Guidelines for community-based ecotourism development

WWF International | July 2001

Contents
Introduction 1
The purpose of these guidelines 1 What is community-based ecotourism? 2 WWF s position !

PART A Considering whether ecotourism is an appropriate option "

1 #onsidering the potential conser$ation gain " #apacity building for ecotourism in %abah& 'alaysia ( 2 #hec)ing the preconditions for ecotourism * #ommunity #onser$ancies in +amibia , ! -dopting an integrated approach . /e$eloping tools for responsible ecotourism in 0ra1il 2

PART B Planning ecotourism with communities and other sta eholders

" Finding the best 3ay to in$ol$e the community 10 ( Wor)ing together on an agreed strategy 12 4rinciples and criteria for par)s 1! * 5nsuring en$ironmental and cultural integrity 1" -n alternati$e 3ay for the 'editerranean 1(

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PART C !eveloping viable community-based ecotourism pro"ects 1*

, 5nsuring mar)et realism and effecti$e promotion 1* Joint action 3ith a tour operator 1, . 4utting for3ard 6uality products 1. #reating integrated tourist offers in 7omania 12

PART ! #trengthening benefits to the community and the environment 20

2 'anaging impacts 20 10 4ro$iding technical support 21 11 Bbtaining the support of $isitors and tour operators 22 #odes of conduct in the -rctic 2! 12 'onitoring performance and ensuring continuity 2"
4repared by /r 7ichard /enman& The Tourism #ompany& 11a 8igh %treet& 9edbury 87. 1/%& :; Tel< ="" 1(!1 *!("(1 Fa>< ="" 1(!1 *!("(! ttcled?aol@com The Tourism #ompany is a :;-based tourism consultancy 3or)ing in the field of tourism research& planning& de$elopment and mar)eting& 3ith a specialism in rural tourism& ecotourism and protected areas@ With than)s for support from the 7ufford Foundation and from the '-A- Foundation@
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$urther information 2(

Tourism is the worlds largest industry. It accounts for more than 10% of total employment, 11% of global GD , and total tourist trips are predicted to increase to 1.! billion by "0"0. #s such, it has a ma$or and increasing impact on both people and nature. %ffects can be negati&e as well as positi&e. Inappropriate tourism de&elop' ment and practice can degrade habitats and landscapes, deplete natural resources, and generate waste and pollution. In contrast, responsible tourism can help to generate awareness of and support for conser&ation and local culture, and create economic opportunities for countries and communities. (() is ta*ing action to reduce negati&e impacts, and to encourage respon' sible tourism that enhances not only the +uality of life, but also natural and cultural resources in destinations.

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Introduction

Ciant 4anda in its natural habitat& %ichuan 4ro$ince& #hina@

The purpose of these guidelines

These guidelines identify some general principles, and highlight some practical considerations for community'based ecotourism. They see* to pro&ide a refer' ence point for field pro$ect staff, and to encourage a consistent approach. ,owe&er, pre&ailing conditions and le&els of *nowledge about ecotourism &ary considerably between countries and pro$ects, and this will dictate how the guidelines are interpreted and used at a local le&el. The guidelines are not intended to be a detailed -how to manual, but rather stand as a collection of issues and topics to be considered and addressed. In some countries, such as .ra/il, (() has been in&ol&ed in the de&elopment of specific policies and good practice manuals for ecotourism which relate to local circumstances and go into more detail. #lthough the guidelines are primarily intended for use within ((), they may also be of &alue to partner organisations and other agencies, and dem' onstrate to a wider audience, (()s interest and approach in this field. They are based on e0perience obtained from (() pro$ects, and from published literature and case studies. # list of helpful reference sources is also included. Throughout the te0t, information on indi&idual (() ecotourism pro$ects is pro&ided in bo0es. Though these are only referenced where their content is rele&ant to a specific point, the information contained in them complements the guidelines as a whole. In total, twel&e guidelines are presented. These ha&e been grouped into four sections that relate to different stages of community'based ecotourism initiati&es. These are1 #. .. 2. D. 2onsidering whether ecotourism is an appropriate option3 lanning ecotourism with communities and other sta*eholders3 De&eloping &iable community'based ecotourism pro$ects3 4trengthening benefits to the community and the en&ironment.

#lthough this is a broadly se+uential ordering, all the issues raised by the guidelines should be considered together to obtain a comprehensi&e picture.

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&hat is community-based ecotourism'

%cotourism is a fre+uently debated term. 4ometimes it is used simply to identify a form of tourism where the moti&ation of &isitors, and the sales pitch to them, centres on the obser&ation of nature. Increasingly, this general sector of the mar*et is called -nature tourism. True -ecotourism, howe&er, re+uires a proacti&e approach that see*s to mitigate the negati&e and enhance the positi&e impacts of nature tourism. The International %cotourism 4ociety defines eco' tourism as responsible tra&el to natural areas that conser&es the en&ironment and sustains the well'being of local people. This definition not only implies that there should be a recognition of, and positi&e support for, the conser&ation of natural resources, both by suppliers and consumers, but also that there is a necessary social dimension to ecotourism. The term -community'based ecotourism ta*es this social dimension a stage further. This is a form of ecotourism where the local community has substantial control o&er, and in&ol&ement in, its de&elopment and management, and a ma$or proportion of the benefits remain within the community. ,ow the community is defined will depend on the social and institutional structures in the area concerned, but the definition implies some *ind of collecti&e responsibility and appro&al by representati&e bodies. In many places, particularly those inhabited by indigenous peoples, there are collecti&e rights o&er lands and resources. 2ommunity'based ecotourism should therefore foster sustainable use and collecti&e responsibility. ,owe&er, it must also em' brace indi&idual initiati&es within the community. 5These issues are co&ered further under Guideline 6.7 4ome further general characteristics of ecotourism ha&e been identified by 89% and the (orld Tourism :rganisation as1 ; in&ol&ing appreciation not only of nature, but also of indigenous cultures pre&ailing in natural areas, as part of the &isitor e0perience3 ; containing education and interpretation as part of the tourist offer3 ; generally, but not e0clusi&ely, organised for small groups by small, special' ised and locally owned businesses 5while recognising that foreign operators also mar*et and operate ecotourism73 ; minimising negati&e impacts on the natural and socio'cultural en&ironment3 ; supporting the protection of natural areas by generating economic benefits for the managers of natural areas3 ; pro&iding alternati&e income and employment for local communities3 and ; increasing local and &isitor awareness of conser&ation. (hile definitions can be useful, what is more important is the appropriateness and +uality of action, not what it is called. The processes in&ol&ed in ecotourism include all aspects of planning, de&elop' ing, mar*eting and managing resources and facilities for this form of tourism. <isitor pro&ision includes access to natural areas and cultural heritage, guiding and interpretati&e ser&ices, accommodation, catering, sales of produce and handicrafts, and transport. #ppropriate recreational and special interest acti&ities, such as trail wal*ing, photography and participatory conser&ation programmes, may also be part of ecotourism. In some locations, hunting and fishing may be included as appro' priate acti&ities, pro&ided that they are carefully researched and controlled within a management plan that supports conser&ation. This *ind of sustain' able use relies on local *nowledge, pro&ides significant local income, and encourages communities to place a high &alue on wildlife, resulting in net conser&ation benefits.

