Trekking in the forests and through the villages of Luang Namtha Provincemakes you a partner in improving peoples lives and in preserving the wonders of the Nam Ha NPA. |
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Single or multi day trekking tours led by trained local guides depart daily, including village visits and homestays. Many other activities such as boat tours, special tours for wildlife trekking or learning about rural lifestyles have been developed for visitoes. |
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The commumities have been involved in tourism development and are activily participating and receiving a significant part of the benefits. Working to conserve and protect the natural and culture heritage of Luang Namtha Province and the Nam Ha Biodiversity is the main objective of Ecotourism. |
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The UNESCO-LNTA Nam Ha Ecotourism Project is a community-based ecotourism initiative implemented by the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) in and around Lao PDR's Nam Ha National Protected Area. The UNESCO Office of the Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia and the Pacific provides technical assistance and monitoring to this award-winning project, with the generous financial support of the Government of New Zealand. In collaboration with national partners such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Information and Culture and the Science, Technology and Environment Agency - in addition to a number of international organizations - the project is encouraging cooperation between the public and private sector to implement a community-based ecotourism development approach that places local communities at the center of the tourism development and management process. |
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Another main focus of the project is to assist the Laotian authorities establish mechanisms that ensure tourism makes measurable contributions to the conservation and protection of the country's outstanding natural and cultural heritage in an economically viable framework. |
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First launched in Luang Namtha during October 1999, the project has been recognized by the United Nation's Development Programme (UNDP) as a “best practice” poverty alleviation intervention, winning the UN Development Award for Poverty Alleviation in Lao PDR in 2001. For its contribution to natural heritage protection, British Airways acknowledged the Nam Ha Project in the 2002 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, National Parks and Protected Areas Category. |
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| Nam Ha Ecoguide Service finalist for the Equator Prize 2006. |
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The Nam Ha Ecoguide Service has been chosen by the Equator Initiative's Technical Advisory Committee as one of 25 outstanding finalists for the Equator Prize 2006.
The Equator Initiative is a partnership that brings together the United Nations, civil society, business, governments and communities to help build the capacity and raise the profile of grassroots efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
The 2006 Jury has the challenging task of selecting five winning initiatives that represent the most outstanding community efforts to reduce poverty and conserve biodiversity in the equatorial belt. Winners will be announced on World Environment Day, on 5 June 2007.
For more information on the Equator Initiative: http://www.undp.org/equatorinitiative/ |
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| Overview |
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Currently in its second phase (2005-2008), the projects implementing agency is the Lao National Tourism Administration , primarily in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Department of Forest Resource Conservation, and the Ministry of Information and Culture's Department of Archaeology and Museums. The project's executing agency is the UNESCO Office of the Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia and the Pacific. There is an established field office and on-site team of advisors in Luang Namtha, a mountainous province in Lao PDR's extreme northwest that borders Myanmar and China. |
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| Donors |
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Project Goal
To strengthen the management, regulatory and collaborative capacity of the Luang Namtha provincial tourism office, related government agencies and the private sector in order to implement economically viable, sustainable community-based ecotourism initiatives that contribute to poverty alleviation and the conservation and protection of the natural and cultural heritage of Luang Namtha Province and the Nam Ha National Protected Area.
