TOURISM A TOOL FOR CONSERVATION- A PARTNERSHIP APPROACH Empowering the Community
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
What has been achieved
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
What has been Achieved Numerous awards (international recognition) CTO Tourism award 2001 Best Practice Initiative by CTO Competing with the best for sustainable tourism
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
International Promotion Vampire Diaries' star Ian Somerhalder promotes Trinidad Turtles in Blue August on Discovery. Earth Savers Series http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc6lcindmoy&featu re=player_embedded
Opportunities
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
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
Threats
Threats Bycatch of turtles Inappropriate or poorly maintained facilities Poor Roads/Infrastructure Increase in Crime
Our approach
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
Economic Linkages
What we Offer
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
Products to achieve goal
TURTLE WATCHING TOURS
Alternative Livelihood Glass bead project Glass is broken and then melted in the fire.
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
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
Salybia Recreation & Water Sport Center Kayak Centre Community Kitchen
Small Meetings and Conferences
Forest and Water Hikes/Tours
Thank You