Eco-tourism in Mondulkiri; copy-cats and exploitation
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Eco-tourism in Mondulkiri; copy-cats and exploitation
Interesting article from the Globe about the rise of eco-tourism ventures in Mondulkiri, and how some operators are exploiting this greeny tourist trend.
Taking a walk on the wild side with Mondulkiri’s eco-tourism outfits
By: Claire Knox - POSTED ON: August 17, 2017 | Cambodia
Taking a walk on the wild side with Mondulkiri’s eco-tourism outfits
By: Claire Knox - POSTED ON: August 17, 2017 | Cambodia
http://sea-globe.com/mondulkiri-eco-tourism-outfits/But according to SVC [Sam Veasna Center] sales and marketing advisor Alison Curry, all of the good work they and other like-minded organisations, such as Mondulkiri’s Elephant Valley Project (EVP) are doing to promote responsible, sustainable travel is at risk due to a recent proliferation of copycat operators spreading false information and “hawkers selling a great story”.
“As well as boasting such incredible biodiversity, Mondulkiri is also one of the top five critical areas most at risk globally. Travellers come here specifically for ‘nature based’ tourism experiences and operators have realised that the tag of ‘conservation’ is a major draw for visitors who increasingly want authentic experiences that respect people and the planet, and are using them in their advertising slogans. It makes it incredibly hard for a tourist to establish what is genuine and what is just selling an idea with no back up,” she said.
What’s more, copycat businesses were not just diluting the work of reputable tour operators such as SVC, but were actually harming the communities they claimed to be assisting, Curry said.
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Re: Eco-tourism in Mondulkiri; copy-cats and exploitation
Is it me, or was there always something off about putting "eco" and "tourism" together at the same time?
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Re: Eco-tourism in Mondulkiri; copy-cats and exploitation
siliconlife wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2017 7:14 pm Is it me, or was there always something off about putting "eco" and "tourism" together at the same time?
To me ecotourism means not littering. My resort has to have: 24 hr. electricity, air con, hot water, internet, cable TV channels, bacon at the breakfast buffet, a really nice swimming pool ... and where I can rent a moto.
Fuck 'roughing it' in the jungle or being eaten alive by mosquitoes and sand fleas in shack on the beach. People who go to ecotourist places are probably dumb enough to contribute to Sea Shepherd... and pay to offset their carbon footprint when they buy air tickets.
You could be next.
Re: Eco-tourism in Mondulkiri; copy-cats and exploitation
^^ The only way this ever works is by attracting enough tourists who can afford to drop a couple of thou $$ into a community owned and run lodge or similar. If they can make more from tourists than poaching, logging or working the land then anybody would do that as it's easier work.
Unfortunately if Cambodia wanted to go down that route they are 10 to 15 years too late as the amount of poaching and deforestation (for the chinese markets) means they can't compete, even in Asia, why would you want to go to Mondulkiri/Rattanakiri when their are areas in Borneo (for e.g.) that are far bigger and more diverse?
Unfortunately if Cambodia wanted to go down that route they are 10 to 15 years too late as the amount of poaching and deforestation (for the chinese markets) means they can't compete, even in Asia, why would you want to go to Mondulkiri/Rattanakiri when their are areas in Borneo (for e.g.) that are far bigger and more diverse?
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Re: Eco-tourism in Mondulkiri; copy-cats and exploitation
Poaching is often for the local market.
"Roughing it" in ones 5 star hotel almost guarantees, not seeing anything, perhaps CM should stay at home?
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"Roughing it" in ones 5 star hotel almost guarantees, not seeing anything, perhaps CM should stay at home?
Sent from my SM-G570Y using Tapatalk
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Re: Eco-tourism in Mondulkiri; copy-cats and exploitation
Not necessarily, look at some of the lodges in Africa.Barang chgout wrote: ↑Mon Aug 28, 2017 6:35 am Poaching is often for the local market.
"Roughing it" in ones 5 star hotel almost guarantees, not seeing anything, perhaps CM should stay at home?
Re: Eco-tourism in Mondulkiri; copy-cats and exploitation
I've just read my post back and it could come across as slagging off the Mondulkiri/Rattanakiri area, I'm not I haven't been up there for a long time but I enjoyed my time there
I remember that road from Stung Trent to Banlung(2003), I was stupid enough to do it in the rainy season and then even stupider to travel on to Sen Monorom, they were up there with the worst roads ive ever ridden on. It was also the best experience I had. Tavelling with a mate we hired 2 motodops at a lakeside guesthouse in Phnom Penh for a month and hired a couple of big bikes then went crazy. I think I spent $4000 that month but worth every bit of it.
I remember that road from Stung Trent to Banlung(2003), I was stupid enough to do it in the rainy season and then even stupider to travel on to Sen Monorom, they were up there with the worst roads ive ever ridden on. It was also the best experience I had. Tavelling with a mate we hired 2 motodops at a lakeside guesthouse in Phnom Penh for a month and hired a couple of big bikes then went crazy. I think I spent $4000 that month but worth every bit of it.
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