Five-year strategic plan to guide Moraikobai eco-tourism

DPI, Guyana, Monday, May 21, 2018

The Moraikobai Tourism Committee is in the process of crafting a strategic plan that will guide the village’s eco-tourism project over the next five years. This was revealed by Chairman of the Committee, Remington Adrian.

According to Adrian, the plan will address the monetary returns of eco-tourism and community empowerment through the provision of skills and resources to develop a sustainable tourism enterprise.

He said that the proposal will also target about 12 clients per month because the committee does not yet possess the capacity to manage a large number of clients weekly. Adrian further added that based on the income received after three years, scholarships will be offered to the youths within the community. The elderly will also be assisted.

The plan will also see the development of a constitution to further guide the proper management, transparency and accountability of the village tourism effort.

In 2015, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and tour operators visited Moraikobai and sought to explore the tourism potential of the area. It was found that the community has the capacity for Caiman spotting, exploration of other wildlife, bird watching, kayaking and biking.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has set aside $5Million to start-up an eco-tourism project, of which $500,000 was handed over to the community for the clearing of the land on which the eco-lodge will be constructed.

The lodge will be equipped with nine cabins, a bar, dining area and a craft centre. It will also have a library where materials will be available on the history of the village.

Situated some 96 miles away from the junction of the Mahaicony river, Moraikobai the only indigenous community in Region Five. It has a population of just over 1200 residents.

 

By: Synieka Thorne

Image by Anil Seelall.