community eco tourism in the bajo lempa - final-1

8/4/2019 Community Eco Tourism in the Bajo Lempa - FINAL-1

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Community Ecotourism in theBajo Lempa


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Community Ecotourism in the Bajo Lempa2

Acknowledgements

The environmental team of Team Monterey 5 would like to express its sincere gratitudetowards the people of the Bajo Lempa for their warmth, kindness and hospitality throughout ourtime in El Salvador. We would also like to thank Asociacin Mangle and La Coordinadora fortheir logistical support in connecting us with Don Jos Ofilio Herrera and Jorge Garca. Jorgewas instrumental in the effectiveness of our field research and we would have not beensuccessful without his assistance. Don Ofilios enthusiasm and vision were also key elements in

moving toward our mutual goals. We would like to thank Ceiba Doblado, El Llano, San Juan delGozo, Aguacate, and Isla de Mendez for welcoming us into their communities and allowing us tohost meetings in each community. We also thank our drivers for their patience, knowledge andcompanionship and for making our experience driving through El Salvador as smooth as possible.Chema also made us feel welcomed and was more than willing to help with any question orrequest. He also acted as a very helpful and effective liaison between Team Monterey, LaCoordinadora and Asociacin Mangle. The staff at La Coordinadora, the building that acted asour home base, also made us feel welcomed and supported. We would like to thank the staff of

Ascociacin Mangle for their time, expertise and use of their facilities and materials throughoutour stay. We would also like to thank our resident interpreter and translator, AntonioArmendriz, for his tireless work and commitment to each groups project and for facilitatingsmooth communication between the team, local communities, Asociacin Mangle and LaCoordinadora. We express our sincere thanks and gratitude to our fearless leader, ProfessorAdele Negro, whose advice, patience, and knowledge allowed us to confidently move forwardwith our project with an attitude of solidarity toward everyone with whom we worked.

Project SummaryThe Bajo Lempa region of El Salvador, specifically Zone 1, is

situated in the coastal south of the country and provides habitats for adiverse group of wildlife. The area is also prone to experiencing theadverse effects of hurricanes and flooding during the rainy season,which lasts from May to October. The general population of Zone 1

resides between the Jiquilisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, an area thatis annually affected by hurricanes and flooding. Many of the peoplein Zone 1 live in poverty and do not have the resources to build safe shelters or homes that canwithstand the type of damage caused by these natural disasters. Oftentimes, certain familiesmust rebuild their homes after the wet season.

Despite these challenges, there is a high level of community involvement throughL C di d d A i i M l E h it i Z 1 h it ADESCO


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ecotourism network, as well as reporting its observations and making recommendations. Themethodology included meeting with the ADESCOs of Isla de Mendez, El Aguacate, Ceiba

Doblado, San Juan del Gozo and El Llano to gather information concerning the goals, challengesand planning of the ecotourism network. The team traveled to each community in order to gainan understanding of each communitys situation and conduct community-mapping workshops.

The questionnaires, maps and workshops served as tools for both Team Monterey and thecommunities in Zone 1. Through the use of these tools, the communities were able to reflect onthe feasibility of their goals and create a plan to present to potential project funders. For itspart, Team Monterey was able to offer recommendations for each community and for Zone 1 asa whole, which were based upon observations taken from the activities and in meetings.

The team found that the communities of Zone 1 are committed to creating a communityecotourism network in order to supplement their income. They responded positively to theworkshops and other activities, which provided them with an opportunity to reflect upon andthink critically about the communities in which they live as well as to create a feasible,sustainable plan for the future.

The communities face some obstacles, namely a lack of immediate funding and resources,but there are small steps that each community can take immediately to begin the process ofcreating the ecotourism network. A high level of organization that already exists among thecommunities of Zone 1 will make it easier to continue moving forward; however the ADESCOsand Asociacin Mangle, like all community organizations, must face the ongoing challenge ofmaintaining clear lines of communication between all groups involved in the project.

This report outlines the methodology, the observations and findings, an analysis of thosefindings, and, finally, our recommendations and next steps for Zone 1 in their ecotourism venture.