Tourists at the 'arine +ational 4ar)& Fernando de +oronha& 0ra1il@

(()s Tourism osition 4tatement 5(() International, "0017 states that (() and the tourism industry should share a common goal1 the long'term preser&ation of the natural en&ironment. It presents a &ision that tourism de&elopment and practice should1 ; be part of a wider sustainable de&elopment strategy3 ; be compatible with effecti&e conser&ation of natural ecosystems3 and ; in&ol&e local people and cultures, ensuring that they ha&e an e+uitable share in its benefits. )rom the outset, this &ision recognises de&elopmental, en&ironmental and social aims for tourism. (() belie&es that tourism should be en&ironmentally sustainable, economically &iable and socially e+uitable. #lthough representing a small 5albeit growing7 proportion of global tourism, ecotourism can demonstrate the positi&e interrelationship between these aims, and bring useful benefits to many parts of the natural world, including protected areas. #s a conser&ation organisation, (()s interest centres on how ecotourism can best assist its mission to conser&e nature and ecological processes. (() belie&es that engaging and facilitating the acti&ities of local communities is an essential part of this, hence a focus on community'based ecotourism. #t the same time, through this focus, (() supports the general principles of social e+uity, cultural integrity and po&erty reducing policies that guide many de&elopment programmes. %cotourism is recei&ing considerable attention from international and national conser&ation, de&elopment and tourism organisations, such as 89% and the (orld Tourism :rganisation. #t the same time, there has been growing international concern that ecotourism should be genuinely community'based. There are many reported incidents where forms of -ecotourism, which are not sufficiently community focused, are ha&ing a negati&e impact on the en&ironment, and where indigenous communities are not recei&ing sufficient benefit. =oreo&er, many small scale community'based ecotourism initiati&es ha&e been set up which ha&e failed owing to a lac* of mar*et assessment, organisation, +uality and promotion. %cotourism is no panacea. It is important not to e0aggerate the opportunities and benefits it can bring. 2areful planning and impro&ed *nowledge is needed. %cotourism and responsible tourism should be part of wider sustain' able de&elopment strategies, whether at a community or an international le&el. This is the challenge for (() and all parties in&ol&ed in ecotourism. These guidelines attempt to assist field pro$ect staff to ma*e informed decisions in meeting this challenge.

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&&$(s position

0aima E8omestay o3ners& Fa1he Aillage& 4ing3u #ounty& #hina@ -fter a recent logging ban it is hoped that tourism can pro$ide an alternati$e income for 0aima people@ Tourists on the 3ay to 4anda reser$es can stay in these homestays@

PART A Considering whether ecotourism is an appropriate option

The first three guidelines focus on the conditions and relationships 3ithin an area that should be considered before embar)ing on a community-based ecotourism initiati$e@

% Considering the potential conservation gain

There needs to be a clear understanding of the relationship bet3een local communities and conser$ation and ho3 this might be impro$ed through their in$ol$ement in ecotourism@

In most ecotourism pro$ects, especially those supported by ((), a funda' mental ob$ecti&e is impro&ed conser&ation of landscapes and biodi&ersity. 2ommunity'based ecotourism should be seen and e&aluated as $ust one tool in achie&ing this. Its role may be to1 ; pro&ide a more sustainable form of li&elihood for local communities3 ; encourage communities themsel&es to be more directly in&ol&ed in conser&ation3 and ; generate more goodwill towards, and local benefit from, conser&ation measures such as protected areas. There needs to be clear initial understanding of the relationship between local communities and the use of natural resources in the area concerned. The following are important issues to consider. 1 (hat actions are currently being ta*en, and by whom, which are supporting or damaging the en&ironment> # challenge for community'based eco' tourism is often one of being seen to benefit sufficient numbers of people in the community to ma*e a difference. This has implications for structures for community in&ol&ement, considered under Guideline 6. " (hat type and le&el of incenti&e might be needed to change attitudes and actions in order to achie&e worthwhile conser&ation benefits> 2ould eco' tourism deli&er this> ,ow does it compare with other de&elopment options which may ha&e worse en&ironmental impacts> ? (hat additional problems for conser&ation might be brought by ecotourism, to set against possible gains> This might include not only de&elopment and &isitor pressure but also an o&er'emphasis on certain species compared with biodi&ersity as a whole. 6 2ould alternati&e sustainable li&elihood options achie&e the same or better results with less effort or disruption> This re+uires an integrated approach to ecotourism within the conte0t of sustainable de&elopment, as discussed further under Guideline ?. The capacity of ecotourism to support a positi&e attitude towards conser&ation is not only achie&ed in proportion to direct economic benefits deli&ered. (ith many ecotourism initiati&es it has been found that simply raising awareness that there is some realisable &alue in wildlife and attracti&e landscapes has been sufficient to ma*e a considerable difference, both within communities and also politically at a regional or national le&el. The (() initiati&e in 4abah 5see ad$acent7, for e0ample, has sought to influence the state )orestry Department as well as the local community, and in .ra/il 5see p.@7 the 4il&es pro$ect has demonstrated an alternati&e to predatory fishing. =any local communities ha&e a strong tradition of respect for wildlife and natural en&ironments that needs to be fostered and not undermined by too much emphasis on economic &alue. It is important to get the balance right. 2onsideration of these issues at the outset should influence not only a decision about whether to proceed with the de&elopment of ecotourism but should also pro&ide a basis for the strategy adopted 5see Guideline A7. Thought should be gi&en to some simple, achie&able indicators and targets for conser&ation gain.

Capacity building for ecotourism in #abah) *alaysia

In 4abah, (()'=alaysia, with assistance from (()'9orway and the 9orwegian go&ernment, has been wor*ing with the local community in &illage of .atu utih, on the lower Binabatangan ri&er, on a model eco' logically sustainable community tourism pro$ect 5=%42:T7. This area has seen considerable loss of natural habitat through the e0pansion of oil palm plantations and logging. =%42:T aims to create an alternati&e sustainable source of income. The &illagers themsel&es recog' nised the potential for ecotourism and approached (() for guidance. The model has sought to achie&e a broad in&ol&ement of &illagers in ecotourism, so spreading benefits and awareness of conser&ation issues. #n initial period of close consultation led to identification within the community of the s*ills they would need to de&elop a successful pro$ect. These s*ills, which include hospitality, finance, mar*eting, computer s*ills and basic %nglish, ha&e been de&eloped o&er time. 2areful research was also underta*en on natural and cultural resources which could be included in the offer. #n important lesson learnt has been the time re+uired for capacity building to create a comprehensi&e and good +uality product. 4tructures for community participation ha&e been important. # core planning group has shown e0treme commitment o&er a long period. :utreach has been e0panded through separate associations to co&er homestays, boat ser&ices and &illage handicrafts. articipants ha&e in' cluded young people and a good balance of men and women. # central presence for the pro$ect, in the form of a wor*shop office, was estab' lished at an early stage. The first element of the tourist offer to be established was homestay accommodation. :&er C00 bednights were achie&ed in the first si0 months, which is a small but significant beginning, with a high pro' portion of income retained in the community. 2are has been ta*en to record feedbac* from &isitors and tour operators and to build on this. The time spent on internal capacity building is considered to be important in terms of the ongoing &iability of the pro$ect after the with' drawal of (() assistance. =ar*eting will remain a challenge. )orging e0ternal lin*s with tour operators and others has been important here. 4timulated by =%42:T, a 4tate =inistry of Tourism ,omestay De&elopment 8nit has become more acti&e in the de&elopment and promotion of the product. =%42:T has led to heightened concern about the dwindling forest resources in the area. The de&elopment of interpretati&e trails by the local community has raised their interest and awareness of the richness of the biodi&ersity. articipation in tourism has encouraged clearance of rubbish, local landscape impro&ements and a forest rehabilitation programme, sometimes in&ol&ing &isitors themsel&es.