Project Objectives
To build on the considerable accomplishments and lessons learned during the first phase of the project, Nam Ha Phase II intends to:
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Strengthen the capabilities of the provincial authorities and private sector to regulate, coordinate and expand sustainable community-based ecotourism programmes in Luang Namtha
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Use community based ecotourism as a tool for conservation, rural development and poverty alleviation in Luang Namtha
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Provide the provincial tourism office, local guides and private sector operators with essential training in community-based ecotourism management and operations
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Increase the number of women and ethnic minorities from both the public and private sector that are trained in the development and management of community-based ecotourism activities
Project Time Frame
Nam Ha Phase II field activities began in Luang Namtha during January 2005. The current phase of the project is expected to run until late 2007. |
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Product Development
Excellent opportunities for forest trekking, home-stays in ethnic minority villages, rafting and kayaking, cave exploration, mountain bike tours and visits to a number of archaeological sites have been developed by local tour operators and the Nam Ha Ecoguide Service using the community-based ecotourism (CBE) development approach created by the Nam Ha Project Team. All (CBE) programmes in and around Luang Namtha's Nam Ha NPA were set up in close consultation with local communities based on the project's objectives, and place high emphasis on local ownership of tourism-related services, local retention of financial benefits and a strong natural and cultural heritage conservation component. For more information on how to participate in locally-guided CBT programmes developed with assistance from the Nam Ha Project, visit the Wildside-Green Discovery or Boatlanding website. |
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Field Surveys
Beginning in December 1999, the NHEP began survey work to identify potential trekking routes and river trips in and around the Nam Ha NBCA. Surveys were carried out in cooperation with the NBCA Management Unit, Provincial Police, Tourism Office and Office of Information and Culture. With cartographic data provided by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the team identified two promising activities: an overnight trek and a 1-2 day boat trip on the Namtha River . The selection of these two activities was based on: |
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- Villagers interest in developing the activity, and their willingness to host international tourists
- The aesthetic and cultural attractiveness of the routes
- The logistic feasibility of developing these activities
Existing trail conditions and safety
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Testing the Trekking Route
The trekking route was tested by 32 international tourists from February - July 2000. The trial treks were guided by NHEP staff and employees of the NBCA Management Unit. Overall, trial trekkers and villagers were highly satisfied with the pilot trips, and both parties had useful suggestions regarding the development of the route. Since these initial trial trips, over 200 people have now participated in the trek. Based on feedback from villagers and tourists, the treks have been continuously improved. |
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Boat Trip on the Namtha River
Transporting goods and people on the Namtha River from Luang Namtha to the Mekong has been a traditional mode of transportation for generations. This route offers spectacular views of the Nam Ha NBCA and exciting rapids. Survey data collected from international tourists by NHEP staff indicate that 82% are interested in river trips to the confluence of the Nam Ha and Nam Tha Rivers . Project staff approached the boatmen's association with this data, and worked with the boatmen to increase their understanding of international tourists, as well as how to market the trip. Since organizing and promoting the activity, the boatmen report that at least 20 trips have been undertaken. |
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Training and Capacity Building
Training activities during phase II of the project mainly focus on refining the interpretative skills of the over 100 local guides trained during the first phase of the project, increasing host communities abilities to implement and manage ecotourism activities in a sustainable way, and strengthen tour operators ability to promote CBE in an accurate and culturally appropriate manner. Rather than setting out to accomplish these formidable tasks on their own, the project team will focus on identifying and “training trainers” from the public and private sector in Luang Namtha to conduct near-term and future training activities.
Capacity building is centered on strengthening the ability of the Luang Namtha Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) and Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA) Management Office's ability to plan for and manage tourism in the province. The project team assists the PTO and Nam Ha NPA Management Office conduct bi-annual tourism management and planning workshops with provincial stakeholders and provides on-going assistance to these institutions in order to help create provincial and district level tourism management plans.
These training and capacity building exercises build on initiatives undertaken during Phase I of the project. Initially, the Nam Ha project team was mainly involved in performing visitor surveys , tourism & conservation awareness workshops, provincial and village guide training, other tourism-related service training, small-business management training and monitoring. |
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Village Outreach in Muang Sing & Luang Namtha
In cooperation with Luang Namtha's Tourism Office and the European Commission Integrated Rural Development Project, Nam Ha Ecotourism Project staff held five community based tourism awarenes seminars and a study tour in Muang Sing.
The main topics covered were: |
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Who are international tourists, and why do they come to LNT Province |
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The importance of preserving traditional life-ways and the environment |
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Community income generating possibilities from tourism |
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Dangers associated with tourists using opium in villages |
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How to mitigate cultural misunderstandings |
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The seminars in Luang Namtha included 9 villages, attended by a total of 135 people. The study tour to Muang Sing visited two villages heavily impacted by tourism and was attended by 12 villagers from six villages in Luang Namtha. |
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Local Guide Training
Local guides are an essential component of community-based ecotourism. From September 2000 to April 2001 twenty-five local guides have completed their training in Luang Namtha and received certificates. Eight villages guides from villages located along the main trekking route were certified in March 2001.