Methodology

Upon arriving in Ciudad Romero, El Salvador, and over thecourse of the first week, we met with la Junta Directiva of AsociacinMangle as well as with the ADESCO of Isla de Mendez andcommunity members of Zone 1. These meetings helped synthesizeour knowledge of ecotourism and the issues surrounding it in Zone 1,and also served as the setting in which the team was able to plan its

next steps in the community ecotourism project. We formulated thefollowing four questions which shaped our methodology:

1. What does Zone 1 hope to achieve through community ecotourism?

2. Does community capacity exist for a profitable tourist route in Zone 1, taking into count the


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In order to answer these questions, we carried out the following activities to gather relevantinformation.

Overview of Principal Activities:

Meet all members of the Junta Directiva of Asociacin Mangle andother interested parties.

Become acquainted with Isla de Mndez and the Baha de Jiquiliscoby participating in tourist activities (tours of the Bay, visits todifferent lagoons and mangrove inlets, the release of newly

hatched sea turtles, walks through each town,).

Create a questionnaire about community ecotourism for the fivecommunities in Zone 1: Isla de Mndez, Ceiba Doblado, San Juandel Gozo, El Llano, and Aguacate. The questionnaire consisted offive questions about the strengths, challenges, and weaknesses in

each community. (See Appendix 1.)

Community Mapping(See Appendix 2)o This activity helped each community in Zone 1 understand

its vision of community ecotourism. We then analyzed theresults of the meetings.

The community mapping activity included the following steps:

1. Introductions, with a small icebreaker consisting of the question, Whatcan your community offer to tourists?

2. Community members drew a map of what their community looks likepresently.

3. The drawing was discussed with community members.4. Community members added a different color to the present map to indicate what they would like their

community to look like in the future in regards to ecotourism.

5. The top 3 future projects were prioritized.6. Strategic questions about the strengths, weaknesses, and challenges of each community were asked.

Proposed recommendations in the short- medium-, and long-termfor Zone1 that were based on the community mapping activity.(See Appendix 3)

We designed a workshop based upon our analysis of the meetingresults. The workshop provided the team with an opportunity toteach the group the basics of planning a project for the future.Each community chose one of its mid- to long-term goals and

t t b i k l ith id f th k h


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mapping was essential due to the fact that it allowed each community member who attended toparticipate regardless of his or her literacy levels or education.

Once we worked with each community and found that at least one person in eachcommunity could read and write, we were able to organize the workshop in such a way that thoseinvolved would write out their project plan based on one of the goals they determined during themapping meeting. We provided each community with a packet of information (see Appendix 4),including the four basic questions of project planning, What? Who? How? When?, whicheach community answered. We then emphasized the importance of answering these questionsbefore starting a project or asking for funding.

To our knowledge, this was the first time an activity of this nature was conducted withthe communities. For the first time, they were able to visualize what it meant to be workingwithin the framework of community ecotourism. It was a positive experience for all involved asnoted from the feedback of the community members.

General Observations

Openness and Enthusiasm in Each Community

Each town that we visited in Zone 1 was eager to discuss community ecotourism andwelcomed our planned activities with great enthusiasm. For example, when we traveled to ElLlano, they had fully prepared for our mapping activity beforehand by preparing their ownsmaller map to help guide them through the process.

The participation of young adults in our meetings was also veryimpressive. They seemed very interested in the development of theircommunity and in the conservation of natural resources. At one point inSan Juan del Gozo two young community members joined the meetingand took over the mapping activity by drawing certain aspects of theircommunity. Many ADESCOs within the area also have a youth

committee, which encourages youth involvement in project planning, education, and communitydevelopment.

With respect to Zone 1s openness to community ecotourism, we believe that eachcommunity is indeed very interested in the concept. It is also known throughout the Zone thatcommunity ecotourism has the potential generate alternative means of income, employmentopportunities, and also help to conserve the ecosystem of the Jiquilisco biosphere. For instance,in Ceiba Doblado, the women we met with demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance


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Each of the 5 towns we interviewed in Zone 1 named seasonal flooding as their biggest

obstacle; not only to development, but also to attracting tourists. Currently, there is little orinadequate infrastructure in place throughout the Zone to prevent damage from floods andstorms. Without well-structured accommodations, such as clean drains, the effects of the wetseason could carry over into the dry season, thus hindering the potential success of ecotourism.