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Aillage boat ser$ice for tourists in %abah& 'alaysia@

+ Chec ing the preconditions for ecotourism

0efore pursuing community-based ecotourism the suitability of the local area should be chec)ed and fundamental preconditions met@

It is important to a&oid spending time pursuing ecotourism and raising e0pectations in circumstances which are highly li*ely to lead to failure. #n initial feasibility assessment should be made before instigating a community' based strategy. 4ome preconditions relate to the situation at a national le&el, others to conditions in the local area. The main aspects to chec* are as follows. Deasonable conditions for underta*ing tourism business are1 ; an economic and political framewor* which does not pre&ent effecti&e trading and security of in&estment3 ; national legislation which does not obstruct tourism income being earned by and retained within local communities3 ; a sufficient le&el of ownership rights within the local community 5see Guideline 673 ; high le&els of safety and security for &isitors 5both in terms of image of the countryEregion and in reality73 ; relati&ely low health ris*s and access to basic medical ser&ices and a clean water supply3 and ; practicable means of physical access and telecommunication to the area. .asic preconditions for community'based ecotourism1 ; landscapes or floraEfauna which ha&e inherent attracti&eness or degree of interest to appeal either to specialists or more general &isitors3 ; ecosystems that are at least able to absorb a managed le&el of &isitation without damage3 ; a local community that is aware of the potential opportunities, ris*s and changes in&ol&ed, and is interested in recei&ing &isitors3 ; e0isting or potential structures for effecti&e community decision'ma*ing 5see Guideline 673 ; no ob&ious threats to indigenous culture and traditions3 and ; an initial mar*et assessment suggesting a potential demand and an effecti&e means of accessing it, and that the area is not o&er supplied with ecotourism offers 5see Guideline F7. 4ome preconditions may be more rele&ant than others, depending on the local circumstances, and these may change o&er time. )or e0ample, in 9amibia 5see ad$acent7 cross'border conflict in 2apri&i has seriously affected mar*et demand in that region but action is being ta*en to enable promising ecotourism initiati&es there to resume when the situation stabilises. If the preconditions are met, this does not necessarily mean that ecotourism will be successful, only that it is worth proceeding to the ne0t stage of consul' tation and assessment. 2hec*ing these preconditions will re+uire informed $udgement. The concept of preconditions and fast pre'feasibility chec*s is increasingly applied among donor agencies in the tourism field. # useful guide to this process, gi&ing far more detail than can be attempted here, has been produced by GTG 51@@@7.

Community Conservancies in -amibia

In 9amibia, (() has been leading a consortium of national and international organisations in the implementation of a pro$ect 5HI)%7 which supports community'based natural resource management. The generation of funds through tourism to support rural de&elopment and conser&ation is a ma$or component of this pro$ect. .efore independence, communities had &irtually no rights to manage and benefit from wildlife, yet it competed significantly with their li&eli' hood. 2ases such as one farmer losing @F sheep and goats to lions in one night were reported. Illegal hunting escalated, but se&eral communities opposed this and game guards were appointed by community leaders, with assistance from 9G:s. ost independence, this process was strength' ened by legislation from the =inistry of %n&ironment and Tourism which ga&e residents on communal land the right and responsibility both to manage and to benefit from wildlife and tourism. #s a result, 2ommunal #rea 2onser&ancies ha&e been established which ha&e to meet stringent criteria. .y "001, 1" had been registered and "A were in the process of becoming so. #ll ha&e some in&ol&ement in tourism. The conser&ancies comprise self'defined groups of people who want to wor* together and ma*e decisions and e+uitable deals on their land on their own terms. They are guided by their own constitutions and manage' ment plans, which also co&er e+uitable distribution of income to members. Go&ernment retains o&erall responsibility for ensuring sustainability and that conser&ancies wor* within these bounds. 4ome conser&ancies run their own tourism facilities, such as camping grounds. ,owe&er, the greatest financial benefit to them has come from the ability, enabled by the legislation, to enter into $oin &entures with the pri&ate sector, for e0ample on the de&elopment of lodges, tour programmes and controlled hunting. In the Torra 2onser&ancy, such &entures pay all the conser&ancy running costs 5about I1A,000 p.a.7 which include management of wildlife resources. 2onsiderable assistance and guidance has been gi&en to conser&ancies, for e0ample, in financial management and negotiating fa&ourable con' tracts. articular benefit has been obtained from organising e0change &isits, to gain e0perience from ecotourism &entures elsewhere. The 9amibia 2ommunity'based Tourism #ssociation 59#2:.T#7 pro&ides a lin* between communities and with outside agencies and operators, and supplies assistance to them through training, business ad&ice, mar*eting, ad&ocacy, and funding. # central boo*ing and information system is being established. 2onser&ancy Tourism :ption lans ensure tourism is mar*et dri&en, of good +uality and respects the en&ironment and cultural heritage. These are being reflected in a Tourism olicy for 9amibia addressing responsible tourism. There are encouraging signs that this integrated management of tourism and conser&ation is benefiting biodi&ersity. (ildlife numbers, including blac* rhino and elephant, ha&e increased significantly since the community approach has been adopted.

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Aitalia and 'arcus G #ommunity Came Cuards of the Torra #onser$ancy& trac)ing rhino 3ith tourists@
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/amaraland #amp G an ecotourist lodge in the Torra #onser$ancy& +amibia@

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8imba Cirl& +amibia@

. Adopting an integrated approach

7ather than being pursued in isolation& community-based ecotourism should occur in the conte>t of other options and programmes for conser$ation& sustainable de$elopment and responsible tourism@

The small scale of most community'based ecotourism initiati&es means that their impact, both on nature conser&ation and on income and employment for the community as a whole, is limited. They can be more influential and successful if they are integrated within other sustainable de&elopment initiati&es at a regional and local le&el. %cotourism can be integrated with other sectors of the rural economy, creating mutually supporti&e lin*ages and reducing financial lea*age away from the area. It can also be coordinated with agriculture, in terms of the use of time and resources and in pro&iding mar*ets for local produce. In principle, multiple sector acti&ity within local communities should be encouraged. %cotourism mar*ets are small, seasonal and sensiti&e to e0ternal influences such as political changes or economic instability in the host or generating country. :n the other hand, ecotourism can shield against threats to other sectors. #s well as hori/ontal integration within the community, the success of local ecotourism initiati&es may depend on &ertical integration with national le&el initiati&es to support and promote responsible tourism. In addition to ma*ing lin*ages with what may already e0ist, efforts should be made to influence national policies in fa&our of ecotourism, including coordination between tourism and en&ironmental ministries and policies. 9ational le&el support is needed in terms of lin*ing conser&ation and tourism acti&ities and responsi' bilities, appropriate legislation and assistance towards small enterprises and community initiati&es, and national and international promotion. In .ra/il, for e0ample, (() has been see*ing to influence national policy as well as local capacity 5see ad$acent7. #t an early stage in wor* on ecotourism it is important to be aware of the wor* of other national and international agencies in this field and to see* mutually beneficial coordination.

'arine +ational 4ar) of Fernando de +oronha& 0ra1il@

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!eveloping tools for community-based ecotourism in Bra/il

.ra/il is witnessing an e0plosion of interest in and international funding for ecotourism. #lthough this may promote conser&ation in a country where en&ironmental awareness is still &ery low, it also poses a threat of uncontrolled tourism with serious impact on natural habitats. (()' .ra/il has therefore instigated a programme of capacity building and awareness raising at a local and national le&el, to promote a form of eco' tourism that is community'based and well regulated. 2omponents of the programme include1 ; proposing and testing a training methodology for community'based ecotourism, based on eight pilot pro$ects which are di&ersified in terms of ecoregion and type of ecotourism3 ; producing a training manual and preparing trainers to multiply the methodology in different regions of the country3 and ; wor*ing towards the de&elopment of a certification system for eco' tourism at a national le&el. Training has been aimed at the conser&ation and business sectors. # modular approach has been adopted, in&ol&ing wor*shops e&ery si0 months and, in the time between them, direct technical assistance to pro$ects in the field. The wor*shops are participatory and the practical e0perience of trainees is used to impro&e the methodology. Hessons learnt include the need for technical staff and not $ust a manual to help grass' roots organisations, and the need for sufficient time 5two years7 for consultation and research when initiating ecotourism with a community. #s well as de&eloping certification, (() recognises the need to influ' ence go&ernment at federal and state le&els in .ra/il to disseminate sound principles of ecotourism. # *ey feature of the approach in .ra/il has been to disseminate practical e0perience. (ith (() support, one of the pilot pro$ects is already well established, being one of the first community'based ecotourism initiati&es in the country. It is located in 4il&es, a la*eland area ?00*m from =anaus. The pro$ect was moti&ated by the concern within the local community to protect its traditional fishing resources from predatory commercial fishing. The 4il&es #ssociation for %n&ironmental and 2ultural reser&ation was established to manage the la*es and promote conser&ation. #n ecolodge was de&eloped and opened in 1@@!, run by local people, with "0% of net profits being put towards the management of the reser&e.

