Protected area status for Shell Beach urged again
By Miranda La Rose
A local tour operator has urged again that Shell Beach be made into a protected area, and further down the road, a national park, which could be administered by the residents there. Annette Arjoon of Shell Beach Adventures made the recommendation at the closing session of the four-day Fourth Annual Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Conference on Sustainable Development in Georgetown on Monday. Arjoon was one of several local speakers addressing delegates on the topic `Unlocking the Potential for Tourism Development in Guyana: Stakeholders Speak Out'. The establishment of a protected area at Shell Beach with the inhabitants administering and managing it, Arjoon said would empower "the inhabitants to be the stewards of the resources upon which they ultimately depend." Shell Beach is the name given the stretch of shoreline from the mouth of the Pomeroon River to the mouth of the Waini River in Region One (Barima/Waini). It actually consists of some nine beaches where the endangered Leatherback, the Hawksbill and the Green marine turtles nest. Until recently, the Olive Ridley also nested there. As regards the Shell Beach turtle conservation project, Arjoon disclosed that there were two fully staffed conservation camps at Kamwatta and Almond (beaches at Shell Beach). These camps include ocean patrols with two boats to monitor turtle nesting activities and to deter turtle hunters and nest poachers. The staff are involved in tagging of turtles, relocation of the doomed nests which may be threatened by poachers or nature to the camp hatchery and conducting educational sessions during the peak nesting season. A week-long conservation camp is held to coincide with the peak nesting season, where students' understanding of marine turtle conservation issues is kindled and nurtured. She stated that the camp is staffed by an Arawak family and some friends many of whom, 15 years ago were themselves turtle hunters. Without involving government or suggesting any direct sanctions, but through the use of persuasion some of the leaders of the turtle hunting community became conservationists and are now protecting the turtles they once hunted. In her presentation hotelier Cathy Hughes who manages the family business, the Ariantze Hotel and the Sidewalk Cafe and Jazz Club on Middle Street, Georgetown said that in Guyana although there have been major developments, sustainability in the industry has been significantly challenged. "Poor and non-existent infrastructure, the high cost of domestic travel to our enticing interior locations, high taxes and import duties and an absence of tax holidays and no clear long-term plan for the development of the industry have all led to investor fatigue and weariness," she said. She added that the rate of return on investment has been negative and unsustainable. Hotels in Guyana can only survive by concentrating on the business traveller and not the tourist. However, on a brighter note, she added that new technologies have significantly enhanced the financial prospects of small locally owned hospitality businesses like hers. Direct contact between the hotel and prospective visitor has led to, "a global market (which) is there for us to grab". She noted that in 1993, 75% of reservations came from travel operators and repeat visitors. With the advent of the Internet 90% of enquiries and reservations are made with the click of a button. Hughes said not having to advertise in an array of expensive travel magazines to sell eight rooms, which is the peculiar plight of the small hotels, has resulted in savings. Expressing optimism that there could be change, Hughes said that stakeholders in the industry must meet to mull the sustainable development of the industry and outline strategies for the future.
|