For example, many sea turtles hatch from their nests duringthe wet season months. The release of the newly hatched sea turtlesis a very large tourist attraction, and if the communities in Zone 1 are

otherwise occupied with flooding and damage control, they will notbe able to host or offer services to these tourists. Propermanagement of storm drains and flood control systems, such aselevated roads (which is already being done by the government onthe road to Isla de Mendez), could accelerate ecotourism in Zone 1 and create a more consistentflow of additional income.

Stages of Development

All of the communities that we visited are in different stages of development. Isla deMendez has some of the appropriate infrastructure--a hostel and a restaurant--to receive touristsat Villa Tortuga. The other communities do not currently have restaurants or eateries to feedtourists. Isla de Mendez also has trained community members serving as tour guides and parkrangers. The only other community to receive similar training is Ceiba Doblado, which has twopark rangers. Aguacate does not have electricity, potable water, or a town hall, while the rest ofthe communities have a town hall, access to potable water, and electricity.

Although the communities are at different levels of development, it is possible for eachcommunity to profit from ecotourism in the immediate future. For example, it isnt necessary forAguacate to have electricity in order to profit from community ecotourism, nor is it necessary forthe communities to have potable water in order to serve the tourists, as long as there is bottledwater available. (See Appendix 5.)

Economic Situation

The communities in Zone 1 do not have easy access to funds that are needed to developecotourism in the area. It is difficult to receive funding because the communities must gothrough a complicated system that not everyone understands. It was frequently noted that thecommunities do not have a clear or realistic idea concerning how they will receive funding and


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and to begin creating an ecotourism network.

Natural Resources for a Community Ecotourism Network

The Jiquilisco Bay offers an abundance of resources for an ecotourism network in Zone1. The bay and its surrounding area have many natural resources, including mangroves, fish,crab and mollusks, as well as a diverse population of birds. Not to mention, each year fourunique species of sea turtle travel to the beaches of the Jiquilisco Bay to lay their eggs. Fortydays later, hundreds of baby sea turtles brave the sun, sand and waves as they head steadfasttoward the Pacific Ocean. This is, by far, the greatest tourist attraction of Zone 1 and the jewel it

must work the hardest to conserve. Government programs have provided for the operations ofone turtle hatchery in Isla de Mendez, but it is the Zones hope that more hatcheries will befunded in the future.

Additionally, each community has unique resources. Forexample, the community of El Aguacate has many fruit-bearingtrees that cannot be found in the other communities, while SanJuan del Gozo is the only town with access to

lagoons. Nevertheless, because the communities share many ofthe same resources while having unique resources of their own,there is a risk that the communities may exploit the sameresources, possibly creating competition. Many of thecommunities expressed the desire to have the same or similar attractions. If each communityoffers the same attraction, the need to work as a community will disappear as tourists begin tovisit each town instead of taking a tour of the entire area. This has the possibility to underminethe creation of an ecotourism network throughout Zone 1 due to an inevitable drain on certainresources, natural and man-made, if the communities decide against diversifying their attractions.

Communication and Organization

Four of the five communities have an organization that represents their own interests: Islade Mendez, Ceiba Doblado, San Juan del Gozo, and El Llano have an ADESCO as theircommunity organization, and Aguacate has a committee that notifies the local government about

community concerns. Although the communities have an organizational structure (theADESCOs) they believe they are not as organized as they would like to be, apparently becausethey feel they do not know how to organize themselves effectively. We found it interesting thateach community brought this up, because we observed their capacity to organize as a communitydifferently. We saw that each community could, to a greater or lesser extent, motivate its peopleas noted by each meetings relatively high level of attendance and participation. The lack of


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case, it would have been helpful to have a liaison from each community to share ideas on how toconfront the rat infestation.