PART B Planning ecotourism with communities and other sta eholders

The ne>t three guidelines consider the )inds of structures and processes that need to be in place 3ithin a community to enable ecotourism to 3or) 3ell& and for the benefit of local people and the en$ironment@ These are not se6uential steps and should be considered together@

2 $inding the best way to involve the community

5ffecti$e structures are re6uired to enable the community to influence& manage and benefit from ecotourism de$elopment and practice@

In&ol&ing the community is a critically important and comple0 sub$ect for successful community'based ecotourism. :pportunities and solutions will &ary considerably in different areas and between communities. #n important principle is to see* to wor* with e0isting social and community structures, though these can create challenges as well as opportunities. It can also help to identify potential leaders and people with dri&e. The main ob$ecti&e should be to achie&e broad and e+uitable benefits throughout the community. Issues of gender may also be important and ecotourism can pro&ide good opportunities for women. 2ommunity'based ecotourism re+uires an understanding, and where possible a strengthening, of the legal rights and responsibilities of the community o&er land, resources and de&elopment. This should apply in particular to the tenure of community'held lands and to rights o&er tourism, conser&ation and other uses on these lands, enabling the community to influence acti&ity and earn income from tourism. It should also apply to participation in land use planning and de&elopment control o&er pri&ate property. It is important to remember that ecotourism is a business. #s well as community'led initiati&es, pri&ate enterprise and in&estment should be encour' aged where appropriate, within a structure which enables the community to benefit, and ha&e decision'ma*ing power o&er the le&el and nature of tourism in its area. There are &arious ways in which the community can relate to pri&ate enterprise. The degree of community in&ol&ement and benefit can de&elop o&er time. )or e0ample, there are some ecotourism initiati&es in the #ma/on where lodges, that ha&e been built with pri&ate in&estment, offer a concession to the community, an agreement to hand the business o&er to them after a specified period, and pro&ision for an employment and training programme for local people.

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:ptions for community in&ol&ement with enterprise include the following. 1 ri&ate tourism businesses employing local people. #lthough a useful form of employment, it is &ery important to guard against poor wages and conditions and to ensure that training is offered to local people, including in management. " Hocal indi&iduals selling produce and handicraft to &isitors directly or through tourism businesses. This has often pro&ed to be a good way of spreading benefits within a community. ? ri&ate tourism businesses 5internally or e0ternally owned7 being granted a concession to operate by the community, in return for a fee and a share of re&enue. There are many e0amples where this has wor*ed well. 6 Indi&iduals, with lin*s to the broader community, running their own small tourism businesses. 4uccess can &ary and lac* of s*ill and tourism *nowledge has often pro&ed a wea*ness. A 2ommunally owned and run enterprises. 4ometimes these suffer from lac* of organisation and incenti&e, but this can be o&ercome with time. #ction can be ta*en to strengthen relationships between the community and pri&ate partners. This includes1 ; ad&ice and training for communities on their rights and negotiating practies3 ; ensuring transparent, simple and consistently applied deals gi&e sufficient incenti&e to pri&ate enterprises, recognise commercial realities, and mini' mise administrati&e burdens and uncertainty3 and ; establishing committees in&ol&ing local people, pri&ate operators and possibly go&ernment agencies and 9G:s, to ensure understanding and smooth operation of agreements, and to help local communication. The method of distribution of income earned by communities to indi&idual members needs careful attention. This can sometimes be co&ered in legislation relating to communal rights. There are e0amples where communally'earned income from ecotourism has been directly di&ided between households or placed in community de&elopment funds or separate trusts for use on com' munity pro$ects such as health or education programmes. De&eloping effecti&e legislation to empower local communities and helping them strengthen their relationship with pri&ate enterprise, has been a ma$or feature of (()Js wor* in support of ecotourism in 9amibia 5see p.F7. =ore detailed consideration of types of product and relationships with tour operators is gi&en in Guidelines F and C, and of training and other support in Guideline 10.

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-bo$e left< #ommunity de$elopment ad$isors at 4urus #onser$ancy& +amibia@ -bo$e< 9ocal 0aima 3omen in 4ing3u #ounty& #hina& ha$e formed groups to ma)e sou$enirs for tourists@ 8ere a young seamstress is ma)ing a traditional outfit 3orn by 0aima 3omen@

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3 &or ing together on an agreed strategy

#lose consultation 3ith the community and other sta)eholders should lead to an agreed $ision and strategy for ecotourism& 3hich has en$ironmental& social and economic aims and attainable obHecti$es@

#ll community'based ecotourism initiati&es should be centred on a clear strategy agreed and understood by the local community and all other sta*e' holders with an interest in tourism and conser&ation. The strategy should enable a comprehensi&e picture to be formed of needs and opportunities in an area, so that a range of complementary actions can be ta*en. :ne of the main benefits from wor*ing on a strategy is to pro&ide the community with the tools and *nowledge necessary for decision ma*ing. The strategy should be community'led and community'focused. ,owe&er, it is essential that people with e0perience and *nowledge of tourism and conser&ation are in&ol&ed in its preparation. eople in&ol&ed should include representati&es of the local community, *nowledgeable tourism operators, local entrepreneurs, rele&ant 9G:s, conser' &ation agencies including protected area managers, and local authorities. Hin*s should be made as appropriate to the regional and national go&ernment le&el. Inputs to the strategy should include1 ; careful consultation within the community co&ering attitudes and awareness of tourism, possible opportunities and pitfalls, e0isting e0perience, concerns and le&el of interest3 ; a comprehensi&e mar*et assessment 5see Guideline F73 and ; an assessment of the natural and cultural heritage, including opportunities presented for ecotourism and sensiti&ities and constraints 5see Guideline !7. It is also helpful to set out a clear statement of strengths, wea*nesses, opportunities and threats. The output of the strategy process should be an agreed &ision for ecotourism o&er a specified period, together with an identification of aims, ob$ecti&es and strategic priorities, an action plan, and a way of monitoring results. The action plan should identify practical initiati&es, including a timescale and an indication of responsibility and resources re+uired. It is &ery important, in order to a&oid frustration, not to be too ambitious in terms of targets and timing. The actions identified may include specific de&elopment or mar*eting pro$ects. In some locations at least as much, or more, attention may need to be paid to action to manage tourism, including policies on de&elopment control and the handling of e0isting &isitors. In many places, the relationship between the local community and a protected area may be an important element of the strategy, including agreed action on the le&el of any par* admission fees and their subse+uent use for conser&ation or within the community, which is an important issue for ecotourism. The (() #9 ar*s initiati&e ad&ocates a strategic approach in&ol&ing all sta*eholders 5see ad$acent7.

4-+ 4ar)< 0ialo3ie1a +ational 4ar)& 4oland@

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Principles and criteria for par s

The (() #9 ar*s pro$ect is an initiati&e to raise awareness and support for %uropes protected areas through tourism. It pro&ides a framewor* for a comprehensi&e, strategic approach. # set of principles and criteria has been de&eloped as a basis for recognition as a #9 par*. These are concerned with1 the inherent +uality of the natural heritage3 natural resource management3 &isitor management and the +uality of the &isitor e0perience3 and the e0istence a responsible tourism de&elopment strategy. The in&ol&ement of the local community and tourism enter' prises, within and around the par*, both in drawing up the strategy and in wor*ing with the par* authority on implementation, is a fundamental re+uirement. Hessons learnt from helping indi&idual par*s wor* with local communities towards meeting the criteria emphasise the need for clarity and transparency in communication.