The guides were trained not only in guiding techniques, but in: |
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English language |
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Basic First-Aid |
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Cultural and nature interpretation |
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Environmental sensitivity |
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Hospitality management |
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Because this is the first-ever eco-guide training in Laos, the project team is compiling an eco-guide training manual in English and Lao in order that training can be replicated in other regions of Laos. |
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English Language Instruction
Since January 2000 over 80 local participants from Luang Namtha's have received intensive English language instruction. The training focused on enhancing their ability to communicate with international tourists. Participants included owners and employees from local guesthouses and restaurants, Provincial Tourism Officers, Border and Airport Police and other Luang Namtha authorities. |
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Hospitality Management Training
During July 2000, eight participants from the Luang Namtha Tourism Industry attended Novotel Vientiane's Hospitality Training. Training covered:
- Housekeeping
- Food Preparation
- Guest Reception
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During March 2000, twenty-eight participants from 11 guesthouse and restaurants attended the NTA/Nam Ha Ecotourism Project's Hospitality Management Training In Muang Sing. Training included:
- Housekeeping and Hygiene
- Front Office Operations
- Food and Beverage Service
- Drug Prevention
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Additional Training
June 17 - 27, 2000: National Project Coordinator attended the Where There be Dragons' Outdoor Leadership Course in Sequoia National Forest , California USA . Course content included:
- Wilderness first aid instruction and certification as Wilderness First Responder
- Experiential education and environmental interpretation techniques
- Backcountry food preparation and hygiene
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Study Tour to Luang Prabang with Local Village Leaders
In an effort to broaden local leaders understanding of the tourism industry and show them what international tourists prefer in regard to quality handicrafts, the Nam Ha Ecotourism Project staff conducted a study tour to Luang Prabang with six participants and two NHEP staff from 23 - 26 August 2000. |
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Transportation & Tourism Seminar
Because transportation is such a vital link in the tourism infrastructure, the NHEP conducted a tourism awareness seminar targeting local drivers. The seminar focused on safety, drug prevention, pricing, service, potential problems, and strategies to mitigate misunderstandings between locals and international tourists. |
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| Information and Promotion |
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Development of CBE-related information and promotional materials is being done with the assistance of the project team and project partners in a way that both conveys the importance heritage conservation and promotes Luang Namtha as an attractive destination for those interested in sustainable CBE activities. The existing guidebook Trekking Gently in Luang Namtha and poster A Message from Your Local Host developed during phase I of the project have won praise from tour operators and host communities alike for delivering information in an attractive, culturally sensitive manner. During phase II, the project team will continue to provide technical advice to public agencies and private sector operators on the design and production of updated promotional materials.
Visitor Information Boards
To compliment the information in the major guide books regarding prices, transportation schedules, and interesting
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things to see and do in Luang Namtha, the project team has placed 6 information boards in strategic locations in Luang Namtha and Muang Sing at the request of the local tourism industry. These stations are also being used to post media aimed at raising cultural sensitivity and drug prevention. |
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Luang Namtha Brochures
In an effort to provide interesting, accurate information while promoting Luang Namtha and Muang Sing as a culturally and environmentally sustainable eco-tourism destination, the project team created a set of brochures which introduce the project and shorter day treks. A longer booklet has been written introducing the overnight trek. |
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Cultural Guidelines Poster
In cooperation with the European Commission Integrated Rural Development Project, the project team worked with participatory development experts to solicit ideas from villagers regarding the design and content of a poster intended to communicate information about culturally appropriate behavior to international tourists.
These are some examples of the poster's messages.
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Public-Private Partnerships
The establishment of public-private sector partnerships based on cooperative agreements that clearly outline sustainable CBE operational guidelines within a site-specific regulatory framework to support the development and implementation of sensible CBE programmes is another priority of the Nam Ha Project. Through participatory stakeholder consultations between tourism authorities, heritage managers, private sector tour operators and participating communities, cooperative agreements are being developed to forge sustainable public-private sector partnerships that take into account critical issues such as site-access, financial benefit-sharing, natural resource utilization, limits of acceptable change and law enforcement. |
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Conservation & Development Initiatives
By undertaking participatory action research in areas that are experiencing a rapid decline in natural resources such as old-growth forest, wildlife and non-timber forest products, the project team is working with local communities, provincial authorities and development agencies to identify opportunities to link village development activities with the conservation priorities of the Nam Ha NPA.
Ecotourism as an Alternative to Upland Rubber Cultivation in the Nam Ha National Protected Area, Luang Namtha
Steven Schipani, Juth Pakai Journal, 8, April 2007.
This paper, written by Steven Schipani, UNESCO Senior Advisor for the Nam Ha Ecotourism Project, reports on the financial benefits that ecotourism is generating around the Nam Ha NPA, arguing that it generates financial benefits for local people while protecting the environment and culture of Lao PDR. Rubber may provide less profit and negatively affects national biodiversity. It is concluded that ecotourism activities and rubber plantations can both be conducted viably, but not in the same immediate areas.
Download the article (PDF file, 500 KB)
Open the weblink in the UNDP Lao PDR site |
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Research
The project team is conducting on-going cultural resource mapping in Luang Namtha Province , as well as documenting the effects of tourism on local culture and the environment. Data is being collected and analyzed using a standardized monitoring protocol developed during phase I of the project. Ongoing visitor and market surveys are carried out by the PTO with technical assistance from the project team in order to determine changing demographic characteristics, spending patterns, and level of interest in CBE-related activities among international tourists in Luang Namtha.