After meeting with the communities, our group also observedinconsistent communication between Association Mangle, ADESCOsand the communities themselves. For example, Isla de Mndez hasexperience working with organizations that receive grants, as well asbuilding a sea turtle hatchery. These are the same skills that El Llanowould like to learn, but this skill set has not been shared with other

communities. Methods of sharing information would allow for increased knowledge aiding in

development in the region.

We also noted that little communication exists among the communities of Zone 1regarding how they see ecotourism working in the community. El Llano, for instance, wasunaware of what was being done in other communities of Zone 1 with respect to ecotourism. Thelack of communication in the short- and long-terms could possibly lead to a breakdown of theecotourism model as they envision it, which focuses on a collaborative multi-communityendeavor to create a tourist route with Villa Tortuga as the hub.

Analysis of Activities and Observations

On the basis of the aforementioned observations and the activities we conducted on theground, we have drawn several conclusions regarding the formation of a community ecotourismnetwork in Zone 1.

Prior to the Community Mapping Activity, we conducted a short questionnaire in eachcommunity (See Appendix 1). For the most part, the results of the quantitative section wereinconclusive, in so far that with the exception of Isla de Mendez, no other community hadtraditional services to offer tourists; i.e. restaurants, hotels, tour guides, boats, etc.Nevertheless, each community wantedto offer such services to tourists. When asked how theywould go about training tour guides, buying boats, and building restaurants, most communitymembers seemed puzzled. This reaction, in part, led to our decision to host a Project Planning

Workshop later on, and is described in detail further below.

After the questionnaire, we conducted the Community Mapping Activity. In the firstphase (drawing a current map of their town), we saw that each community has a clearunderstanding of the resources they have at their disposal, such as: human capital, transportation,infrastructure, and agriculture. Additionally, each community is aware of its current stage of


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exception of Isla de Mendez, every other community drew on its map the improvements itdesired to see in the overall infrastructure and organization of its community, in addition to the

potential tourist attractions it wished to see developed (See Appendix 2). Most of theimprovements drawn were long-term projects, and would require large amounts of upfrontfunding. We can conclude from these preliminary results that community ecotourism may notbe the mostimportant priority, currently, for many residents in Zone 1 and that there aremisunderstandings regarding the definitions of short, medium and long-term goals.

The main priorities expressed by most of these communities were not to train more tourguides, or build more pupusa shops, but rather to improve the state of their infrastructure

(potable water, electricity, drainage systems for flood waters, waste management, etc.) and createsources of employment. For Zone 1, employment is seen not only as a means of cash flow, butalso as a means to ensure youth involvement. Therefore, when designing short-term strategicrecommendations for each community, we limited our scope to projects or services that couldcreate additional sources of income and possibly lead to permanent employment.

Employment opportunities through community ecotourism can also serve to generateincome for basic infrastructure improvements. However, many communities in Zone 1 do not

yet have the resources and systems in place to receive tourists. In order for an ecotourismnetwork to be successful and profitable within the Zone, each community must be able toparticipate in a capacity that utilizes the limited, specific resources it has without detracting fromits necessary daily activities or exploiting scarce natural resources.

When asked which obstacles might impede the development of a community ecotourismnetwork, most communities reported that they were not sufficiently organized internally tomanage an ecotourism network within the rest of the Zone. With this and our prior observationsin mind, we created a half-day workshop about short, medium and long-term community projectplanning (See Appendix 4). This workshop would serve two purposes: to generate goodplanning and organizational habits within each communitys ADESCO, and to create awarenessamong the communities of what their neighbors are working to achieve. Often, the projectstaking place in one community are unknown to the community next door. Therefore, we gaveeach community the opportunity to present their working project plans, additional goals, andtheir communitys challenges in front of their peers.