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4 5nsuring environmental and cultural integrity

The le$el and type of tourism planned and de$eloped must be appropriate for the area s natural resources and cultural heritage and consistent 3ith the community s 3ishes and e>pectations@

# fundamental characteristic of community'based ecotourism is that the +uality of the natural resources and cultural heritage of an area should not be damaged and, if possible, should be enhanced by tourism. #d&erse impact on the natural en&ironment should be minimised and the culture of indigenous communities should not be compromised. %cotourism should encourage people to &alue their own cultural heritage. ,owe&er, culture is not static and communities may wish to see change. # practical approach is to identify the limits of acceptable change that could be brought by tourism and then to consider what le&el of tourism acti&ity would generate this change. It is &ery important that communities decide on the le&el of tourism they wish to see. 2onsultation during the process of drawing up an ecotourism strategy should re&eal the *inds of changes that might be &iewed positi&ely or negati&ely by local people. They can then be helped to consider what this might mean in terms of the numbers and types of &isitor to loo* for, when they should come and their length of stay. )or e0ample, in one community in the #ma/on it was felt that more than eight &isitors per month would be disrupti&e. Two important principles are1 ; products de&eloped should be based on the communitys traditional *nowledge, &alues and s*ills3 and ; the community should decide which aspects of their cultural traditions they wish to share with &isitors. # similar approach can be adopted with respect to determining limits of acceptable change and of acceptable use as far as the natural en&ironment is concerned. ,ere scientific *nowledge may be re+uired to enable a $udgement to be made, ta*ing account of the conditions of different sites at &arious times of the year. :ften it is found that the +uantity of &isitors at any one time is a more critical factor than the o&erall le&el of &isitation. 8seful tools in the management of &isitors include the following. 1 #greements with tour operators o&er the number and si/e of groups to bring. " 2odes of conducts for &isitors 5see Guideline 117. ? #pplication of systematic en&ironmental, social and cultural impact assessment on all proposed de&elopment. This should also be concerned with details of what is offered to &isitors, such as the choice of products sold to them 5for e0ample a&oiding artefacts with a sacred significance7 or the use of inappropriate sources of fuel. 6 Goning both within and outside protected areas. This should co&er both the siting of facilities and the degree of access allowed. In some locations, &illage communities ha&e identified specific /ones for ecotourism, both with respect to facility pro&ision and wildlife conser&ation measures. # common approach is to locate tourist lodges some distance away from community &illages. The planning process should ensure that monitoring measures are in place so that it is possible to tell when limits of acceptable change ha&e been reached 5see Guideline 1"7. )urthermore, strategies for ma*ing the necessary ad$ustments to o&ercome any problems identified will need to be established. There are many e0amples in the =editerranean 5see ad$acent7 where en&ironmental degradation has occurred but also places where sound planning control and community in&ol&ement ha&e pre&ented o&er'e0ploitation.

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An alternative way for the *editerranean

(() is wor*ing in the =editerranean to draw attention to the en&iron' mental damage caused by many years of intensi&e tourism de&elopment. It is also see*ing to support responsible tourism alternati&es. 2ontrasting e0amples can be found in Tur*ey. .ele* is an area of ecological importance which has been transformed into a mass tourism destination, plagued by bad planning, o&er capacity, growing pollution and lac* of community in&ol&ement. 9eighbouring 2irali, by contrast, is a small coastal community where (()'Tur*ey, wor*ing with local sta*eholders, has been successful in securing the enforcement of e0isting laws that limit the type and +uantity of coastal de&elopment. # new management plan for the area encourages limited and low impact de&elopment. # local association has been created and during the high summer season, locals, tourists and &olunteers monitor the many turtle nesting sites in the surrounding beaches. 2irali demonstrates how rele&ant sta*eholders can come together to create a new &ision for en&ironmentally responsible tourism. (()'Greece has a policy to support community'based ecotourism. Its conser&ation pro$ect in the Dadia forest reser&e is a leading e0ample. In&ol&ement of the local community and pro&iding income through tourism has generated support for the reser&e. Tourism facilities in the form of a hostel and information centre were passed on to a community' based enterprise, local guides were recruited, and a lin* made with the womens agrotourism cooperati&e. ,owe&er, in this area, e+ual importance is gi&en to &isitor management and concerns o&er carrying capacity, with a clear /oning system and management plan, and in&ol&ement of conser&ationists in all aspects of ecotourism de&elopment.

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-bo$e left< -erial $ie3 of a cro3ded and resource intensi$e beach& and a cro3ded ferry boat& 9iguria& Italy@ -bo$e< /adia Forest& Creece@

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PART C !eveloping viable community-based ecotourism pro"ects

Far too many community-based ecotourism proHects ha$e pro$ed not be $iable and ha$e failed@ The follo3ing t3o guidelines see) to highlight some of the potential pitfalls@

, 5nsuring mar et realism and effective promotion

5cotourism proHects must be based on an understanding of mar)et demand and consumer e>pectations and ho3 to place the product offer effecti$ely in the mar)et place@

The main reason why many community'based ecotourism pro$ects ha&e failed is that they ha&e not attracted a sufficient number of &isitors. :ften, assump' tions made about the mar*etability of a particular location or e0perience ha&e been unrealistic and not based on research. #s a result, promotional acti&ity has been misdirected. # problem has been the lac* of tourism *nowledge not only among local communities themsel&es but also among ad&isors and supporting agencies. # thorough mar*et assessment should be underta*en for the destination as a whole and for the indi&idual ecotourism pro$ect. This should consider the following. 1 The patterns, profiles and interests of e0isting &isitors to the area, based on &isitor sur&eys. In principle, it is far easier to get more out of e0isting &isitors than to attract new ones. " The location of the area with respect to established tourist circuits in the country. ro0imity to these and opportunities for deflection ma*e a considerable difference. ? The le&el, nature and performance of e0isting ecotourism products which are competitors but also potential collaborators. 6 The acti&ities of inbound tour operators and ground handling agents in the country and co&erage by international tour operators. A %0isting information and promotional mechanisms in the area. The uni+ue or particular +ualities that an area might offer in comparison to other e0isting products should be identified. )rom *nowledge of the mar*et, an initial profile of target &isitors should be drawn up. #ttention needs to be paid to the different opportunities and re+uirements of e0perienced eco' tourists, more general mid'mar*et &isitors who en$oy seeing nature and local culture, bac*pac*ers, and educational mar*ets. In some areas, the domestic &isitor mar*et may offer more potential than international tra&ellers. The le&el and nature of mar*eting should also ta*e into account the en&iron' mental and cultural integrity of the area and implications for &isitor numbers 5see Guideline !7. # mar*eting plan should be prepared for all pro$ects, which relates mar*et research to a promotional programme. # &ital ingredient for many pro$ects is to form a close wor*ing relationship with one or more specialist tour operators. These should be selected carefully to ensure they are well established and are deli&ering reliable business. 2ontact, directly or through handling agents, should be made in the early stages, before the de&elopment of the offer has occurred, so that the operator can ad&ise on what can be sold and ad$ustments, if necessary, can be made. 4etting up a fully saleable programme can ta*e time. #n initial step may be to test mar*et the programme with one or two groups. This also has the ad&antage of ac+uainting the community with the e0perience of handling guests. (()'8B has been building relationships between field pro$ects and a specialist tour operator to de&elop tours to those pro$ects, and the e0perience has been a &aluable learning e0perience for all parties 5see ad$acent7. Incoming tour operators play a strong part in the mar*eting of the 4il&es pro$ect in .ra/il 5see p.@7. It is not sufficient for community'based ecotourism pro$ects to rely simply on tour operators to supply &isitors. )or e0ample, although pre'arranged groups may be easier to handle, bac*pac*ers or independent tra&ellers may

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often be better suited to the product in +uestion, but tend not to purchase inclusi&e pac*ages through operators in their home country. The mar*eting plan, therefore, will also need to address issues such as local information deli&ery, internet promotion, media and guideboo* co&erage, lin*ages with other pro$ects, and promotion though national tourism campaigns.
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6oint action with a tour operator

(()'8B has been *een to ensure that ecotourism pro$ects it supports are well positioned in terms of the international mar*et from an early stage. They ha&e signed a contract with the specialist operator Disco&ery Initiati&es to de&elop and promote tours to field pro$ects in 2hina and 9amibia. 2are was ta*en in the selection of the operator. Disco&ery Initiati&es is well established. Its mission statement co&ers support for conser&ation and fair trading with the communities it &isits. It charges a significant premium to each &isitor in return for access to e0pert field staff who gi&e a comprehensi&e insight into the conser&ation programme. The tours are each limited to a ma0imum of 1" people. It was found that considerable time is re+uired to set up such arrangements. (() started negotiations with DI in early 1@@@. #n agreement was signed in "000 for launch in the "001 brochure, and DI e0pects that two years will be needed for a good le&el of business to be established. It is important for each party to be clear about what is e0pected of it in terms of product deli&ery, pro&ision of e0perts time and promotional acti&ity. It is also crucial that what is mar*eted to tourists is actually a&ailable on location. )urther e0ternal contacts can help to strengthen the programme. (()'8B is wor*ing with the 9ature and %cotourism #ccreditation rogramme 59%# 7, an ecotourism certification programme based in #ustralia, to monitor and 5it is hoped7 certify the tours. The first tour to 2hina presented many challenges for participants and staff ali*e1 a considerable amount of capacity building, specifically training for guiding and interpretation, is re+uired if future tours are to be successful. :ne component of promotional acti&ity is pro&ided through lin*ages between Disco&ery Initiati&es and appropriate websites. )or e0ample, www.responsibletra&el.com gi&es e0posure to programmes, such as those run by Disco&ery Initiati&es, that meet responsible tourism criteria. This website publishes feedbac* from clients as a transparent method of e&aluating and promoting the products.

