Ha Project team was awarded the 2001 United Nations Development Award and achieved Highly Commended status in the 2002 British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.
The substantial economic benefits are not the only way communities benefit from ecotourism. During annual community workshops, villagers cited the main reasons that they enjoyed hosting international visitors was because it was "fun" and there now exists an opportunity for cultural exchange within a framework of mutual respect that was previously unattainable.Involving local communities in the design and ongoing implementation of the tours is one of the project's main strategies to protect natural and cultural resources. After all, it is these communities that have vested livelihood and traditional interests as stewards of the cultural and natural heritage. Through enforcement of strict carrying capacities, the trekking permit, use of only local guides, and participatory monitoring, the project team has established an effective operational framework to protect the very resources that sustain the newly created community-based ecotourism industry. An example of some operational regulations include:
- the consumption of wild animals and purchase of wildlife products is strictly prohibited
- the purchase of antiques or irreplaceable family heirlooms is strictly prohibited
- tourists are prohibited from distributing individual gifts in the villages
- removal of plants, animals or the built heritage is strictly prohibited
- visits to minority villages or heritage sites must be accompanied by a trained local guide
These and other regulations are printed clearly on the trekking permit and discussed in detail at a mandatory pre-trip orientation.
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