History
Meeting the chiefs
At the end of 2005, Apollo Panou approached the local chiefs of Atsiekpoe about his plans for the Jolinaiko Eco Vilage. Part of this meeting were traditional rituals and formal introductions accompanied by the drinking of local gin. The chiefs approved of the plans, and Jolinaiko acquired three acres of ground on the river bank, on which the Eco Lodge was going to be built. The attitude of the village and its elders was still a little sceptical. They did not understand why somebody 'from outside' would be interested in such a normal village as Atsiekpoe.
Building trust
Slowly more trust was built when indeed visitors were brought to Atsiekpoe by Jolinaiko, and local guides were hired. People were gathered to start building the Jolinaiko Eco Lodge in 'Atsiekpoe-style'.
The positive effects of the presence of Jolinaiko Eco Tours were becoming more visible when a village library was established, contributions were made into the community fund, and a sanitation project was initiated in partnership with the Stepping Stones for Africa Foundation.
June 2010 is the deadline for finishing the first 8 toilets that are being built through community labour. These achievements have contributed to a very positive attitude of the village towards the presence of Jolinaiko Eco Tours, and consequently Apollo's wife, Cindy Noordermeer-Panou, was given the position of 'Queen Mother of Atsiekpoe' ('Mama Dunenyo') in January 2010.