-bo$e left< 5colodge& Wanglang reser$e& 4ing3u #ounty& #hina@ -bo$e< 7esting for lunch in Dhugencha $alley& Wanglang 7eser$e& #hina@

7 Putting forward 8uality products

-ll community-based ecotourism products should offer a high 6uality of $isitor e>perience and be subHect to a rigorous business plan@

# second common reason for failure concerns the +uality of e0ecution of the pro$ect, both in terms of what is offered and proper business planning. Kuality is about deli&ering an e0perience that meets or e0ceeds &isitor e0pectations. These, in turn, will &ary according to the type of &isitor coming, which reinforces the need for effecti&e mar*et research. #lthough lu0ury and sophistication may not be sought, an important section of the ecotourism mar*et, often handled by tour operators, is loo*ing for a rich wildlife e0per' ience, comfortable and reliable accommodation and efficient business hand' ling. It can sometimes be difficult for communities to deli&er this. :n the other hand, the special sense of disco&ery, welcome and pri&ilege which a community &isit can pro&ide is something &alued by many &isitors. There are three *ey re+uirements. 1 #ttention to detail, ensuring that what is offered, at whate&er le&el, is well deli&ered. " Kuality and accuracy of promotion and information, gi&ing reassurance but also ensuring that e0pectations match reality. #ll &isitors in this mar*et are increasingly loo*ing for a high le&el of information pro&ision. ? #uthenticity and ambience. %cotourists respond to genuine and traditional &alues and e0periences and they do not want this to be manufactured for them. 4ome issues relate to specific components of the offer. 1 The +uality of the wildlife and landscapes, in terms of relati&e uni+ueness, attracti&eness and abundance. If this is high, a pro$ect has a greater chance of success. (ithout it, the +uality of the associated facilities and deri&ed e0periences becomes more important. " The mi0 of natural and cultural e0periences. =any &isitors are loo*ing for a combination. ? #ccommodation1 cleanliness is of primary importance, but issues such as ablution and toilet arrangements, general functionality, pri&acy and o&erall design and ambience can be significant. Different re+uirements in terms of in&estment and sophistication e0ist between lodges and camping grounds. 6 Guiding and interpretation1 a fine balance between local colour and story telling, and scientific *nowledge and accuracy is often sought. This may re+uire in&ol&ement of different people, including an opportunity for local people to be trained as guides and interpreters. A Hocal produce and handicrafts1 although &isitors may loo* for authenticity, it is &ery important to a&oid the depletion of cultural artefacts and other resources. Kuality products can be made and sold which reflect an areas traditions and creati&ity without de&aluing them. ! General e0perience of &illage life, including fol*lore1 this can pro&e an e0perience highly &alued by &isitors. It can pro&ide an incenti&e to *eep local culture and pass on local *nowledge. F articipation1 some &isitors &alue the opportunity to participate in acti&ities. 2onser&ation participation programmes are a specific sub'sector of eco' tourism and can be community'based. The (()'bac*ed pro$ects in 4abah 5see p.A7 and the 2arpathians 5see ad$acent7 both contain specific tourism components de&eloped with attention to detail.

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(ays of impro&ing the deli&ery of +uality include the following. ; 4*ills training 5co&ered under Guideline 107. ; (or*ing with pri&ate sector operators L a model in&ol&ing pri&ate sector operators pro&iding some components 5especially mar*eting and handling arrangements, and often lodges7 with the community pro&iding others, has often pro&ed successful 5see p.1F7. ; Hin*ages between pro$ects, with different locations pro&iding different elements, according to a&ailability and aptitude. This can also lead to sa&ings on certain costs, including mar*eting. 4ometimes communities can wor* in con$unction with other organisations such as par* authorities. Irrespecti&e of the type of product on offer, each component should be the sub$ect of a carefully prepared business plan. This should de&elop the mar*et assessment and mar*eting approach, co&er practical details of deli&ery, address personnel and responsibilities, and include a full costing and ris* assessment. %n&ironmental impact assessments should also be underta*en as referred to under Guideline !.

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Wal)ing in the forest& #arpathian 'ountains& 7omania@

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Creating integrated tourist offers in Romania

(()'8B and (()'4wit/erland ha&e $oined a number of en&ironmental organisations in supporting the 2arpathian Harge 2arni&ore ro$ect in Domania. This is an integrated management pro$ect combining research, management, rural de&elopment and education. The pro$ect has de&eloped a tourism programme in order to demonstrate to local communities that wol&es, bears and lyn0 ha&e an economic &alue. 2onsiderable attention to detail has been applied to the de&elopment of the programme, including1 ; initial hosting of -pilot tour groups to test the offer and community response3 ; focusing on one community, Garnesti 5"F,000 population7, which has a fragile economy and has been &ery supporti&e of the pro$ect3 ; wor*ing with indi&iduals in the community to de&elop tourism ser&ices cautiously, with e0pansion based on successes achie&ed3 ; training local people as guides, using specialists with certification by the national tourist agency3 ; combining carni&ore conser&ation themes with mountain hi*ing and &isits to ma$or heritage sites3 ; establishment of a Garnesti %cotourism #ssociation to ta*e the pro$ect forward3 ; building contacts with a range of specialist international tour operators3 and ; see*ing funding for a carni&ore &isitor centre in Garnesti to secure economic benefit from casual &isitors and the domestic mar*et as well as international groups. The programme attracted 60 groups in "000 and interest from operators has risen steadily.

0arsa Aalley& 3ith the bac)drop of the magnificent 4iatra #raiului mountain& Darnesti& 7omania@

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PART ! #trengthening benefits to the community and the environment

The final four guidelines address measures that can be ta)en to impro$e the performance of community-based ecotourism initiati$es& in terms of the deli$ery of social& economic and en$ironmental benefits@

0 *anaging impacts
%pecific steps should be ta)en 3ithin the community to minimise the en$ironmental impact and ma>imise the local benefit of ecotourism@

#ttention to detail in a number of aspects of both the de&elopment and oper' ation of ecotourism pro$ects can significantly impro&e their deli&ery. The design of all new buildings should be carefully considered. Traditional styles and locally a&ailable materials should be used. In some communities, useful income has been earned through, for e0ample, the supply of thatching. :ften it can be better to use e0isting buildings rather than engaging in new de&elopment, and this should be considered first. #ction should be ta*en, both at the de&elopment stage and in operating facilities, to reduce consumption of water and energy, reduce waste and a&oid pollution. How energy technologies appropriate to the location should be applied where possible. Decycling should be encouraged and all forms of waste disposal should be carefully managed, with a principle of ta*ing as much waste away from the site as possible. 8se of en&ironmentally friendly transport should be positi&ely fa&oured, both in the planning of programmes and in the infor' mation supplied. In order to minimise economic lea*age, e&ery effort should be made to use local produce and ser&ices, and to fa&our the employment of local people. This may re+uire action to identify local, sustainable sources. roducers can be assisted through the formation of local groups and networ*s, and help with contacts, mar*eting and pricing. Hocal communities should be encouraged and helped to ta*e account of these issues themsel&es without any effect on their li&ing standards, through information, training and demonstration. )eedbac* to them from &isitors will help. Influencing the actions ta*en by &isitors and tour operators is &ery important 5see Guideline 117. 4ome elements of good practice can be included as firm re+uirements in contracts with the pri&ate sector. # number of national and international tourism certification schemes pro' &ide formal recognition of good practice in managing impacts on the en&iron' ment and local communities. In selecting a scheme, the criteria it uses should be carefully considered. In particular, certification should be based on action ta*en rather than simply e0pressed intention. (()'8B has made an assess' ment of certification schemes and is in&ol&ed in pilot initiati&es in this field 5see p.1F, and )urther information, inside bac* co&er7.

