| Gudigwa: Sustainability in Safari |
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| Monday, 19 May 2003 | |
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Allowing communities to play a major role in the ownership and management of initiatives is an important aspect of Sustainable Development. It enables the communities to set the direction of the project, allowing them to choose how the benefits are applied to their needs and requirements. This article delves into a novel approach towards tourism, involving private sector partnerships with the local community who maintain control and management of the venture. Going on Safari is an opportunity to enjoy impressive scenery and equally exciting animals. It is also a form of tourism that can get to the heart of conservation, bringing awareness to both the animals and the local community. Conservation International in conjunction with Wilderness Safari has done just that, combining the concepts of Conservation with Sustainable Development. It has accomplished this by enabling local communities to help run tourism initiatives, allowing them to preserve their heritage and way of life, as well as helping to conserve endangered species. Gudigwa Camp in Botswana is just such an initiative and allows people to experience the rich heritage of the Bukakhwe San Bushmen. An indigenous tribe located in the Okavango Delta, their culture spans back thousands of years. Up to 16 guests can be accommodate in grass huts that have been modeled on the traditional style of housing. From this comfortable base they can go on to enjoy the unique culture of the San Bushman. Various activities are available, all of which highlight the traditional culture of the San Bushmen such as song and dance or storytelling. These activities have help the San Bushmen to discover new respect for their culture and way of life. Gudigwa: Sustainability in Safari50 part-time and full-time jobs have been created by the initiative, as well as providing new skills and training to the employees. Other economic benefits have included the presence of an air field and improved communications through radio and internet access to Maun. A small craft outlet within the community is also doing exceptionally well, selling selected arts and crafts. There has been much positive feedback from the Government in Botswana. Ms Pelonomi Venson, Botswana’s Minister for Environment, Tourism and Wildlife said of the project, “This integrated and socially-responsible approach to tourism will help deliver important benefits. The community will be able to maintain their ancient customs, tourists get to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Bukakhwe San Bushmen and the region’s endangered wildlife is protected." International feedback has been positive, through the promotional efforts of Wilderness Safari. The project, conducted within a partnership with Wilderness Safari and Conservation International is managed by the tribe, with many of the assets belonging to the community. This allows the benefits to be poured straight back into the 700 strong community. Conservation International has helped to get the project started, assisting with the development of the initiative with the emphasis on areas like helping to build the camp and developing the business aspects. Wilderness Safaris helps with the marketing, bookings and running the day to day operations such as meeting guests at the airport and ferrying food to the camps. Beyond the social and economic benefits the wildlife has also been affected in a positive way by the project. The project has allowed various endangered species such as the African Elephant and African Wild Dog to be spared the pressures of encroaching human occupation. The project ensures the prosperity of the local wildlife by giving the Bushmen incentives to help cultivate alternative, sustainable forms of rearing livestock and other forms of agriculture. Gudigwa is one of the first cultural products that is being targeted at the up-market tourism bracket. There is also a hope that this model can be used in other areas, allowing people to increase ownership and accountability over such projects. It has demonstrated the ability to help them improve their lives and allows them more choices then before. Giving them the ability to escape the vicious cycle of poverty that runs rampant in many developing nations. Gudigwa is an interesting approach as it combines many aspects of sustainability, environmental issues with cultural and economic development. The future is to grow it into a self sustaining enterprises, with profits to be reinvested into the business and to help develop the community. It has brought employment and the opportunity to learn new skills. At the same time it is helping to save a unique culture and environment from exploitation and destruction. |
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