Development of community led ecotourism in Shyamnagar

Objectives

• Establish Community led ecotourism facility to diversify livelihoods and engage community in conservation of forest resources

Background

Burigoalini and Munshigonj union are the part of Shymnagar Upazilla. Being in the Sundarban neighborhoods, tourist pressure is rising day by day in this area. Besides community is highly dependent on forest resources from Sundarban. In this regard the project aimed to prepare the community for eco-tourism as a means of promoting conservation and sustaining livelihood.

Target beneficiaries

A network of families linked with the four eco-cottages as well as other existing guest houses are direct beneficiaries. These families are getting the opportunity to market and sell their services including boat ride in mangroves, hospitality, food and recreation to the tourists under the supervision of the MFF grantee Joar.

Outputs

• At least two eco-cottages and an eco boat doing business sustainably (income from tourists is more than  the maintenance cost) with food supply from adjacent community and market linkage with tour operators

Accomplishments and challenges

Accomplishment

• Four eco-cottage construction initiated
• Two community boats repaired to be used for tourism
• Eco-boat being designed and constructed
• Negotiation ongoing with USAID’s Climate Resilience Ecosystem and Livelihoods project for potential fund leverage options.

Challenges

Ecotourism is a new concept for the community as well as tourists and income generation from the venture depends on tourist flow. At the same time eco-tourism does not promote excessive tourist flow as well.