What Community-based Eco-tourism means to you?
In brief, Community-based tourism (CBT) is a form of responsible tourism that supports local communities and improves livelihoods. The tourism destination is managed by the local community members themselves.
CBET helps protect nature and support the lives of the local community. It provides alternative income which encourages the community to protect its natural resources rather than destroy them through unsustainable use.
Through CBET visitors get the change to have to know local Cambodian people, enjoy their hospitality, join them in their everyday life and learn about their culture and environment. This authentic form of tourism takes visitors to their communities and beautiful natural areas. Come and experience the real culture, the real nature and the real Cambodia.
List of CBET sites around Cambodia:
1. Ang Trapeang Thmor Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Banteay Mean Chey
2. Banteay Chhmar Community-Based Tourism Site. Banteay Meanchey
3. Chambok Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Kampong Speu
4. Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Koh Kong
5. Koh Pdao Community Development Tour, Kratie
6. Osvay Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Stung Treng
7. O'Russey Kandal Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Stung Treng
8. Prek Toal Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Battambang & Siem Reap
9. Preah Rumkel Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Stung Treng
10. Prek Thnout Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Kampot
11. Thmatboey Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Siem Reap
12. Virachey National Park Community-Based Ecotourism Initiative, Rattanakiri
13. Yeak Laom Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Rattanakiri
14. Khmer Village home stay, Kampong Thom
15. Sambor Prei Kuk, Kampong Thom
16. Koh Preah, Stung Treng
What do you get by going on a CBET trip?
It is a different experience than going to a destination of mass tourism. Some things to consider in advance:
Cultural exchange
Most of the time, the people of the community will be just as curious and excited about you, as you are about them. A visit to their communities gives you the chance for cultural exchange. Respect cultural sensitivities and don't give the local people the feeling they are zoo animals. If you are truly interested in Cambodian culture, a visit can give you unique insights in the people, environment and culture of the destination.
Home-stay
Some projects offer the possibility of a home-stay. This means you will spend the night in the house of a local family. The houses are prepared for your visit and will be equipped with mosquito nets for example. If you can't live without your hot shower and comfort, a home-stay is not for you. A home-stay won't provide you luxury, but it will be an unforgettable experience! You will experience the daily life of the community. Your host family will welcome you in their house, look after you and tell you all about their life!
Who benefits
Part of the fee of visiting a CBET site is being invested in environmental conservation and community development. Therefore, you may pay a little extra. With your support the community will benefit and the environment will be conserved. By paying entrance fees, hiring local guides, doing home-stays and purchasing local products, you can support nature conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
How to behave
Try to learn about the community before you go and behave in an appropriate way during your stay. Some guidelines:
In brief, Community-based tourism (CBT) is a form of responsible tourism that supports local communities and improves livelihoods. The tourism destination is managed by the local community members themselves.
CBET helps protect nature and support the lives of the local community. It provides alternative income which encourages the community to protect its natural resources rather than destroy them through unsustainable use.
Through CBET visitors get the change to have to know local Cambodian people, enjoy their hospitality, join them in their everyday life and learn about their culture and environment. This authentic form of tourism takes visitors to their communities and beautiful natural areas. Come and experience the real culture, the real nature and the real Cambodia.
List of CBET sites around Cambodia:
1. Ang Trapeang Thmor Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Banteay Mean Chey
2. Banteay Chhmar Community-Based Tourism Site. Banteay Meanchey
3. Chambok Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Kampong Speu
4. Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Koh Kong
5. Koh Pdao Community Development Tour, Kratie
6. Osvay Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Stung Treng
7. O'Russey Kandal Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Stung Treng
8. Prek Toal Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Battambang & Siem Reap
9. Preah Rumkel Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Stung Treng
10. Prek Thnout Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Kampot
11. Thmatboey Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Siem Reap
12. Virachey National Park Community-Based Ecotourism Initiative, Rattanakiri
13. Yeak Laom Community-Based Ecotourism Site, Rattanakiri
14. Khmer Village home stay, Kampong Thom
15. Sambor Prei Kuk, Kampong Thom
16. Koh Preah, Stung Treng
What do you get by going on a CBET trip?
It is a different experience than going to a destination of mass tourism. Some things to consider in advance:
Cultural exchange
Most of the time, the people of the community will be just as curious and excited about you, as you are about them. A visit to their communities gives you the chance for cultural exchange. Respect cultural sensitivities and don't give the local people the feeling they are zoo animals. If you are truly interested in Cambodian culture, a visit can give you unique insights in the people, environment and culture of the destination.
Home-stay
Some projects offer the possibility of a home-stay. This means you will spend the night in the house of a local family. The houses are prepared for your visit and will be equipped with mosquito nets for example. If you can't live without your hot shower and comfort, a home-stay is not for you. A home-stay won't provide you luxury, but it will be an unforgettable experience! You will experience the daily life of the community. Your host family will welcome you in their house, look after you and tell you all about their life!
Who benefits
Part of the fee of visiting a CBET site is being invested in environmental conservation and community development. Therefore, you may pay a little extra. With your support the community will benefit and the environment will be conserved. By paying entrance fees, hiring local guides, doing home-stays and purchasing local products, you can support nature conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
How to behave
Try to learn about the community before you go and behave in an appropriate way during your stay. Some guidelines:
- Wildlife and Forest Conservation
- Do not eat, buy, or encourage in any way, wildlife trade and the capture of wildlife. This includes buying of animals out of pity.
- Take all non-biodegradable rubbish out with you as there are no waste management facilities in the villages.
- Try to conserve water.
- Bury any human waste and toilet tissue at least 50m from water sources.
- Take a collective responsibility to ensure fires are safe and well extinguished before departing a camp or lunch site.
- Please do not collect plants and specimens from the forest as souvenirs. Remember that people are a vital part of conservation and that they and their way of life deserve respect.
- Respecting Cultural Values
- Dress modestly. Cover legs and shoulders whilst in the village. Nudity is offensive, so also dress modestly when bathing.
- Take your shoes off when entering a house or your home-stay.
- Displays of affection should not be made publicly.
- Don't become drunk or use drugs.
- Don't flirt with local people. Be respectful at all times.
- Try to meet with the village committee.
- Please do not give money or gifts to children or beggars.
- Ask before taking photographs of local people.
- If you are inclined to leave a tip or want to make a contribution, please leave a communal amount for everyone to share in order to diffuse any jealousies or perception of inequity.
No comments:
Post a Comment