About Us
About Us
At SmArt for Sustainability (S4S), we promote sustainable development and cultural preservation in indigenous communities; our aim is to provide economic and social opportunities through responsible tourism, blockchain, and technology.
Indigenous communities, comprising over 5% of the global population, face discrimination and marginalization, impacting their access to basic services and territories. The use of blockchain ensures autonomous and transparent management, preventing corruption. Protecting them is essential for sustainability and economic development through technologies like blockchain.
Why S4S
Welcome to S4S! Our platform offers a unique and innovative approach to sustainable development and cultural preservation in indigenous communities worldwide. Utilizing blockchain technology, we’ve created a decentralized platform that empowers indigenous communities to manage and promote their cultural heritage and art. Our goal is to generate economic development and enhance responsible tourism, supporting local economies and providing opportunities to showcase unique traditions and knowledge.
Us
Team
Christian Arteaga
Co-Founder
CEO SmArt | S4S
Monica Tomainu
Co-Founder
CEO SmArt | S4S
Christophe Lechevallier
CFO S4S
David Peláez
Cultural & Heritage
specialist
Mariella Soldi
Brand Manager
Markus Schreyer
Meta Foundation Advisor
Savinien Caracostea
Meta Foundation Advisor
Pascal Frey
Meta Foundation Advisor
Specialty Advisors
Jean Phillipe Le Moigne
Consultant Indigenous Tourism & CBT WINTA representative
Gianvirgilio Cugini
CEO at STELVA Group – Expert in Development and Legislation of NFT
Fabricio Valencia
Manager of the Cultural Heritage Area at Hereditas Consultores
Francois Bedard
CED Representative – Senior Advisor
Franklin Carpenter
Director of Tourism Advisory at Horwath HTL Spain
Marcello Gandolfi
Global Head of Programs – CODESPA
Marcello Gandolfi
Frank Babinger
Peter Tarlow
Lori Pennington-Gray
Estefanía Basurto
Mariella Soldi
Mariella Soldi
Marisol Acosta
Alejandro Mullor
Rafael Gonzalez
Javier Baz
Jaime del Río
Jaime del Río
Country Advisors
María Inés Guaita
Marta Poggi
María Alexandra Pulido
Diana Guerra
Guillermina De Gracia
Lucía España
Lucía España
María del Pilar Saavedra
Veronica Zambrana
Rosmery Tintaya
María de los Ángeles Ramón
Patricia Palacios
S4S Alliances & Networking
Alliances with indigenous communities are key in the S4S project to establish mutual trust and address challenges together. Using blockchain technology, the aim is to enhance transparency in resource distribution and promote sustainable practices.
Alliances with organizations are key to the success of the S4S project, as they allow for the establishment of a collaborative network to jointly identify and address the challenges faced by indigenous communities. SmArt is an affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization and representatives of Green Destinations in Panama; furthermore, we are backed by institutions such as the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance – WINTA, Meta Foundation, Center of Excellence in Destinations – CED, and are part of the COMPLUEMPRENDE program at the Complutense University of Madrid, among others.
The alliances between S4S and countries interested in indigenous rural tourism are a powerful tool for sustainable development, ensuring the equitable distribution of economic benefits and responsible growth of local communities.
We have four main pillars in which funds will be reinvested in communities, all aimed at achieving sustainable development.
- Heritage
- Governance
- Digitalization
- Regeneration
Investment axes
- Governance
- Infrastructure
- Education
- Conectivity
- Marine Ecosystem Protection
- Terrestrial Ecosystem Protection
- Development of Touristic Projects
- Gender Equality
Awards
2023: WINNERS!!
Winners of the second edition of the Awake Tourism Challenge, a contest organized by the World Tourism Organization – UNWTO; which rewards startups that have an innovative approach and that include the Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs in their business model.
2022: FINALISTS!!
We were on the list of 10 finalists of the “Social Entrepreneurship Competition in Tourism” contest, which is oriented to social innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism.