After careful observation of the five communities in Zone 1, we created a customized,strategic plan of short (1 year), medium (3 - 6 years), and long-term (6 years or more)recommendations for each community. These recommendations for a community ecotourismnetwork in Zone 1 not only reflect the two priorities mentioned previously, but they also aim tohighlight the strengths and selling points of each community (See Appendix 3). In addition, we


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Final Recommendations

Create a strong network

It is recommended that:

Zone 1 form a strong community ecotourism network that prevents privatization, protectsthe biosphere of the Bay of Jiqulisco, and utilizes each communitys unique strengthsand abilities without compromising the tourism and service offerings of othercommunities or depleting the natural resources.

the Ecotourism Committee in Zone 1 develop excursions that attract recognition andrevenue to each community in Zone 1 in an equitable and evenly distributed manner.

the Ecotourism Committee of Zone 1 encourage residents to become personally investedin community ecotourism:

o Example 1: Form a Beach Ranger Cooperative, for which each householddonates $0.25 per month toward the salary of a hired individual(s) to protect,guard and clean the beach and/or bay

o Example 2: Through the youth committee, plan volunteer beach and / or bay cleanup days. Examples include incentives could include a soccer game following thecleanup, pupusas at Villa Tortuga, etc.

o Example 3: Offer activities involving the whole community to educate membersabout the benefits of ecotourism as a source of income and focused onconservation. Examples include community dance night, concerts, childrens

plays through school, etc.

Asociacin Mangle, along with each community in Zone 1, assist each other in creating astrategic community ecotourism plan through leading and participating in regularworkshops teaching project planning, conservation, and small business planning.

Strengthen the ecotourism committee in Zone 1 by including the ecotourism and youthcommittees as well as the ADESCOs in the planning process.

o Incorporate professionals into the planning process in order to assist with theproposal writing, and ensure that these professional work closely with AsociasinMangle to complete the proposals.

o Offer consistent trainings to the ecotourism committee that can pertain to, but arenot limited to: tour guide, environmental, and leadership trainings


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Determine which organizations can donate grant money. Provide training for community residents to serve as tour guides and park rangers Work with the communities through instructional meetings that teach people how to

accomplish personal and community goals, specifically the goals that each communitydeveloped at our project planning workshop (see below).

Role of the communities

We recommend that each community:

Cultivate its unique ecotourism identity and experience using the goals they each selectedduring the project planning workshop that incorporate distinctive aspects of the ElSalvadoran culture:

o Ceiba Doblado: Create small local restaurants serving local El Salvadoran fareo Aguacate: Give tours on horseback and bike, as well as tours of the mangroveso Isla de Mendez: Improve Villa Tortugas facilities in order to attract more

tourism businesso El Llano: Add a water pump to irrigate their local kitchen gardeno San Juan del Gozo: Not present at the project-planning workshop

Conclusions

When Team Monterey arrived in the Bajo Lempa region of El Salvador, the level oforganization between community organizations (Asociacin Mangle and La Coordinadora) andthe ADESCOs of each town, as well as their commitment to the community ecotourism projectimmediately impressed us, although the communities did express a desire to become moreorganized internally. The people of Zone 1 in the Bajo Lempa face many daily challenges thatcommand most of their attention, yet despite these challenges and time-constraints, we foundthat they are equally as committed to improving the well-being of their communities and willingto put the necessary time and effort into cultivating the community ecotourism project.

While each town is in a different stage of development, the meetings and workshops haveequipped them with a strategy to begin the steps that will 1) improve the quality of localinfrastructure 2) create job opportunities that will involve local youth, provide an additionalincome source, and possibly create permanent employment and 3) work toward the ultimate goalof attaining the capacity to receive tourists as part of an ecotourism network throughout Zone 1


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meetings on a regular basis, as well as continue to act as the professional face of the ecotourismnetwork by utilizing its knowledge about grant writing, project planning, etc. It is important to

have strong commitments focused on collaboration and communication from every partyinvolved in the creation of a community ecotourism network in order to achieve the goals of eachcommunity. In future Teams Monterey, we wish to continue to work with each community ontheir specific, self-selected goals. Ceiba Doblado would like to create small restaurants withinthe community selling pupusas and other local fare, Isla de Mendez expressed the desire toimprove Villa Tortugas facilities in order to attract more tourism business, Aguacate would liketo give tours on horseback and bike, as well as giving tours of the mangroves, and finally, ElLlano would like to work on adding a water pump to irrigate their local community garden.

Team Monterey looks forward to continue work on this project in conjunction with the efforts ofAsociacin Mangle, La Coordinadora and each communitys ADESCO as part of a mutuallyrewarding relationship that we hope lasts long into the future.


