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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
Ecotourism
Planning
Community
Development
Selected Projects
Master
Planning
Zoological
Exhibits
Ecotourism
Planning
Community
Development
Selected Publications
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Ecotourism
Planning
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 impacts.
Projects
Involvement
of Local People in Ecotourism
Eco-guide
Training and Development
Impact
on Feeding Wildlife by Tourists
Women,
Crafts and Conservation Attitudes
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