de trabajo con la gente de las comunidades colaborando en diversos
proyectos relacionados con la Conservación de la biodiversidad
en la Chinantla a través de su participación en
Methodus Consultora S.C. También colaboró como
instructor de guías comunitarios de ecoturismo y observación
de aves y hongos tanto en la Chinantla como en Pueblos Mancomunados
y en la Selva
Lacandona. Durante varios años a promovido el evento
de la Feria de los Hongos con apoyo de Ron Mader en la página
de Planeta.com.
- Josefina Jimenez, Methodus
Consultora
I met Gerhard through the Internet when he was looking for
a volunteer job in the Yucatan Peninsula. We managed to find
him something to do through Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan.
Gerhard jumped right into the Celestun Nature Guide Training
Project. His work was outstanding and his friendly attitude
towards local culture and people put him immediately in the
heart of the success in terms of ecotourism in the Yucatan coast.
Our local guides group from Celestun, Los Peregrinos, just loved
working with him. We all miss Gerhard in the Yucatan, but we
know he continues his valuable contribution to the better management
and understanding of nature and cultural tourism.
- Eduardo Galicia, Pronatura
Peninsula de Yucatan
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