This was the finding of a team of experts from Conservational International (CI), who recently conducted a charette on the eco-tourism potential of several proposed tourist sites here, including Georgetown, Rupununi and Kaieteur.

The team concluded that Georgetown has a unique collection of heritage sites and buildings and a tremendous collection of historical and cultural assets, which could become a major tourist attraction if certain measures are put in place through a public/private sector partnership.

Among the recommendations made by the team are the establishment of a website and a guide book to provide up-to-date information to potential tourists, the setting up of a visitors centre to improve the flow of information and the installation of more directional signs around Georgetown.

Security concerns, overall improvement of the environment and involvement of the community in the promotion of tourism are also issues which need to be comprehensively dealt with, the team noted.

For those who seek adventure tourism, the Rupununi has a wide range of flora and fauna, activities and terrain that are in consonance with eco-tourism and various trails can be earmarked in collaboration with the communities that reside along them for different activities like horseback-riding, mountain biking and exploration.

However, effective marketing of the products available is essential in ensuring that the tourism potential is realised in a commercial and sustainable manner, the experts urged.

One of the problems that will have to be urgently and effectively tackled is the wildlife trade and poaching of animals, which the team noted, is incompatible with eco-tourism.

The provision of energy by non-conventional means is also a source of concern which would need to be dealt with in order to attract tourists. Provision of potable water and adequate security are among the concerns of potential tourists and efforts to ensure these are available are challenges that face the potential developers of eco-tourism in the area.

As regards the Kaieteur site, where a National Park has been established, the experts said residents of Chenapau complained that there was not sufficient consultation with them on the establishment of the park and they are sceptical that they will benefit from related commercial activities.

The experts cautioned also that the area has a unique collection of flora and because of the soil-type found there, disturbances can render them extinct. Therefore, in mapping out access trails and roads, this has to be taken into consideration, because there has already been evidence that disturbances have caused some damage to flora.

The team last Saturday presented a preliminary report of their findings at City Hall and within a few months, their final report will be compiled.

Meanwhile, a team from National Geographic is on a 21-day expedition to ascend the prow (rock face) of Mount Roraima, Guyana's highest mountain with a height of over 9,000 feet.