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Introduction to the Mariposario Project

Overview of the Team and Project

• The presentation begins with greetings from Marlene, who introduces herself as the secretary, and María Antonia, the project coordinator.

• The name "MAITA" is derived from Marlene Antonia Ita Instituto Técnico Agropecuario Felipe Cordero, reflecting the team members' names and their educational institution.

Background and Purpose

• The initiative started in 2017 with a focus on environmental conservation through studying butterflies, despite initial lack of knowledge about them.

• The mariposario (butterfly house) is located at Instituto Técnico Agropecuario Felipe Cordero in Concepción Santander, where temperatures range between 18°C to 22°C.

Identifying Challenges and Opportunities

Current Issues

• There is a low availability of butterfly houses for educational, recreational, and research purposes in García Rovira province.

• The project aims to attract tourists from various regions of Colombia and beyond by showcasing their work on butterflies.

Proposed Solutions

• Plans include establishing a butterfly house that will cultivate various species while providing educational pathways for students.

• Unique offerings will include technical training in agriculture through partnerships with local institutions like SENA.

Competitive Landscape

Identifying Competitors

• Nearby competitors include established butterfly houses such as La Mesa de los Santos and others in Boyacá.

• Potential competition also arises from new initiatives like those being considered by educators in Málaga.

Commercial Opportunities

Business Model Insights

• The mariposario aims to create commercial opportunities through regenerative tourism, environmental education, emotional well-being activities, and therapeutic tourism.

• Direct sales will be made at the mariposario for services related to butterflies including chrysalis and host plants for visitors.

Partnerships for Growth

• Collaborations with educational institutions and regional tourism efforts are crucial for promoting products via social media platforms.

• Key allies include Universidad de Pamplona, SENA, and CAS (Corporación Autónoma Regional), which support the project's objectives.

What are the Costs?

Overview of Budget and Labor

• The estimated budget for the project is $146.6 million, with an additional cost of $600,000 pesos.

• A significant portion of the costs is attributed to labor, indicating a high demand for workforce hours.

• Visual evidence shows progress on the terrain where work has been conducted, including paths that have been cleared.

• The team has begun planting host and nutrient plants in a nursery, preparing for transplantation.

• Mention of an institute related to transplantation suggests collaboration or educational support in the project.