Ecotourism shines in South Asia

Congratulations to SWAN, for its landmark Ecotourism and Social Enterprise Project for Ecotourism Development and Gender Empowerment in South Asia.

The Regional Workshop on “Rural and Ecotourism based Social Enterprise Project for Sustainable Development and Gender Empowerment in South Asia”

was hosted by South Asia Women’s Network (SWAN) and held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on the 25th November, 2019, supported by Tata Trusts India and the UN ESCAP, New Delhi. The SWAN Delegates from South Asia gathered at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on the 25th November, 2019, discussed at length how to promote their flagship Ecotourism Projects in South Asia initiated by SWAN in 2014, August/September, Thimpu, Bhutan.

SWAN Project is the first ever Women Centric Ecotourism Project initiated in South Asia. The process in project formulation was completed by 2016, and a proposal has already submitted to the SAARC Development Fund (SDF) for funding. In between, two pilot projects under the SWAN Project have already been started by Himmotthan Society, Dehradun in India and Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka.

The Workshop followed by two days Field Trip to Uttarakahand, Dehradun and Jardipani in India, deliberated extensively on the enormous power and potential of rural tourism and ecotourism as facilitators for gender empowerment through socio-economic development focused on poverty alleviation, protection of the environment, building of institutional and human resource capacity. Tourism is a natural avenue for revenue generation across South Asia. It is also the most instinctive and successful way to bring the peoples of South Asia closer to each other. Ecotourism is environmentally and socially friendly responsible tourism. It inculcates respect for different cultures and sub-cultures, and is essential for sustainable development of the regions and its people in the Asia-Pacific Region.

The Field Trips to Him Vikas Self-Reliant Cooperative at Jadipani, Uttarakhand in northeast India were a wonderful experience to all SWAN delegates to understand and observe first hand on the operational aspects of Home Stay and Community Camping in Jadipani which were administrated by a Federation of Women in the locality. These could be replicated in the other SWAN Ecotourism Projects too. These women stake holders ranging from young to aged (old) members are very efficient and mindful of what they are up to.

The two main important programmes were at the center of discussion during the Workshop were the Certification for SWAN Ecotourism Projects/Home Stay and the Marketing and Promotions. UN-ESCAP South and South West Asia Regional Office (SSWAO) in New Delhi, has offered its generous support to educate and train women stake holders of the SWAN Ecotourism Projects in South Asia on Market Outreach through their proposed E-Portal in collaboration with SWAN. As highlighted at the Workshop, e-portal could be a serious sustained effort which is necessary to attract domestic and international visitors to the ecotourism projects, year round from all over the world. Once the proposed e-portal comes off the ground it will be an impetus to manage ecotourism projects with viably and sustainably.

The other important issue discussed at the Workshop was Certification/Standards for Home Stay and Ecotourism Projects initiated by the SWAN Project Partners. Ms. Seema Bhatt, National NRM and Biodiversity Expert, UN FAO (New Delhi), and Honey Vice President of the Ecotourism Society of India and Palitha Gurusinghe, President, Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation enlightened the delegates on the importance of Certification, particularly for Homestay and Ecotourism activities. Marketing and Certification are vital components to bring the quality wise development for any Ecotourism Project

Professional Membership and Certification Courses offered by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) founded in 1990, it is a nonprofit international organization dedicated in promoting Ecotourism. TIES has been on the forefront of the development of ecotourism, providing guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, and educational resources at global level. TIES’ global network of ecotourism professionals and travelers is leading the efforts to make tourism a viable tool for conservation, protection of bio-cultural diversity, and sustainable community development to make travel and tourism more sustainable.

Through membership services, industry outreach and educational programs, TIES is committed to helping tourism organizations, communities and professionals to promote and practice the principles of ecotourism. TIES currently has members in more than 190 countries and reached the Membership Base well over 120,000 in territories, representing various professional fields and industry segments including: academics, consultants, conservation professionals and organizations, governments, architects, tour operators, lodge owners and managers, general development experts, and ecotourists.

Once you enroll as a Member of TIES you could enjoy the following Membership Benefits. Professional members receive benefits tailored to those working in ecotourism, and interested in sharing their expertise and improving their skills.

Professional Member Profile features include:

• Custom URL: Profile page link with individualized URL.
• Link Back: URL link directly to your website
• Profile Picture: Your member profile features your profile picture.
• Biography & Expertise: Highlight your educational background, accomplishments, and expertise through your profile page. Reach potential clients by posting your interest area.
• Social Media Links: You can link to all your social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

You could now join TIES as a Professional/Institutional Member at a discounted membership fee offered during the celebrations of TIES 30th Anniversary, through Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation; Professional Membership Fee (annual) US$-40- Ecotourism Certification Course fee (On-Line) starting from US$-45-

Please contact;
sleco@sltnet.lk See more information; www.srilankaecotourism.org \ https://ecotourism.org
Please see our News Letters in our website; www.srilankaecotourism.org