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Appendix 1 Questionnaire for community mapping activity

(This is the actual questionnaire that was used; it was never translated from English) EnglishTranslations are in gray italics.

Preguntas Cuantitativas

1. Cuantas personas estn capacitadas en la preparacin de alimentos?a. Cuantas personas quieren Uds. que estn capacitadas en el futuro?

2. Cuantas personas estn capacitadas en guas tursticas?a. Cuantas personas quieren Uds. que estn capacitadas en el futuro?

3. Cuantas personas estn capacitadas en guarda recursos?a. Cuantas personas quieren Uds. que estn capacitadas en el futuro?

4. Cuantas personas estn capacitadas en ser lanchero?a. Cuantas personas quieren Uds. que estn capacitadas en el futuro?

5. Cuantas lanchas tiene la comunidad?a. Cuantas lanchas quieren tener en el futuro?

6.

Cuales servicios tiene la comunidad para dar de comer a una turista?a. Quieren construir otros comedores o restaurantes en el futuro?7. Hay otras personas capacitadas u otros servicios que ofrecen la comunidad?

Quantitative Questions1. How many people are trained in the preparation of food?

a. How many would like to be trained in the future?2. How many people are trained as tour guides?

a. How many would like to be trained in the future?3. How many people are trained as naturalists / park rangers?a. How many would like to be trained in the future?

4. How many people are trained in driving a boat?a. How many would like to be trained in the future?

5. How many boats does your community have?a. How many would you like to have in the future?

6. What services can your community offer tourists with respect to food and drink?a. Would you like to have more restaurants or eateries in the future?7. Does your community have any additional skilled members or services it can offer to

tourists?

Preguntas Cualitativas


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3. Reto:a. Hay algo que est fuera de sus manos? Una situacin en particular?

4.

Opportunidades:a. Cmo va a ayudar la comunidad el ecoturismo, segn Uds?b. Cmo va a beneficiar a sus familias?

5. Meta ms importante:a. De todo que se ha mencionado, cules son las tres cosas ms importantes para

Uds. como comunidad? Puede ser de lo que sea.

Qualitative Questions

1. Strengths:a. What are good things about your community?b. What do members of your community know how to do?c. What about your surroundings could help with establishing an ecotourism

network?

2. Weaknesses:a. What brings you down as a community?b. What about your surroundings does not favor a successful community ecotourism

network?

3. Challenges:a. Is there anything out of your control? Or a situation in particular that limits you?

4. Opportunities:a. How do you think that ecotourism could help your community?b. How could it benefit your families?

5. Important Goals:a. From everything that has been said, what are the three most important things to

your community? They can be whatever you want.


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Appendix 2 Maps drawn by each community(Future goals/additions/infrastructure are drawn in blue.)


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C i i i j


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Appendix 3 Short, medium, and long term goals for the

communities of Zone 1(Given originally to each community in Spanish, English translations are in gray italics)

El Llano

Metas a Corto Plazo (que se pueden realizar en un ao a partir de ahora) Organizar un comit de ecoturismo dentro de la comunidad Investigar quienes tienen acceso al mar Crear huertos caseros Capacitar a personas interesadas en ser guas tursticos en la comunidad Tener un comedor en una casa que sea accesible desde el caminoShort term goals (able to be completed in less than one year)

Organize an ecotourism committeeFigure out who owns the Access road to the beachStart kitchen gardensTrain those who are interested in being tour guidesStart a small restaurant (could be part of someones house) near the main roadMetas a Mediano Plazo (Tres a seis aos) Obtener acceso al mar Construir un vivero de Tortugas Construir un estanque para peces Construir un estanque de camaronesMedium term goals (Three to six years)

Obtain beach accessConstruct a turtle hatcheryConstruct a fish farm Construct a shrimp farmMetas a Largo Plazo (Seis aos o ms)

Construir un muelle Levantar la calle Construir una casa comunal

C it E t i i th B j L


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Construct a community centerConstruct a tiki hut hotel with a poolDevelop a guest house / tourist centerAguacate

