March Mamadou Mariko Tourism and Development Expert AMCFE tel:

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1 US Forest Service Office of International Programs Technical Assistance Mission in Collaboration with Association Malienne Pour la Conservation de la Faune et de L Environnement Ecotourism with an Emphasis on Birding Opportunities In the Gourma Region March 2010 Lauren Chitty Africa Program Specialist US Forest Service lchitty@fs.fed.us tel: Lisa Machnik Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness Resources Specialist US Forest Service lmachnik@fs.fed.us tel: Mamadou Mariko Tourism and Development Expert AMCFE amcfe@afribonemali.net, kourymadou@yahoo.fr tel:

2 Table of Contents I. List of Acronyms 3 II. Acknowledgements... 4 III. Summary..5 IV. Introduction...7 V. Background and Context..9 VI. Key Issues, Findings, Recommendations, Opportunities for USFS Technical Support, Opportunities for AMCFE Support...11 A. Birding opportunities in the Gourma B. Realization of local income generation.15 C. PCVBG E program is concluding...17 D. Coordination among variety of interest groups in the Gourma necessary.18 E. Travelers safety concerns are negatively affecting tourism in Mali...21 F. Drought in the Gourma...23 VII. Conclusion 24 Annex 1. Key Contacts.26 Annex 2. Borko Sustainable Tourism Opportunities 31 Annex 3. Preparing for Developing a Website...36 Annex 4. Promoting Tourism Key Dates and Locations 39 Annex 5. Marketing the Gourma Experience 40 Annex 6: Objectives of Tourism in the Gourma.42 Annex 7: What Do Tourists Want in a Campement?...43 Annex 8. Birding Africa and Naturetrek Tours to Mali. 53 Annex 9. Mali Elephant Project Map of Elephants Migratory Path 54 Annex 10. Scope of Work

3 I. List of Acronyms AMCFE DNEF GAE Walia GIS GSTA IUCN MEP NGO OMATHO PCVBG E STE USAID USFS Association Malienne Pour la Conservation de la Faune et de L Environnement Direction Nationale des Eaux et Fôrets Groupe d'appui Environnemental Walia; coordinating body for regional NGOs in Mopti Geographic Information System Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance; a partnership of leading organizations in the sustainable tourism field working together with USAID Missions to apply a holistic and market driven approach to sustainable tourism development World Conservation Union Mali Elephant Project Non Governmental Organization Office Malien du Tourisme et de l Hôtellerie (OMATHO) Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversité du Gourma et des Eléphants Save the Elephants United States Agency for International Development United States Forest Service 3

4 II. Acknowledgements Our USFS/AMCFE team is grateful to the following individuals for their time, commitment, and contributions toward this mission. Sincere thanks to Mr. Moussa DIALLO at OMATHO, Mrs. Rokia Diarra KONARE at IUCN, Mr. Amadou MAIGA at TAM Voyages, and Dr. Susan Canney of The WILD Foundation for the insight, guidance, and context provided to help shape the direction of this mission. We are particularly grateful to Mr. Alassane BALLO and Mr. Sidiki KONE of GAE Walia for the information and reference documents shared pertaining to birdlife in the Inner Niger Delta and Gourma Region. To local community leaders and tourism professionals, we particularly value your input and feedback, and are grateful for all you shared with us. In order for any tourism venture in the Gourma to prove sustainable and successful, local communities must be involved ; local knowledge capitalized upon ; and local guidance must be employed in shaping the direction of tourism development. Thank you for all you shared to help inform the early stages of this endeavor. Our USFS/AMCFE team looks forward to continuing to collaborate with you in the future to help realize communities desires in achieving sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma that both promotes natural resource conservation and local livelihood improvement. USFS extends sincere gratitude to l Association Malienne pour la Conservation de la Faune et de l Environnement (AMCFE), and particularly to our colleague and partner, Mr. Mamadou Mariko. We are inspired by your sincere dedication to conservation! Our USFS team members are grateful for all of the energy expended on the ground in Mali prior to our arrival in country to help arrange logistics, make key contacts, and prepare for this mission. It has been an honor to work with you, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration. USFS is grateful to AMCFE s President Mr. Moriba NOMOKO for the ongoing support of AMCFE to conservation and community development efforts in the Gourma. We also express our gratitude to Mr. Nomba Ganamé, for great insight shared about the Gourma Region and birdlife in this part of Mali. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to serve in this unique and challenging mission. 4

