To uplift the livelihoods of rural communities the government has prioritised a community based ecotourism programme in the current five year plan. Community based ecotourism programme is a tourism related activities that ensures direct financial benefits to the rural communities.
Currently, community based ecotourism programmes have started in five protected areas like Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Royal Manas National Park, Thrimzhingla National Park, Wangchuck centennial Park and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. These protected areas fall under Trashigang, Bumthang, Trashiyangtse, Zhemgang, Trongsa, Haa, Lhuentse, Sarpang, Wangduephodrang, Monggar and Pemagatshel Dzongkhags.
The Wangchuck Centennial Park office in Bumthang has initiated ecotourism activities like construction of eco-trails and guestrooms for tourists and rehabilitation of hot spring areas to help villagers earn income.
“It is known to the people that we have initiated annual event nomads’ festival. The event has very much helped the people to promote Chhoekhortoe and it has become tourism product in the off season which in turn has benefited the communities,” said the Wangchuck Centennial Park in Bumthang’s Chief Forestry Officer, D.S Rai. He also said in terms of capacity building, they have conducted nature tour guide training to some 15 young people and are also planning to open Summer Bumthang trail for the tourists.
Likewise, other National Park offices have initiated numerous activities related to ecotourism. According to the Royal Manas National Park office, eco camps were established for the community to host tourists from early 2010. In the eco camps, there are recreational facilities meant for tourists.
Other than ecotourism activities, the national park offices have been playing a vital role in infrastructure development in the villages. This includes construction of farm road, roofing of community owned Lhakhangs, addressing human-wildlife conflict and providing drinking water facilities.
The Government has plans to launch community based ecotourism programme in Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Dorji National Park, Phibsoo wildlife sanctuary and Toorsa district nature reserve.