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#ommunities 3ill re6uire ongoing access to ad$ice and support in the de$elopment& management and mar)eting of responsible& good 6uality ecotourism products@ =any of the issues raised in these guidelines point to the importance of capacity building and training programmes with local communities. It is important to get the le&el of deli&ery and content right. This should be carefully discussed with the communities themsel&es. In general, it has been found that short, technical courses ha&e had little impact. Honger courses, including learning by doing and on the $ob training, ha&e pro&ed necessary. Important topics to consider include1 ; product de&elopment issues3 ; handling &isitors, customer care and hospitality s*ills3 ; mar*eting and communication3 ; en&ironmental management3 ; wor*ing and negotiating with commercial operators3 ; management s*ills, legal issues and financial control3 ; guide training, including content and deli&ery3 and ; basic language training. # useful way of generating ideas, gi&ing confidence and putting across *nowledge is through contacting, &isiting or meeting other pro$ects which are already e0perienced in community'based ecotourism. There are &arious e0amples where this has been particularly successful. =ost pro$ects re+uire some form of financial support. ,owe&er, the nature of the financial assistance must a&oid inhibiting incenti&e and causing problems within and between communities. 4oft loans and long'term credit, well targeted to local needs, may be most appropriate. The use of local committees to appro&e financial offers has pro&ed successful in some areas. It is important to demonstrate to go&ernments and donor agencies the success of small community'based pro$ects, including appropriate credit schemes, in order to encourage more financial assistance programmes. The importance of effecti&e mar*eting has been co&ered under Guideline F. #s well as technical mar*eting ad&ice, pro$ects can be assisted through access to national research data, help with &isitor sur&eys, and lin*ages to mar*eting outlets such as national tourist board promotions and websites. The establishment of registers of community'based ecotourism pro$ects, if possible bac*ed by efficient reser&ation systems, should be encouraged. # &ery &aluable way of pro&iding technical support is through establishing networ*s between pro$ects. 4ome countries ha&e associations of community' based tourism initiati&es. These not only raise awareness and pro&ide mar*eting support but can also promote common +uality standards, deli&er training and financial assistance and generally represent the sector in the commercial and political arena. =any (()'supported ecotourism pro$ects ha&e considerable e0perience of training, especially those in 9amibia 5see p.F7 and .ra/il 5see p.@7.

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%1 Providing technical support

+ec)laces made from palm fruits by 8imba 3omen for sale in the ETraditional Aillage 4urus #onser$ancy& +amibia@
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#hef preparing delicious spicy %ichuan food at Wanglang ecolodge& 4ing3u #ounty& #hina@

%% 9btaining the support of visitors and tour operators

5cotourism e>periences should raise a3areness of conser$ation and community issues among $isitors and tour operators and include mechanisms for enlisting their support@

4ignificant additional benefits can be achie&ed through impro&ing communi' cation with &isitors themsel&es and with the tour operators who bring them. These benefits include greater awareness of en&ironmental and social issues, modifying beha&iour when &isiting, and generating direct support for local communities and conser&ation causes. In almost all cases, the e0perience of a community'based tourism pro' gramme will ha&e an impact on how people thin* in future about the area and habitats they ha&e &isited. ,owe&er, this can be made more or less meaningful depending on the information they recei&e before, during and after the &isit, and how it is deli&ered. 2areful attention should be paid to the messages put out by tour operators to their clients and to the +uality of guiding and interpretation on site. =echanisms for follow'up contact should be e0plored. <isitors should be encouraged to -multiply their e0perience by writing and tal*ing about it. =any websites now offer this opportunity 5see www.responsibletra&el.com7. # number of codes of conduct for &isitors ha&e been produced. 4ome are generic, others are area or site specific. These tend to co&er +uestions such as prior reading and understanding, selection of operators and destinations, respect for local cultures, minimising en&ironmental impact, purchasing decisions, acti&ities to a&oid, and conser&ation issues to support. 4imilarly, codes for tour operators co&er issues such as particular en&ironmental and cultural issues in the destination concerned, selection of sites, relationship with indigenous communities, messages to put across to staff and clients, and more specific instructions and regulations. These codes can be adapted for all ecotourism destinations. The (() #rctic rogramme has particular e0perience with codes 5see ad$acent7. Daising finance or other forms of support from &isitors 5such as partic' ipation in research7 has become +uite a common practice in ecotourism destinations. This is often through a le&y applied by tour operators or through in&iting donations. #lthough some operators resist this, the effect on tour prices can be relati&ely small. <isitors appear to applaud the opportunity to ma*e a contribution, creating a mar*eting ad&antage for the operator. =oney may be put into a local de&elopment fund. <isitors may be in&ited to discuss beneficiary schemes and to get to *now them. These can be conser&ation initiati&es or social programmes within the community.

++

4 47B;B%#8& WWF

Codes of conduct in the Arctic

The #rctics large wilderness areas and uni+ue communities are attract' ing increasing numbers of tourists. =ore than a million people &isited the #rctic in "000. (hile the increase in #rctic tourism poses threats to the regions sensiti&e en&ironment, it also presents opportunities to educate &isitors about the #rctic, create greater global awareness of the region, and increase the share of tourism re&enue that goes to #rctic communities. (()s #rctic rogramme started an #rctic tourism pro$ect in 1@@A, hoping to influence the de&elopment of tourism in the region. (() assembled a broad group of tour operators, conser&ation organisations, nature managers, researchers and community representati&es. Together the group drafted Ten rinciples for #rctic Tourism and practical codes of conduct for tour operators and tourists 5see )urther information, inside bac* co&er7. The codes co&er issues such as minimising resource use and other impacts, awareness'raising, support of conser&ation, relationships with communities, and safety guidance. They ha&e been translated into a &ariety of languages and widely distributed. In order to publicise and encourage adherence to the codes, (() gi&es an annual award to the indi&idual, business or organisation wor*' ing in tourism whose inno&ati&e and successful efforts result in the most benefit to the #rctic. The 10 principles are used as criteria for the award. Decently, ((), the 4tate of #las*a and the #las*a (ilderness Decreation and Tourism #ssociation 5#(DT#7 initiated an #rctic tour operator accreditation programme, also based on the 10 principles and codes of conduct. #lthough the codes are aimed at industry, the principles ha&e also been used by communities. )or e0ample, a tourism pro$ect in the (estf$ords of Iceland has gained clearer direction by assessing how each element of its action programme relates to the (() principles.

% WI/%T7-+/

9ocal community members in the -rctic@

+.

%+ *onitoring performance and ensuring continuity

5cotourism proHects should be designed and managed for long-term $iability and success@

# recurring problem with many community'based ecotourism pro$ects that ha&e been established as part of e0ternally funded and assisted initiati&es, has been a tendency not to continue satisfactorily after the life of the aid pro' gramme. It is &ery important that1 ; a reasonable time span is allotted to the pro$ect so that withdrawal of assistance does not occur too early3 ; an -e0it strategy is wor*ed out at an early stage3 ; all bodies pro&iding assistance ta*e care to impart *now'how to local indi&iduals and organisations throughout the course of the pro$ect3 ; a strategy of long'term local ownership is maintained3 and ; use is made of national or local authority and pri&ate sector support that may be ongoing. ro$ects will be considerably strengthened by regular monitoring and feedbac* to assess success and identify wea*nesses that may need to be ad$usted. 4imple indicators should be agreed and made *nown to the community. These should co&er economic performance, local community reaction and wellbeing, &isitor satisfaction and en&ironmental changes. =onitoring should be *ept simple and feedbac* should be obtained from &isitors, tour operators and local people. Training of local participants in monitoring processes may be re+uired. 2ertifi' cation and award schemes can play a role in maintaining as well as establish' ing good practice. )eedbac* and other monitoring processes ha&e been addressed in the pro$ect in 4abah 5see p.A7 and in (()'8Bs tour operator wor* 5see p.1F7.