Metas a Corto Plazo (que se pueden realizar en un ao a partir de ahora)

Organizar un Comit del EcoturismoRecoger fruta (mangos, coco, maran) para vender en bolsas a los turistas, o traer turistas para

recoger fruta por s mismoAlquilar bicicletas para pasear por el camino, ver los rboles frutales, el paisaje, etc.Dar excursiones a caballoVender refrescos de jugo a los turistasCapacitar individuales interesados en ser guas tursticas en la comunidadShort term goals (able to be completed in less than one year)

Organize an ecotourism committee Pick fruit (mangos, coconuts, cashews) to sell in little bags to tourists or bring tourists in topick their own fruit

Rent out bikes for trail rides and to view the different fruit trees, see the countryside, etc. Give tours on horseback through the town Sell homemade juice to tourists Train those who are interested in being tour guides

Metas a Mediano Plazo (Tres a seis aos)

Vender jalea de frutasVender mantequilla de maranVender vino de maranAmplificacin de la luz elctricaCrear una ruta de cayucos dentro de los manglares

Medium term goals (Three to six years)

Sell homemade jelly or marmelade Sell homemate cashew butter Sell homemade cashew wine Connect all members of the town to the electrical grid

Comm nit Ecoto rism in the Bajo Lempa


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Long term goals (Six or more years)

Ask for permission / obtain Access to the private road

Construct a shrimp farmElevate the main roadsDevelop a small business model for harvesting and selling fruitsCeiba Doblado

Metas a Corto Plazo (que se pueden realizar en un ao a partir de ahora)

Organizar un comit de ecoturismo Abrir el parqueador de nuevo Construir ranchos en la playa con hamacas y cobra los turistas Vender cerveza / refrescos en la playa (*Pero hay que recoger las botellas) Poner comedores en casas cerca del camino Tener das voluntarias para limpiar las playas Capacitar individuales interesados en ser guas tursticas en la comunidadShort term goals (able to be completed in less than one year)

Organize an ecotourism committee Open up a pay per stay parking lot for beach go-ers who park on community property Construct tiki huts on the beach with hammocks and charge tourists for use Sell cold beer / refreshments on the beach, but remember to collect the bottles Set up small restaurants in houses near the main road

Schedule volunteer beach clean-up days Train those who are interested in being tour guides Metas a Mediano Plazo (Tres a seis aos)

Limpia el drenaje Construir su propio vivero de Tortugas Limpiar los manglares para que sea libre de basuraMedium term goals (Three to six years)Clean the main storm drain Construct a turtle hatchery Clean up the mangrove area and keep it clear of garbage

Community Ecotourism in the Bajo Lempa


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San Juan del Gozo

Metas a Corto Plazo (que se pueden realizar en un ao a partir de ahora) Tures de Cayuco en Los Manglares de la Baha y en la Laguna (si no es prohibido) / Vender bolsas de maraones Poner letreros en la calle para las pupuseras y / o panaderas. Por ejemplo: Come una pupusa! Capacitar individuales interesados en ser guas tursticas en la comunidadShort term goals (able to be completed in less than one year)

Give canoe tours in the bay and in the lagoon (if it is not prohibited)Sell cashews in small bagsPlace signs on the road for the pupusa / bread shops. For example: Why dont you eat apupusa!

Train those who are interested in being tour guidesMetas a Mediano Plazo (Tres a seis aos)

Comprar lanchas con motores que pueden llevar turistas en la baha

Mejorar la calle hacia la baha Construir un comedorMedium term goals (Three to six years)

Buy motor boats to take tourists around the BayClear / clean up the path to the BayConstruct a small restaurantMetas a Largo Plazo (Seis aos o ms)

Crear una hbitat natural para proteger las iguanas y tener guas tursticas o guarda recursospara ensearles a los turistas

Obtener acceso a la laguna a travs de un acuerdo con los que tienen acceso.Long term goals (Six or more years)

Create a natural habitat to protect the iguanas and use tour guides to show them to touristsObtain access to the lagoon for everyone by setting up and agreement with those who already

have access.



