Recently, I have seen some TV shows and read articles where a few people have made comments disparaging tourism and claiming that local communities do not benefit 'at all' from the influx of visitors. They talk about what they believe is the exploitative nature of tourism and seem to be discouraging people from going abroad to be tourists in developing countries. Let me categorically oppose anyone making such a comment and open up to dialogue on this point.
Please, I encourage everyone to travel responsibly to be certain. But, I plead with those with the resources to travel, to go to developing countries, be responsible about your use of water, disposal of waste, respect for local cultures and traditions, avoid being an 'ugly American' and not to give hand-outs to beggars or street kids, but DO contribute to a local school, church or community health facility (if there are structures in place to receive and transparently use your donation.) When you return home from a visit, lobby your government for continued development assistance for education and HIV/AIDS programs. Namibia's foreign assistance and some very GREAT programs helping a lot of rural people have all been cut away or severely reduced over the past several years.
In Namibia, community based tourism is well developed and DOES benefit local people! I have worked in those programs personally and visited many communities over the years. I have SEEN the results with my own eyes. I am not speaking ideologically or on principle or reflecting what someone else 'told me.' Nor am I using any pre-decided template or ivory tower developed model for what does and does not happen when western tourists visit developing countries. I am speaking directly about NAMIBIA and how visitors positively contribute to the growth of community based natural resource management. I see people with jobs in tourism-related businesses in rural areas who are now able to pay school fees, get meat on the table at least once a week or increase their small stock (that is 'wealth' to them), get proper mattresses and beddings, buy mosquito nets and insect repellents and so many other things. I have seen communities pool their revenues from tourism in their area to get a borehole dug, buy diesel fuel to run the generator that operates the pumps, install solar panels, run a community conservancy office, pay game guards to offer some protection to the animals against the poachers and a raft of GREAT things that need tourism to happen!
Have doubts? GOOD. Never take anything on face value. Check out my friend Maxi Louis running the NACSO organization. Google them. Contact Maxi. Check out my friend Chris Weaver at WWF in Namibia. These are two resource people with hands-on in the bush in Namibia working with PEOPLE, not reading articles, but rolling up their sleeves and doing the work.
I can tell lots of stories but the one I am most proud of is about a community lodge called Grootberg Lodge in the //Khoadi Hoas conservancy that was 100% built with donor funds and handed over to the community.
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| A view of one room in the Grootberg lodge |
The people of that registered communal conservancy are the owners of that lodge. Indeed, they decided for themselves to have management contracts with professional hoteliers to help run the lodge, employ their conservancy members, train them and market the facility, but this joint venture contractual partnership has given huge financial benefits to the community. It is a wonder to see! Check them out online. If you visit Namibia, book a night there. It is spectacular!
I have worked to train communities on how to present their locally produced items in a way that is marketable and of a quality level that tourists look for. This boosts their sales and feeds their families and that is no joke when you live in poverty.
We can be overly liberal sometimes and make decisions from the clean cushions of our developed world homes and offices about what is 'best' for the local people in developing or marginalized countries. This usually makes those of us who try to be a part of the solution, actually...a part of the problem.
By all means plan a responsible trip to a developing country, things are so unspoiled, untouched and purely natural there...it makes you relax in ways your tired body and mind never imagined. Contact a tour operator in Namibia to book your trip, BUT...include a township tour, make certain you visit a community lodge or campsite, make sure that meals of local foods in local restaurants are a part of your itinerary. Tip properly in restaurants and hotels or lodges, never just GIVE money or 'things' to in exchange for no service provided, that can make some who are struggling in poverty, relate tourists to freebees and that is NOT a good lesson. Ask your tour operator to book local guides for you, ask questions about how many black people and women work in management at the lodges, hotels and tourism activities companies you wish to book. If you have a tour guide that is particularly great, ask about where you can send money to pay his kids' school fees directly (maybe USD$30 for the whole year). Internet banking works well in Namibia.
This is not me, Jackie, saying this, it comes from the community leaders, mothers, tourism workers and farmworkers I've worked with over the years who want to keep their communities focussed on independent achievement. Is everthing perfect in tourism in Namibia? Is everything perfect where you live right now?
'nough said.
I can give more examples and discuss these complex issues on a deeper level for thos interested. Until then, please book and come to Namibia for the best holiday of your life.
jw.asheeke@gmail.com