+2

$urther information
WWF contacts
International coordination on tourism issues :&erall tourism coordination1 Menny ,eap, (() International, $heapNwwfint.org O61 "" ?!6 @" 0F 2ommunity'based ecotourism1 Gon/alo :&iedo, (() International, go&iedoNwwfint.org O61 "" ?!6 @A 6" Tourism and the 2on&ention on .iological Di&ersity1 Gordon 4hepherd, (() International, gshepherdNwwfint.org O61 "" ?!6 @A ?" =ainstream tourism1 Mustin (oolford, (()'8B $woolfordNwwf.org.u* O66 16C? 61" A0C #ountry& 4rogramme& and 4roHect contacts (() #rctic rogramme1 4amantha 4mith, ssmithNwwf.no O6F "" 0? !A 1F (() in 9amibia, IDD92 P HI)% rogramme1 2olin 9ott, canottNiafrica.com.na O"!6 !1 ""C A0!E@ (()'=alaysia1 #ndrew 9g, angNwwf.org.my O!0 ? F0? ?F F" 4abah pro$ect1 =artin aul <ogel, tin$auNtm.net.my (()'.ra/il, Tourism and 2onser&ation rogramme1 4ergio 4ala/ar 4al&ati, sergioNwwf.org.br OAA !1 ?!6 F6 00 #9 ar*s1 Goltan Bun, /*unNpanpar*s.org O?! @! 6? ?@ "A (() =editerranean rogramme1 eter de .rine, pdebrineNwwfmedpo.org O ?@ 0! C66@ F??@ 2arpathian Harge 2arni&ore ro$ect1 2hristoph christophNclcp.ro O60 @6'A?" F@C romberger, %pler (ood, = 51@@C7. $eeting the !lobal Challenge of Community articipation in Ecotourism ' Case Studies and "essons from Ecuador. #mTrica <erde, (or*ing aper 9o. ". The 9ature 2onser&ancy, Hatin #merica and 2aribbean Di&ision, #rlingtonE84#. TI%4 5eds7 51@@@7. rotecting Indigenous Culture and "and through Ecotourism. 2ultural 4ur&i&al Kuarterly, 4ummer 1@@@. 2ambridgeE84#. (T: 5(orld Tourism :rganisation7 51@@@7. !uide for "ocal &uthorities on Developing Sustainable Tourism. 4upplementary <olumes on1 #sia and the acific3 Hatin #merica and the 2aribbean3 4ub'4aharan #frica. =adridE4pain. (T: 5(orld Tourism :rganisation7 5"00071 Sustainable Development of Tourism ' & Compilation of !ood ractices. =adridE4pain. 4tudien*reis fQr Tourismus, Germany L To Do awards, www.studien*reis.org %co'tip database, www.eco'tip.org

Bther information on specific topics

TI%4 51@@?7. Ecotourism !uidelines for /ature Tour Operators. 9orth .enningtonE84#. TI%4 5"0007. The -usiness of Ecolodges. 9orth .enningtonE84#. Tourism 2oncern. General and specific information on community and e+uity issues in tourism. www.tourismconcern.org.u*

Information on tour operators and products

89% Tour :perators Initiati&e, www.toinitiati&e.org Tourism 2oncern 5"0007. The Community Tourism !uide ' E0citing 1olidays for +esponsible Travellers. HondonE8B www.tourismconcern.org.u* Desponsible Tra&el. Desponsible tourism membership organisation offering free promotion to community initiati&es, www.DesponsibleTra&el.com

(()'Greece1 %leni 4&oronou, es&oronouNwwfnet.org O?0 1 ??1 6C @? (()'9orway, Trine =athisen, trmathisenNwwf.no O6F "" 0? !A 00 Further information on tourism 3ithin WWF can also be accessed $ia the WWF Intranet ;no3ledge Folder on Tourism Ihttp<JJintranet@panda@orgK and on the WWF capacity building 3ebsite& The E; Done I333@33f)no3ledge@orgK

WWF documents and reports

-eyond the !reen 1ori.on: principles for sustainable tourism. Tourism 2oncern P (()'8B 51@@"7. .oo, % 51@@07. Ecotourism: The otentials and itfalls. (()'84. Indigenous eoples and Conservation: WW2 Statement of rinciples. (() International 51@@!7. "in%ing Tourism and Conservation in the &rctic. rinciples and 2odes of 2onduct for tourists and tour operators. (() #rctic rogramme 51@@F7. Tourism and Carnivores# The Challenge &head. (()'8B 5"0007. Tourism -ac%ground aper. (() International 5"0017. Tourism Certification. (()'8B 5"0007. Tourism Issue apers. (() International 5"0017. 2ertification 2limate 2hange G#T4 Tourism osition Statement. (() International 5"0017. &/ ar%s Courier 34uarterly 5ournal6. (() International, ,ungary.

Brganisations pro$iding ad$ice and contacts on ecotourism

The International %cotourism 4ociety 5TI%47, www.ecotourism.org 8nited 9ations %n&ironment rogramme 589% 7, Di&ision of Technology, Industry and %conomics, www.uneptie.orgEtourism (orld Tourism :rganisation 5(T:7, www.world'tourism.org 2onser&ation International, www.conser&ation.org

#omprehensi$e commentaries and manuals on ecotourism

#shley, 2, P Doe, D 51@@C7. Enhancing Community Involvement in Wildlife Tourism: Issues and Challenges. II%D 5International Institute for %n&ironment and De&elopment7 (ildlife and De&elopment 4eries 9o.11, December 1@@C. GTG 51@@@7. Sustainable Tourism as a Development Option: ractical !uide for "ocal lanners# Developers and Decision $a%ers. )ederal =inistry for %conomic 2o'operation and De&elopmentEGTG 5Deutsche Gesellschaft fQr Technische Gusammenarbeit Gmb,7, %schbornEGermany. TI%4 51@@? P 1@@C7. Ecotourism: & guide for planners and managers ' (ols ) and *. 9orth .enningtonE84#.

#ase study material

Drumm, #, P (esche, D 51@@@7. Defending our +ainforest: & !uide to Community,-ased Ecotourism in the Ecuadorian &ma.on. #cciRn, #ma/onSaE%cuador.

+esponsible Tourism in the $editerranean# current threats and opportunities. (() =editerranean rogramme :ffice 5"0007.

Guidelines summary flowchart

A Considering whether ecotourism is an appropriate option
1 #onsidering the potential conser$ation gain 2 #hec)ing the preconditions for ecotourism ! -dopting an integrated approach

" Finding the best 3ay to in$ol$e the community ( Wor)ing together on an agreed strategy * 5nsuring en$ironmental and cultural integrity

C !eveloping viable community-based ecotourism pro"ects

, 5nsuring mar)et realism and effecti$e promotion . 4utting for3ard 6uality products

! #trengthening benefits to the community and the environment

2 'anaging impacts 10 4ro$iding technical support 11 Bbtaining the support of $isitors and tour operators 12 'onitoring performance and ensuring continuity

The mission of WWF G the global en$ironment net3or) G is to stop the degradation of the planet s natural en$ironment and to build a future in 3hich humans li$e in harmony 3ith nature& by< N conser$ing the 3orld s biological di$ersity N ensuring that the use of rene3able resources is sustainable N promoting the reduction of pollution and 3asteful consumption Ta ing action for a living planet

&&$ International -$enue du 'ont 0lanc 112* Cland& %3it1erland t< 00 "1 22 !*" 2111 f< 00 "1 22 !*" "2!. www:panda:org

WWF-:; registered charity number 10.12", - company limited by guarantee number "01*,2( 4anda symbol L 12.* WWF M WWF registered trademar) 4rinted on recycled paper made from 100 per cent post consumer 3aste 4roHect number 1!2,JJuly 2001

B Planning ecotourism with communities and other sta eholders