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Colgar fotos de las otras comunidades y las actividades que hayShort term goals (able to be completed in less than one year)Invite other communities to participate in their projectsFix up the bathrooms at Villa TortugaMake a map of possible tourist routesHang pictures of the other communities and the activities that tourists can doMetas a Mediano Plazo (Tres a seis aos)

Arreglar la Villa Tortuga - el suelo, bicicletas, camin, techo, piscina Arreglar cabaasMedium term goals (Three to six years)

Fix up Villa Tortuga - new floor, bicycles, trucks, roof, poolFix up the cabanasMetas a Largo Plazo (Seis aos o ms)

Construir un dreno Construir un muelle Mejorar la calle al marLong term goals (Six or more years)

Construct a drain for flood watersConstruct a dockFix up the road to the beach



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Appendix 4 Strategic project-planning workshop

(This is a replica of an actual planning workbook that was used by the community, Isla deMendz. Each community in Zone 1 received a workbook with recommendations that werespecific to their communitys needs, which were based on the results of the map communitymapping activities. The original workshop was created, delivered and written in Spanish.)

Taller de Plan Estratgica de Eco-Turismo Comunitario

En Colaboracin con:Asociacin MangleLa CoordinadoraADESCOs de la Zona 1 y Equipo Monterey 5

Agenda9:00 Mirar los mapas comunitarias9:30 Introducciones10:00 Charla de Metas a Corto Plazo10:30 Seleccin de Meta a Mediano Plazo10:45 Actividad de Planificacin12:00 Presentaciones de los planes12:20 Hacer cita para la prxima reunin

Introduccin - Como Planear un Proyecto

Antes de empezar en trabajar en su proyecto es muy importante tener un plan. Estas cuatropreguntas ayudan en preparar su plan. Piensa en estas preguntas antes que empezar suproyecto.

Qu?

En qu proyecto van a trabajar?

Quin?

Quines van a estar en la delegacin o comit de este proyecto? Quin sera un buen lder del proyecto?



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Dnde est el proyecto? En cul parte de la comunidad quiere tener el proyecto? Cmo van a dividir el trabajo? Por ejemplo, quin o quienes est(n) en cargo de cada

actividad? Cunto va a costar el proyecto?

o Cmo van a conseguir los fondos?Cundo?

Cundo van a terminar con cada paso del proyecto? Cundo van a terminar con el proyecto en total?

Charla de Metas a Corto Plazo

Metas a Corto Plazo (que se pueden realizar en un ao a partir de ahora) Discute lassiguientes recomendaciones. Qu piensan? Pueden pensar en ms?

Invitar otras comunidades para participar en sus proyectos Mejorar los baos en Villa Tortuga Hacer un mapa de las rutas Colgar fotos de las otras comunidades y las actividades que hay

Seleccin de Meta a Mediano Plazo y Actividad de Planificacin

Qu?

En qu proyecto van a trabajar?

Metas a Mediano Plazo (Tres a seis aos)

Arreglar la Villa Tortugao suelo, bicicletas, camin, techo, piscina

Arreglar cabaas



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y j p25

Quin?

Quines van a estar en la delegacin o comit de este proyecto? Quin sera un buen lder del proyecto? Quin tiene experiencia en estos proyectos?

Cmo?

Cules actividades son necesarios para cumplir el proyecto? Escriba los pasos que sonnecesarios para este proyecto.

Dnde est el proyecto? En cul parte de la comunidad quieren tener el proyecto?

Hasta cundo va a operar el proyecto? Quin o quienes est(n) en cargo de cada actividad? Cunto cuesta?

Cundo?

Cundo van a terminar con cada paso del proyecto? Cundo van a terminar con el proyecto en total?


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Appendix 5 Digital satellite images of potential tourist routes and activities

Each map is a satellite image of a specific community in Zone 1. The activities and routes listed are merely suggestions andrecommendations. They are meant to be revenue generating, but should only be implemented at the discretion of each ADESCO

and the Zone 1 ecotourism committee.

Together, they make up the entire Zone 1 and represent the different ways that a community ecotourism network can be formed


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community eco tourism in the bajo lempa - final-1

Documents