Visitor surveys
To gain a better understanding of the demographics and interests of international tourists in Luang Namtha and Muang Sing, the project team is conducting ongoing data collection. |
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Mean length of stay in Laos = 23 days (range 2 - 60) |
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Mean length of stay in LNT = 4 days (range = 1- 14) |
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Mean daily expenditure = 9 US $ (range = 2 - 25) |
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Main entry point is Houixai (43%) |
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Main exit point is Vientiane (38%) |
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Preliminary data indicate that the average length of stay in Laos is much longer than reported existing survey data obtained in Vientiane . Tourists reported that their main reasons for visiting the province was because of its cultural and natural attractions. |
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Participatory meeting in Nalan Village addressing heritage conservation and community involvement in the trekking operation. |
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Test-trek feedback
The majority of feedback the team received from test-trek participants was overwhelmingly positive. The natural environment, interaction with villagers and a sense of being “off the beaten path” were the most enjoyable aspects of participants experiences. Areas for improvement included better trained local guides, creation of a separate sleeping area for trekkers, construction of a latrine, and ensuring that enough potable water is available. |
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Cultural resource mapping
The project's cultural team is conducting ongoing Cultural Resource Mapping in Muang Sing, Vieng Phoukha, Luang Namtha and Muang Nale to assess sites of high cultural importance. The team plans to: |
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Visit sites with ruins of ancient temples and stupas |
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Visit sites where Khmu bronze drums are said to exist |
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Visit and confirm the existence of stone menhirs in Nale |
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Include sites that have exceptional scenic beauty, historical importance, and unique artistic traditions |
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In addition to the extensive cultural resource map of the region, the cultural team is producing English labels for artifacts in the Luang Namtha and Muang Sing Museums . A chart of religious and cultural festivals for the various ethnic groups in the area and accurate informational booklets about these ethnic groups are also being created. |
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| Gender Mainstreaming |
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Both UNESCO and the Lao government place high importance on gender sensitive development strategies that consider the needs and aspirations of ethnic minorities, especially ethnic minority women. It is therefore a priority of the Nam Ha Project to recruit qualified women and ethnic minorities to fill positions as project advisors, trainers and managers, and increase the number of women involved in the operation of CBE activities. This issue will be addressed by setting attendance targets of 50% women, with a minimum of 20% ethnic minority women participants in project-sponsored trainings. The same targets have been set for other project activities. The project intends to mainstream gender related issues such as |
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 Women participating in a guides' training
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gender awareness, prevention of sexual exploitation and HIV/AIDS awareness into all relevant trainings, and will attempt to use local languages when necessary to effectively communicate with both men and women. The project will promote the value of girls' education and attempt to introduce labor-reducing inputs as part of integrated conservation and development activities whenever feasible (e.g. village water systems). The project's monitoring protocol will disaggregate data by gender and measure the level of both men and women's involvement in CBE operation and management. |
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Project Administration
Funded by the New Zealand's International Aid & Development Agency , the Nam Ha Ecotourism Project's executing agency is the UNESCO Office of the Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia and the Pacific. The project's national implementing agency is the Lao National Tourism Administration , which implements the project through the Luang Namtha PTO under the supervision of a national supervisory committee. At the field level, a provincial steering committee has been formed to provide guidance and coordination for the project's day-to-day implementation in Luang Namtha.
National Supervisory Committee
Lao National Tourism Authority - Department of Statistics, Planning and International Cooperation
Lao National Commission for UNESCO - Office of the Secretary General, Lao-UNESCO
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry - Division of Forest Resource Conservation
Ministry of Information and Culture - Department of Archaeology and Museums
Office of the Prime Minister - Science Technology and Environment Agency
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Foreign Investment Management Committee
Provincial Steering Committee
Office of the Vice-Governor
Provincial Tourism Office
Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Nam Ha National Protected Area Management Unit
Provincial Planning Office
Provincial Police Department
Provincial Information and Culture Service
Provincial Science, Technology and Environment Office
Provincial Women's Union
Provincial Foreign Investment Management Office
Provincial Department of Communication, Post, Transport and Construction
The Project Team
International Senior Ecotourism Advisor
International Training Advisor
UNESCO Administration and Finance Officer
National Project Coordinator
National Conservation and Community-Based Ecotourism Development Advisor
National Operational Management and Monitoring Specialist
Field Office Administration and Finance Officer |
