Module 9: Session 3

Using SMART tools to collect  field data

This Session will introduce SMART Mobile and Collect- the exciting new additions to the SMART conservation toolkit– and how they can be used to protect wildlife and improve protected area management in the range of the snow leopard.

Session 3.1: Field data recording with SMART conservation tools

 Session 3.2: Demonstration of how to install SMART mobile on a handheld device

Session 3.3: Case study – Field patrolling with multiagency anti-poaching unit (MAPU)

Module 8: Session 2

In this 2nd session of Module 8 we move forward and specifically look at the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of engaging communities for conservation led tourism. We capture the positions of different stakeholders and how they can, or might not always, be aligned with benefits reaching the community as a whole.

Session 2.1: Why should local communities be central to conservation?

Session 2.2: Principles for community led conservation tourism in China

Session 2.3: A large scale context approach

Highlights

• Why should local communities be central to the conservation of snow leopards?
• What are the benefits and risks of involving local communities for conservation of snow leopard landscapes?
• There maybe a tension between tourist experiences and community cohesion. For example tourists will want to stay at the best place for the best chance. They will also want to choose where they stay. Versus the community being empowered to regulate, and promote the equitable distribution of benefits.
• How can effective community structures deal with tourism and manage the program?
• There is a need for support of the local governments and other enforcement agencies
• An integrated approach is crucial when looking at snow leopard tourism. While one community may be better suited to host guests, other nearby communities can be part of the wider service ecosystem. One can consider the distribution of benefits at the landscape level

Download the full highlight summary HERE.

Module 8: Session 4

The Module 8 journey so far has taken us to introducing Conservation Tourism concepts and the need to engage communities as a central pillar to the approach. In the last session we focussed on ecological, social and economic “risks” and ways to mitigate these.

This final session will take us towards broadening our discussions to learn from examples that are underway in Pakistan, Tajikistan and Mongolia. We hope these experiences help us see the above principles in action and perhaps bring up new themes and ideas. We will then conclude the session by synthesising key principles which we feel will be useful as teams start new programs or refine on-going approaches. 

Session 4.1: Introduction

Session 4.2: Example from Tajikistan

Session 4.3: Example from Mongolia

Session 4.4: Example from Pakistan

Session 4.5: Bringing the principles together

Session 4.6: Conservation Tourism Principles Recap

Session 4.7: Conservation Tourism Framework Approach

Session 4.8: Concluding thoughts

Highlights

• “Tourism is like a fire. You can cook your food with it, but if it’s not managed, it can burn your house down.”
• In areas without formal wildlife protection- tourism can be used to support local communities to set-up community based conservation programs. This can create ownership of land and increase investments in building capacity for conservation (i.e. Tajikistan)
• Conservation led tourism may be challenged in areas of low human density and where communities structures are not in place (i.e. Mongolia). How can benefits be equitably distributed? How to address this challenge?
• Local risk assessments is an essential part of the process and explore mitigation measures (i.e. Pakistan)
• Key components of Conservation Tourism include: Inclusive conservation beyond the protected area; Community involvement; Economic benefits for the community; Equitable distribution, and the community has to making the decisions.
• Why is conservation tourism important?
  • Creates conservation opportunities
  • Helps pay for ecosystem services
  • Can help preserve cultural heritage
  • Build community support for conservation
  • Way of empowering community and giving them ownership
  • Livelihoods linked to the well-being of snow leopard and it’s habitats
• There are however enormous risks from tourism
  • Increase vulnerability
  • No equitable benefits can lead to conflicts
  • Malpractices if not managed
  • Visitors can have an ecologically heavy footprint
  • Destruction of natural and cultural environment
• The Fundamentals include:
  • Destination led and not market driven
  • Benefits at a landscape level
  • Low-volume – high revenue
  • Local involvement and ethical practices
  • Unity of control
  • Integrated approach