5 III. Summary The US Forest Service s Office of International Programs (USFS) and Association Malienne pour la Conservation de la Faune et de l Environnement (AMCFE) have been collaborating since 2008 in an attempt to further conservation awareness and education in the Gourma Region of Mali (hereafter the Gourma. ) This collaboration was originally initiated at the request of Mali s Direction Nationale des Eaux et Fôrets (DNEF,) which is interested in furthering the priorities of the Government of Mali in this region, priorities our USFS/AMCFE team share: protection of the natural resources (flora and fauna) in the Gourma, and local livelihood improvement. The Gourma is a unique region of Mali, hosting the northern most population of elephants on the African continent. These animals, which have coexisted with humans for generations, are at a critical juncture, as competition for water and food resources increases with expanding human and livestock populations in the area. Various attempts at promoting elephant viewing tourism opportunities in the Gourma are being made alongside such tourism ventures as rock climbing, hiking, and camping in the dunes, but there is a lack of overall tourism coordination in the region. There is a desire by the Malian government to increase tourism in the Gourma as a means of income generation; there is also a need to be prudent in terms of how and what kind of tourism is promoted to ensure that sustainable tourism activities are undertaken and supported. With these ideas in mind, AMCFE requested USFS assistance in assessing birding opportunities in the Gourma Region. Were it deemed to be a viable tourism option in the Gourma, exclusive birding opportunities in this region would possess the potential to generate substantial tourism revenue, while having very little adverse impact on the environment; in fact, if exclusive bird sighting opportunities were to be identified in the Gourma, promotion of this activity could prove to contribute substantially to the overall conservation of the region, as well as environmental awareness among local people. A team comprised of technical experts from USFS and AMCFE worked in country with counterparts and important stakeholders including Office Malien du Tourisme et de l Hôtellerie (OMATHO), Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversité du Gourma et des Eléphants (PCVBG E), other local, regional, and national government representatives, local and international NGO s, community associations and local community leaders, local teachers, and travel agencies from March 1 10, The team examined the feasibility of bird viewing tourism in the area, and gained insight from local populations and government. During the mission, the USFS team members travel was restricted by the US Embassy due to security concerns. In some cases, the information presented in this report was gleaned from informational interviews conducted outside of the Gourma of key stakeholders who live/work in the Gourma Region; in some cases, the information presented here in represents the findings of the AMCFE team member who traveled alone to the Gourma Region (Douentza, Hombori, Dimamou, Gossi, Inadiatfane, Banzena, Boni and Mondoro.) The team believes sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma Region is a viable vector for conservation as well as improved livelihoods of local populations. However, given the findings of the team, it seems that bird viewing is not the most viable tourist draw to the Gourma. In 5

6 this report, our team presents our findings and recommendations as pertains to birding opportunities in the Gourma, as well as more general tourism observations / recommendations which might prove helpful to furthering overall tourism ventures in Mali. As pertains to the Gourma, the team believes the elephants are the key niche attraction toward which additional resources should be dedicated both in terms of conservation funding and tourism promotion. There are a nice variety of other activities in and around the Gourma which can serve as complementary attractions, including birding, rock climbing, hiking, donkey cart trekking, and camping in the dunes. Given the remote nature of the region, and the current challenges of accessibility, it appears that some of these complementary activities, including birding, would not merit an investment in promotion as a stand alone tourist attraction. Greater birding opportunities exist in the Inner Niger Delta, a hotspot for biodiversity, where millions of waterbirds can be spotted from Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is important to reiterate that the team s ability to conduct field research was greatly limited by travel restrictions imposed by the US Embassy; findings presented below pertaining to birding opportunities in the Gourma are largely sourced from informational interviews, document/internet research, fieldwork conducted by AMCFE and USFS in the Gourma in 2008, and the AMCFE team member s ground truthing in part of the Gourma during this mission. More extensive field research should be conducted throughout the Gourma to validate the team s recommendations related to birding opportunities in the Gourma. The following are important take away points from the mission, assembled by our team. In order for sustainable ecotourism to be achieved in the Gourma that contributes to conservation and improves local livelihoods, the team believes these following points must be acknowledged and addressed collaboratively across institutions in Mali working to conserve biodiversity and to attract and support ecotourists: Bird viewing is not the most viable tourist draw to the Gourma. Elephants are the key niche attraction toward which additional resources should be dedicated. (Please see the 2008 USFS/AMCFE mission report 1 for further details, and priority action items.) Other activities in and around the Gourma which can serve as complementary attractions to elephant viewing include birding, rock climbing, hiking, donkey cart trekking, and camping in the dunes. Existing work (research studies, consultant reports, educational resources, etc.) must be shared and used in planning and implementing actions in support of sustainable ecotourism and associated endeavors, including local livelihood improvement (employment as well as food and water security), and climate change awareness/mitigation activities. 1 Cable, T., L. Chitty, D. Gay & M. Mamadou (2008) Sustainable Ecotourism Assessment Gourma Region, Mali. USFS mission report. This report can be found at: earchterm=mali%20+%20usfs 6

