HOME Den Site
Who we are
Our Philosophy
Gail
Y. B. Lash, Ph.D.
Nevin
Lash, ASLA
What we do
• Concept Planning
• Master Planning
• Zoological Design
• Visitor Services
• Community Ecotourism
• Peace Education
Selected
Projects
Master Planning
Zoological Exhibits
Ecotourism Projects
Peace Projects
Selected
Publications
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Community Ecotourism
Through participatory
planning, ecotourism can provide economic incentives to rural communities
for protecting natural habitats. Community-based ecotourism can work
in conjunction with in-situ conservation programs to help save wildlife,
forests, wetlands, and seas throughout the world, empowering local residents
as independent or collaborative managers of these sites and attractions.
Ursa has the experience and skills to facilitate stakeholder communication
and provide technical assistance to ecotourism destinations and local communities.
Ecotourism Development:
The current tourism situation
and the community's current involvement in ecotourism are examined.
Participatory meetings are set up with all relevant stakeholder groups, and
goals and objectives of an Ecotourism Master Plan are identified. Individual
community residents are brought into the process through workshops and interviews,
synthesizing all aspects of the potentials of ecotourism: potential
tour sites, design and placement of infrastructures, training, marketing,
and future monitoring indicators. Action plans are created and implemented
by participants.
Guide Training:
An association of Guides
is organized from the community residents, with officers, by-laws, and a
place of operation. Training includes participatory classes, taking
field walks to assess potential tour sites, and teaching residents how to
approach and act around foreigners. Current tour sites are evaluated
for needed improvements. Business training is essential, along with
English training where necessary.
User Surveys:
Surveys are conducted
using tourists that come to a particular site as subjects. User surveys
assess tourists' opinions of their experience and suggest any improvements
that could be made to the tour sites to enhance those experiences.
Economic Assessment
Studies:
Economic data on ecotourism
activities and businesses are collected, in and around the community, where
possible. Operators in ecotourism are interviewed and flows of moneys
and their markets are identified. Participatory meetings are held
and recommendations are produced to enhance economic flow into desired directions.
Facility Design and
Operations:
Ecotourism master plan
goals and objectives of the local communities and interested agencies are
implemented through design and placement of visitor facilities, trails,
and roads, incorporating sanitation and energy concerns.
Tourism Impact Analysis:
Stakeholders of an ecotourism
program area are surveyed regarding the social, environmental, and economic
impacts of tourism on their culture, lifestyle, and operations. Participatory
decision-making is employed to develop action plans to mitigate these impact.
Community Development:
Rural and urban communities, in the USA and worldwide, are examining effective
ways to control development, prevent urban sprawl, maintain small-town character
and neighborhood relationships. Residents are concerned over social,
economic and environmental issues and most communities strive to achieve
a balance and harmony that raises the human spirit and condition.
Ursa provides services
to assess the attitudes and readiness of community residents for development
options which promote conservation of natural and cultural resources, while
still providing economic and educational opportunities for the community.
Participatory meetings are set up with all relevant stakeholder groups, and
goals and objectives of a Community Development Master Plan are identified.
Individual community residents are brought into the process through workshops
and interviews, synthesizing all aspects of the potentials of community
development: zoning, design and placement of infrastructures, training,
marketing, and future monitoring indicators. Responses and concerns
are consolidated into concrete objectives and action plans by participants.
Projects
Involvement of Local People in Ecotourism
Eco-guide Training and Development
Impact on Feeding Wildlife by Tourists
Women, Crafts and Conservation Attitudes
Rural Ecotourism Assessment Program (REAP)
Cohesive Community Planning or Rural Sprawl?
Re-Evaluation of the Belize River Valley Communities
and the Community Baboon Sanctuary
Red Wolves: Creating Economic Opportunity Through
Ecotourism In Rural North Carolina
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