National Plan for Eco-tourism development
MINISTER of Trade, Tourism and Industry, Mr Michael Shree Chan says the National Plan for EcoTourism Development which has received broad inputs, will shortly be looked at by the Attorney General's Department so that it can be subjected to legal scrutiny. The plan which has been prepared for the development of eco-tourism in Guyana will then be presented to Parliament for its approval. Minister Chan also stated that the plan is engaging the attention of local tourism authorities. The document was compiled by the Andersen Group Architects Limited, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, in consultation with local experts, the University of Guyana Division of Caribbean and Tourism Studies, and related business entities. Robert Andersen headed the team of foreign experts while the Organisation of American States (OAS) provided funding for the project. The late President Cheddi Jagan had requested assistance from the OAS in developing two potential eco-tourist sites Mainstay and Kimbia. However, Andersen and his team concluded that these sites possessed limited potential. Returning so Guyana on a subsequent visit, further exploring the interior of Guyana, Andersen recognised that Guyana's natural and cultural resources had significant potential for the eco-tourism marketplace, henceforth, the national plan. The plan is incorporated in the National Development Strategy (NDS) and integrates environmental protection and a system for the development of national parks. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism is the largest economic force, growing at an annual rate of 23 per cent, which is faster than the overall world economy. It is currently a US$3.7 trillion a year industry and by the year 2005, it is projected to generate US$9.5 trillion. Between now and the year 2010, it is anticipated that the number of tourists travelling per year will rise from 500 million to 937 million. Robert Costanza of the University of Maryland estimates that the annual value of services provided to the planet by its 16 major ecosystems is an astonishing US$33 trillion. This aptly illustrates the economic importance of preserving our natural environment.
Guyana with its huge potential for eco-tourism can become a big stake holder in the global eco-tourism marketplace. As the above statistics reveal, it is a massive economic force and therefore, the successful development of this sector will impact significantly on the socio-economic transformation of this country. Guyana undoubtedly is a land of incredible biodiversity. It boasts of vast pristine rainforests, rugged mountains, expansive savannahs and mighty rivers and numerous waterfalls, including our world famous Kaieteur. It possesses a huge collection of flora and fauna, many of which are rare species. The harpy eagle, huge black caimans, giant river otters, jaguars, anacondas, poison arrow frogs, large varieties of tropical birds, and a countless number of endemic species of flora all characterise the uniqueness of Guyana's natural environmental beauty. There are 193 species of orchids, 6 101 species of plants, over 1 000 species of trees and 332 species of birds.
The multi-ethnic composition of the society exposes the visitor to a wide range of cultural experiences, craft techniques and art. The nine Amerindian groups provide an opportunity to study their lifestyles, and to learn to appreciate the environment through the eye of the indigenous peoples. There are also unique historical sites and architecture for the tourist who has interest in history especially in the area of the history of colonialism. Guyana's colonial history has left it with remnants of the European influence which contributed significantly to the present day realities. The Dutch settled along the coastal areas which resulted in the construction of extensive sea-walls and drainage and irrigation systems which are in existence up to this day. There are also a number of forts which were built during the rivalry between the British and Dutch colonial empires to establish their supremacy in these parts. The British who eventually triumphed, left a long legacy of culture, governmental structure and architecture in Georgetown is a reflection of British influence which is visible evidence of the unique status of Guyana as the only English-speaking country in South America. Guyana's slave rebellion in Berbice led by national hero Cuffy was a great influence on the shaping of the country's historical path. This eventually precipitated the British to bring in thousands of East Indians and Chinese as indentured labourers to fill the gap of slave labour. With a growing interest in slavery and the slave trade in the Western Hemisphere, Guyana can provide the visitor with a glimpse of the inhuman and despicable enslavement of mankind. The ranch lifestyle of the Rupununi Savannahs is another attractive tourism theme. It offers the visitor a glimpse of the of the romanticised `wild west' with a Guyanese flavour. There are seasonal roundups, rodeos, and ranch activities that reflect a unique blend of lifestyles with the influence of Guyanese history, the flavour of nearby Brazilian settlements and the traditions of the Macushi and Wapishana Amerindian tribes. Barefoot Amerindian Vaqueros are unmatched horsemen who have endured over the years, and helped shape this part of Guyana as a distinctive attraction. Such a tourism product could provide direct economic benefits to both the ranches and Amerindian settlements in the region.
According to the OAS team report, Guyana's main competitors in the industry are Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana, Brazil, Grenada, Belize, Suriname and Venezuela. However, they pointed out that competition is a healthy factor in the world tourism marketplace. Guyana's marketing approach should focus on its unique resources. The report recommended Guyana should participate in selected regional an international travel industry events, utilises foreign monetary resources, creating an ecotourism web site working with ecotourism operators and gaining exposure in targeted publications.
The identification of a system of parks and protected areas is essential to the successful development of ecotourism. Countries such as Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya and Belize have demonstrated this. With the proposal from the World Bank to assist in the development of such a system, Guyana has an ample opportunity to reverse its negative environmental image in the international community. Aggressive promotional strategies can translate into economic dividends that would benefit Guyanese. Guyana is the only member of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty (ACT) without a system of national parks and protected areas. A team of consultants funded by the World Bank is working to develop a plan to define a system of parks and protected areas over a period of five years.
The concept of creating a National Plan for Ecotourism Development aims at empowering Guyana to create its own form of tourism industry that will form part of a balanced national economy. The plan is intended to provide alternatives to traditional development, and to contribute to the improvement of the local economy. The concept forms part of a broader range of sustainable development strategies that will provide a firm foundation for long term economic growth, without sacrificing the natural or cultural richness of Guyana. Ecotourism has been identified as a national strategy for Guyana because it is a form of tourism that is based on the conservation of natural and cultural resources, yet demands relatively small investments in facilities and resources. Ecotourism in Guyana is a form of travel for pleasure that is focused on the natural and cultural environment. It is designed to have a low impact on that environment, give the visitor a better understanding of the unique qualities of the place being visited, contribute to the well-being of all Guyanese and promote conservation. Ecotourism is somewhat of a chameleon concept, the report states. It takes on a different character in different destinations. While there is much to be learned from other countries which had some success in the industry, one must carefully assess such information and translate it into Guyana terms. Ecotourism is an inclusive form of tourism. To be successful, it must have the understanding and support of the local stakeholders.
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