7 Partnership development and ongoing relationship management along with identification and coordination of opportunities will be critical to successful sustainable ecotourism development. Environmental education and interpretation opportunities that involve children and local populations will be critical to the success of any tourism venture that results in locally improved environmental conditions. IV. Introduction The US Forest Service (USFS) and Association Malienne pour la Conservation de la Faune et de l Environnement (AMCFE) have been collaborating since 2008 in an attempt to further conservation awareness and education in the Gourma Region of Mali. This collaboration was originally initiated at the request of Mali s Direction Nationale des Eaux et Fôrets (DNEF,) which is interested in furthering the priorities of the Government of Mali in this region, priorities our USFS/AMCFE team share: protection of the natural resources (flora and fauna) in the Gourma, and local livelihood improvement. There is a desire by the Malian government to increase tourism in the Gourma as a means of income generation; there is also a need to be prudent in terms of how and what kind of tourism is promoted to ensure that sustainable tourism activities are undertaken and supported. With these ideas in mind, AMCFE requested USFS assistance in assessing birding opportunities in the Gourma Region. Were it deemed to be a viable tourism option in the Gourma, exclusive birding opportunities in this region would possess the potential to generate substantial tourism revenue, while having very little adverse impact on the environment; in fact, if exclusive birdsighting opportunities were to be identified in the Gourma, promotion of this activity could prove to contribute substantially to the overall conservation of the region, as well as environmental awareness among local people. The US Forest Service (USFS) has over a century of natural resource management experience working in over 77 million hectares of National Forests and Grasslands. The Agency is charged with providing multiple social and environmental benefits to the public including recreation, wildlife and biodiversity protection, watershed conservation and forest products. Given this mandate, USFS has within its ranks specialized expertise in areas such as integrated resources management, protected areas management, tourism, silviculture, agroforestry, anthropology, disaster preparedness and mitigation, hydrology and soils, migratory birds, and other wildlife management. Of the multiple uses of USFS lands, recreation by far makes the largest contribution to US gross domestic product. Increasingly, the Forest Service works with private landowners, counties, municipalities, other Federal agencies, states and the tourism industry to promote sustainable natural resource based tourism, and to work with communities to facilitate their participation. The USFS has a significant track record in establishing long term 7

