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| Some of the most biologically diverse and beautiful areas in Central America are found within the Gulf of Honduras watershed. The burgeoning tourism sector has been driving small enterprise growth and real estate development. However, one of the principal environmental threats currently facing the region is unplanned mass tourism development and intense cruise ship traffic. The number of cruise ships visiting the Gulf of Honduras has increased nearly fivefold since 2000, making the area the fastest-growing destination in the Caribbean. As tourism expands, so does its potential to threaten the sustainability of the resources on which the industry depends. | |
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| Solimar is working directly with local tourism stakeholders to establish the Izabal Geotourism Alliance, a membership and marketing program developed to encourage destination stewardship in the region. By developing a common vision and commitment for the DMOs, local needs will be addressed and competitiveness of the clusters enhanced. Solimar will train and guide DMO staff and members in business planning, marketing, development of marketing materials, statistic gathering and analysis, and other operational functions. Conservation efforts will be supported through a travel philanthropy trust that Solimar will help establish. | |
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| USAID Conservation of Central American Watersheds Program (USAID-CCAW) utilizes the same methodology applied in the Bocas del Toro watershed to the destination of Izabal, Guatemala. This program is working to address environmental threats while helping the Gulf of Honduras grow and market its tourism product, maintaining and enhancing the natural resource on which it is based. Specifically, this would entail the DMOs providing a travel philanthropy trust that will serve to mitigate adverse impacts of tourism as well as incorporating cruise ship handlers into local DMOs. | |
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OUTCOMES
• Three local Geotourism Stewardship Councils were created, representing a total of over 30 members who demonstrated a great interest and enthusiasm in promoting, improving, and conserving the destination. These councils represent many diverse sectors, cultures, and stakeholders in Izabal, and the council members are committed to becoming the future leaders of the Izabal Geotourism Alliance and also of the Izabal Conservation Fund.
• Over 60 members were recruited to join the Izabal Geotourism Alliance—17 of which agreed to solicit donations for the Izabal Conservation Fund through the sale of gift cards or adding voluntary “opt-out” donations to customer invoices.
• Content was collected on each of the member businesses to facilitate the creation of a consumer-focused web site and sales manuals to promote Izabal as a world-class Geotourism destination (www.discoverizabal.com).
• Two franchise agreements were signed with existing organizations to ensure the sustainability of the information centers: Ak’Tenamit in Livingston and FUNDAECO in Puerto Barrios. These agreements are invaluable in terms of the long-term viability of the initiative. FUNDAECO and Ak’Tenamit have both been active in the region for many years, and have the resources to ensure that the information centers continue functioning for many years to come.
• The formation of the Puerto Barrios and Livingston Solid Waste Committees and the design of a plastic bottle reduction campaign through the promotion of “Yo Relleno: I Refill”. Over 20 local businesses have agreed to participate in the campaign and posters promoting the project were designed and distributed in the region.
• 38 local tour guides were trained in Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and on how to deliver conservation messages during their tours. These tour guides work directly with the cruise ship passengers, guiding hundreds of tourists through fragile areas during high season. Giving these guides tools to minimize their impact and creating awareness of said impact is an important step towards mitigating the damage caused by the tourism “en masse” the cruise ships represent.
• 15 tour operators, representing 8 different companies, were trained in Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and how they can improve their practices to minimize the environmental impact of their tours. These tour operators are directly responsible for designing the tours for cruise ship passengers in the region. Making them aware of their environmental impacts and giving them the tools to mitigate that impact is a key step in minimizing the potential damage tourists can cause and also in protecting the delicate biodiversity and environment of Izabal for years to come.
• Three local tour operators signed letters of commitment to improve their business operations and have committed to making three small changes to minimize their environmental impact and become more sustainable.
• A conservation awareness video was created to help cruise line ground handlers highlight the main attractions of Izabal and educate tourists on how they can help conserve the natural and cultural resources of the region (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V25dudVxIO8).
• The Izabal Conservation Fund was designed and support for this initiative was obtained from local stakeholders. Marketing materials, collection mechanisms, and logos were also designed to move the concept of the fund into a reality.
• An executive council consisting of 7 members (2 from each stewardship council and a representative from CONAP) was formed that will make decisions on behalf of the Izabal Conservation Fund and carry this initiative forward.
• The commitment from MAR Fund to serve as the administrator of the Izabal Conservation Fund was secured.
• The donation of a space in the cruise ship port (from INGUAT) was secured to promote the Izabal Conservation Fund for next year’s cruise ship season.
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