TOURISM A TOOL FOR CONSERVATION- A PARTNERSHIP APPROACH. Empowering the Community

Transcription

1 TOURISM A TOOL FOR CONSERVATION- A PARTNERSHIP APPROACH Empowering the Community

2 History of Nature Seekers 20 years in operation 100% involvement of the community in tourism and conservation Track record in protecting turtles, conducting research & education Over 300 acres of Reforested land Good quality tour service with increasing public participation The support of the wider population Partnerships with other community groups, ministries, environmental groups and funding agencies

3 What has been achieved

4 What has been achieved Increased awareness through beach cleanups and social media Total protection of turtles on land Education of over 10,000 tourists annually Sustainable employment for the community Reforesting of burnt land

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6 What has been Achieved Numerous awards (international recognition) CTO Tourism award 2001 Best Practice Initiative by CTO Competing with the best for sustainable tourism

7 CNN Award Chairman Suzan Lakhan Baptiste At the time this selection was made out of 4000 persons Suzan will be on CNN website for 2 years Google Search ( CNN Suzan Lakhan Baptiste) 'Crazy Turtle Woman' transforms graveyard into maternity ward MATURA, Trinidad (CNN) -- With its white sand and clear, blue water, Trinidad's Matura Beach looks like a postcard. It's a far cry from its recent past, when leatherback sea turtle carcasses littered the ground and kept tourists away. Suzan Lakhan Baptiste Result of the CNN award. Website Donate Button

8 International Promotion Vampire Diaries' star Ian Somerhalder promotes Trinidad Turtles in Blue August on Discovery. Earth Savers Series re=player_embedded

9 Opportunities

10 Opportunities Ban on Hunting turtles: Greater government investment Increase in visitors: More public education on Turtles Increase in Turtles (stable population) Increased partners Award: T&T best 2012 Destination globally Community Involvement

11 Attraction & Cultural Resources Identified Attraction around the Matura Area Large Mora Forest & reforestation of over 300acres of land Community Tourism Organisation, Nature Seekers. Rich cultural diversity The values, beliefs, folklore, and customs. Endangered Leatherback Turtles, bats, monkeys, deer, agouti, tattoo, lappe, quenk and iguana. Red Howler Monkey and the Otters Juvenile Hard Shell Turtles, Other community attractions Pawi, Matura Waterfall Mermaid Pools Rio Seco Waterfall Salybia Recreation and Water Sport Centre

12 Threats

13 Threats Bycatch of turtles Inappropriate or poorly maintained facilities Poor Roads/Infrastructure Increase in Crime

14 Our approach

15 Investment in the Community Activities & Work Human Social Cultural Natural Built Financial Training Satisfaction Fundamental needs Extraction of goods and services Creating Sustainable Community Well being Source: WWF

16 Economic Linkages

17 What we Offer

18 We offer the visitor A unique community and conservation experience. A new culture & environment. Interaction with the residents Rejuvenation of body, mind & soul Interaction with the Turtles & other natural environment Educated about turtle conservation, data collection (volunteer programme) Made aware of natural attractions in the Matura Area

19 Products to achieve goal

20 TURTLE WATCHING TOURS

21 Alternative Livelihood Glass bead project Glass is broken and then melted in the fire.

22 Glass Bottle Bead Project Conservation focus- removal of glass from the beach Initiate partnerships with suppliers, hotel/restaurant owners, general public to collect & drop off bottles Create employment

23 Youth Leadership Programme Selection of youths with potential and interest in becoming leaders of the community Educational programmes/lectures to facilitate conservation and environmental awareness Field trips to gain practical knowledge on environmental and natural resources of Trinidad and Tobago Hosting of environmental events in the community

24 Salybia Recreation & Water Sport Center Kayak Centre Community Kitchen

25 Small Meetings and Conferences

26 Forest and Water Hikes/Tours

27 Thank You