8 partnerships. Increasingly, the Forest Service is being asked to provide technical assistance all over the world on sustainable management of protected areas. Forest Service experts offer a wide range of technical capacity across the entire recreation spectrum, from design and implementation of activities in wilderness areas to management of urban forests. Similar to our work domestically, the international activities of the Forest Service seek to balance social and economic needs of communities with protection of natural resources. The USFS has worked directly with Mali s Direction Nationale des Eaux et Fôrets (DNEF,) providing technical support in the area of natural resources management planning. We have collaborated with Government of Mali and local partners in Pays Dogon to support sustainable, ecologically sound tourism initiatives there, as part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance (GSTA). USFS has also worked with DNEF and AMCFE to complete a Sustainable Ecotourism Assessment of the Gourma Region in May Since 2008, USFS has remained involved with partners (including AMCFE and The WILD Foundation) in the Gourma, providing technical assistance and funding to support the creation of educational materials and informational brochures that promote conservation awareness among local populations. Association Malienne Pour la Conservation de la Faune et de l Environnement (AMCFE) is a national Malian non governmental organization (NGO) created in It is an implementing partner of IUCN, which works for natural resources conservation in Mali. Past and ongoing projects include: ecosystem conservation in the Bafing Reserve; environmental education and public awareness for elephant conservation in the Gourma Reserve; community forest protection and scientific biogas production experimentation in the Lake Magui wetlands; and desertification impacts alleviation, reforestation, soil protection, and agro ecology in the Sanankoroba Region. The text in Section VI details the main issues encountered during the course of the USFS/AMCFE mission, and treats them in the following format: Issue A brief description of the problem Findings Team s observations Recommendations Potential solutions based on the Team s past experience and current research Opportunities for USFS Technical Support Specific technical expertise USFS can offer Malian partners, if desired; based upon the availability of resources. Opportunities for AMCFE Support This section included where applicable. Specific assistance AMCFE can offer partners, pending availability of resources. 8

9 V. Background and Context The Gourma Region of Mali is located in the sahélian zone; it includes eighteen(18) communes divided between three (3) administrative regions (Mopti, Timbuktu and Gao.) In 1959, part of the Gourma Region (approximately 1.25 million hectares) was classified as Réserve des Eléphants; the exact boundaries of the Elephant Reserve, however, are unclear; a rough estimate is depicted below by the shaded (grey) area. This map courtesy of The WILD Foundation s Mali Elephant Project; elephant collar data reflected courtesy of Save the Elephants. The rainfall received in the Gourma is 400mm in the south and mm in the north. Approximate borders of the Gourma are: The Niger River to the north and east; 9

10 The Niger inner delta to the west; The Burkina Faso and Niger Republic borders to the south. Vegetation in the Gourma: In the extreme north, grassy steppe herbaceous including Salvadora, Leptadenia, Aristida species and Balanites aegytiaca ligneous. In the north and center also herbaceous Salvadora stipoides, Cenchrus sp and Schoenfeldia gracilis; ligneous are Acacia sp and Chomiphora Africana. In the south is shrub savanna with Acacia nilotoca, Anogeisus leiocarpus, Guiera senegalensis, Ziziphus mauritiana, etc. Of the eighteen (18) communes within the Gourma, there is elephant presence / activity in nine (9,) per the table below. Region Circle Commune Timbuktu Gourma Rharous 1. Bambara Maoudé 2. Inadiatafane 3. Ouinerden 4. Gossi Mopti Douentza 1. Dallah 2. Gandamia 3. Haïré (Boni) 4. Mondoro 5. Hombori During the 1970s, the Gourma boasted very rich fauna including Gazella rufifrons, Damaliscus korigum, Gazella dorcas, Struthio camelus, Otis arabes and Neotis dehnami; unfortunately, today most of these species are either extinct in the Gourma or extremely rare. Loxodonta africana (elephant) is the only remaining great terrestrial mammal in the Gourma. A census completed by the Mali Elephant Project (MEP) using markrecapture methodology estimated the elephant population size varied between elephants during that period. An IUCN aerial inventory in May/June 2007 revealed 340 elephants living and migrating within the Gourma (including a small area of Burkina Faso). The exact number of elephants in the Gourma is difficult to pinpoint; population size, of course, fluctuates each year depending on rain, available forage, and the number of babies that survive the difficult migration route. It is generally held that there have been between approximately animals at any given time over the past 30 years, and that the current population is approximately 550 elephants. The Gourma elephant population is fragile; it is the northernmost population of elephants on the African continent and, since the extinction of the Mauritanian elephant in the 1980s, the last remaining herd anywhere in this arid, sahelian environment. 10

