# El Faro | The Regenerative Pillar of Tulum Innovation Fest Source: https://www.tuluminnovationfest.com/el-faro Updated: 2026-10-09 The Regenerative Pillar of Tulum Innovation Fest # El Faro Regenerative Communities, ReFi & Local Economies A beacon for a regenerative future. Rooted in territory. Connected through innovation. El Faro brings together the people, communities, ideas and technologies helping shape a more regenerative future for Tulum and the wider region. [Explore the pillar ↓](#themes)[Get involved](#involved) What is El Faro? ## Regeneration begins with connection. El Faro — Spanish for “the lighthouse” — is the regenerative pillar of Tulum Innovation Fest, bringing together the people, communities, ideas and technologies working toward a more regenerative future for Tulum and the wider region. We believe regeneration begins with a deeper relationship between people, place and the systems that sustain life. It means rethinking how we build, how we travel, how we exchange value, how we care for our ecosystems and how economic development can create lasting benefits for local communities. From regenerative finance and community-led economies to the built environment, regenerative tourism, ecological restoration and emerging technologies, we bring diverse perspectives into one shared question: How can innovation help regenerate the places we call home? Community circle holding hands by the water in the Riviera Maya Photo: Frances I. Pimentel Tulum Innovation FestThe platform for innovation, capital, culture and connection. El FaroThe regenerative pillar and meeting point. The regionLocal groups, leaders, projects, practitioners and partners. From conversation to action ## More than a conversation about sustainability. An invitation to explore practical solutions, strengthen local initiatives and connect the people and resources needed to bring regenerative ideas to life. 01 ### Connect communities and innovators Meaningful relationships between local groups, regenerative projects, technology developers, businesses, institutions and global networks. 02 ### Showcase local initiatives Visibility for the people and organizations already creating positive change in Tulum and the surrounding region. 03 ### Explore regenerative technologies How digital tools, ReFi, community governance, data and emerging technologies can support real-world solutions. 04 ### Rethink development New approaches to the built environment, housing, tourism, infrastructure and economic activity that consider ecological health and community wellbeing. 05 ### Strengthen local economies Models that recognize community contributions, support local value creation and enable collaborative ownership, funding and participation. 06 ### Turn ideas into action Partnerships, pilot projects and collaborations that keep developing beyond the festival. Areas of exploration ## Six interconnected themes. Different entry points into one regenerative system. Regeneration happens in the relationships between them. 01 ### Ecological regeneration Restoring the systems that sustain life. Healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, restoration, responsible resource use and a deeper relationship between human activity and the natural world. Connects with[ReFi & new economies](#theme-refi)[Community, culture & local governance](#theme-community) 02 ### ReFi & new economies Rethinking how value flows through communities. Regenerative finance, community economies, new models of ownership and technologies that may help align economic activity with ecological and social wellbeing. Connects with[Community, culture & local governance](#theme-community)[Regenerative technology](#theme-tech) 03 ### The built environment Rethinking how we build and inhabit places. Regenerative architecture, construction, materials, infrastructure and urban development that respond to local conditions and the long-term health of the territory. Connects with[Ecological regeneration](#theme-ecology)[Tourism & territory](#theme-tourism) 04 ### Regenerative technology Putting innovation in service of life. Emerging technologies and digital tools that may support ecological restoration, community coordination, transparency and resource management. Connects with[Ecological regeneration](#theme-ecology)[ReFi & new economies](#theme-refi) 05 ### Tourism & territory Reimagining the relationship between visitors and place. How tourism and hospitality can contribute more thoughtfully to local communities, cultural continuity, the natural environment and regional economies. Connects with[The built environment](#theme-built)[Community, culture & local governance](#theme-community) 06 ### Community, culture & local governance Strengthening the people and relationships that shape the future. Community leadership, local knowledge, cultural continuity, collaboration and the ways people organize to address shared challenges. Connects with[ReFi & new economies](#theme-refi)[Tourism & territory](#theme-tourism) Rooted in Tulum. Connected to the world. ## Not to imagine a different future — to support the people already creating it. Tulum is a place of extraordinary natural and cultural significance, and a region experiencing rapid change. El Faro builds a bridge between local initiatives and international networks, connecting regenerative ideas with the communities, technologies, capital and partnerships that can help them grow. Speakers of the pillar ## Voices of El Faro. The people bringing regeneration to the Tulum Innovation Fest stage. More speakers for this pillar will be announced soon. Sandra Ponce de León ### Sandra Ponce de León Entrepreneur & Regenerative Community Builder ReFi Tulum · Guardians of Nature[View profile ↗](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandraponcedeleon/) Frances I. Pimentel ### Frances I. Pimentel Regenerative Real Estate Strategist CoreHavens Network[View profile ↗](https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesipimentel) [+ ### More speakers soonWorking on regeneration in Tulum or the region? Propose your talk to El Faro.](mailto:innovation@likegroup.io?subject=El%20Faro%20%E2%80%94%20Connect) An invitation to co-create ## The future is not only something we innovate. It is something we regenerate, together. We welcome local communities, regenerative initiatives, technology projects, researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, institutions, investors and ecosystem partners. Whether you are restoring ecosystems, developing regenerative technologies, rethinking the built environment, experimenting with new economic models or empowering communities, El Faro is a space to connect, share your work and explore what we can build together. [01 ### Connect with El FaroPropose a collaboration or join the conversation.→](mailto:innovation@likegroup.io?subject=El%20Faro%20%E2%80%94%20Connect) [02 ### Share a local initiativeTell us about a project regenerating the region.→](mailto:innovation@likegroup.io?subject=El%20Faro%20%E2%80%94%20Local%20initiative&body=Initiative%20name%3A%0AWhat%20it%20does%3A%0ATheme(s)%3A%0ALocation%3A%0AWebsite%20%2F%20social%3A%0AContact%3A) [03 ### Live it at the festivalDecember 9–12, 2026 · IKAL, Tulum.→](https://www.tuluminnovationfest.com/tickets) El Faro The Regenerative Pillar of Tulum Innovation Fest Rooted in territory. Guided by community. Open to the future. [Connect with El Faro](mailto:innovation@likegroup.io?subject=El%20Faro%20%E2%80%94%20Connect)[Festival passes](https://www.tuluminnovationfest.com/tickets)