11 The ethnic groups found in the Gourma are Dogon, Tuareg, Peul, Songhai and Maure. Pastoralism, agriculture, and commerce are the main activities of the region. White faced ducks, spur winged lapwings, and cattle egrets at Dimamou mare VI. Key Issues, Findings, Recommendations, Opportunities for USFS Technical Support A. Issue: Birding opportunities in the Gourma Birding opportunities in the Gourma region may not be adequate to justify additional resources dedicated solely to the development and support of this specific tourist experience. Malian partners (including AMCFE, OMATHO, DNEF, PCVBG E, IUCN, GAE Walia Travel Agencies, and Guide Associations,) have expressed interest in the possibility of a tourism birding circuit in the Gourma being developed as a stand alone tourist attraction. Bird watching tourism as a complement to elephant viewing is also of interest. Partners and local tourism service providers have expressed interest in creating sites for observation and associated facilities such as trails, lodging, and services with the intention of encouraging local economic development in support of these activities. 11

12 Findings: It appears that there is insufficient variety of species (and that there are no species known at this time that are unique to the Gourma) to warrant investment in and development of facilities to support stand alone birdwatching tourism in the Gourma. While there are flocks of birds at the mares (watering holes), they are not unique to Mali. Due to the travel restriction for the team, it is not possible to say with certainty that birdwatching tourism will have no takers. However, after talking with individuals who live and work in the Gourma, the NGO GAE Walia, part of the team visiting several watering holes in the Gourma as well as Lac Debo in the Inner Niger Delta, and conducting web searches, it appears unlikely that bird watching tourism is a viable stand alone tourism alternative in the Gourma. As a tourism activity to complement elephant viewing in the Gourma, tourists might find enjoyment in birdwatching; it is unlikely that tourists will travel to this region solely to view birdlife, however. Also of note, the ideal periods for bird viewing in the Gourma (due to the great numbers of birds that can be spotted) do not entirely correlate with the elephants presence in the same areas as the elephants make their way along their migratory path. (Please see Annex 4 for additional details.) It is more likely that birdwatchers would find acceptable birding opportunities in the Inner Niger Delta area; the inland delta is critical bird habitat and its flooded forests appear to be the primary zone for nesting. Among its birdlife, the Inner Niger Delta hosts a great number of herons, egrets, ducks, geese, and wading birds. The African Waterbird Census (Dodman and Diagana, 2003) conducted arial surveys in 1999, 2000, and 2001; species observed, roosting sites, and site conditions, including the presence of invasive species, are described in this resource. A survey of birds in this area was conducted in 2008 by Wetlands International Mali; the USFS/AMCFE team has not yet been able to obtain a copy of the Wetlands International report. Recommendations: Sustainable tourism development in the Gourma should concentrate on creating opportunities that focus on Mali s unique natural resource the elephants as thoroughly discussed in the 2008 USFS/AMCFE report. This report comprehensively details specific issues and recommendations with respect to this aspect of sustainable tourism development. Bird watching tourism is recommended as a complementary activity en route to the elephant viewing opportunities; additional activities should also be developed to support a desirable package of opportunities. 12

13 A number of countries in East and Southern Africa have extensively developed wildlife viewing opportunities. Mali s niche is in its opportunity to link unique activities such as viewing elephants on foot (vs. vehicle based safaris, which is the norm in East and Southern Africa) with adventure elements in the local area (i.e. donkey cart supported trekking between villages in the Gourma; viewing the sacred crocodiles in the oasis of Borko) and the cultural tourism already established in Pays Dogon and Djenné. A tourism circuit which highlights this package of the unique tourism opportunities that can be found in and around the Gourma should be promoted. Efforts to obtain the 2008 Wetlands International report must continue; it is imperative that the most up to date information be incorporated into the decisionmaking process in any tourism planning and development. As information is developed, a plan to share key points with tourism providers should be developed. This information would include what species of interest can be found where, and local conditions of interest and concern (for example, the role of climate change and invasive species in changing bird migration and nesting patterns). Major tour companies as well as local service providers have expressed interest in understanding the resources available for the development of sustainable tourism; failure to disseminate this knowledge handicaps the development of sustainable tourism opportunities. Another approach to promoting birds in the region would be from a cultural standpoint. If communicated effectively by local guides and/or interpretive materials such as signs or brochures, belief systems related to omens certain birds portend could be of interest to tourists. For example, there is said to be a bird around Dimamou which is knowledgeable about the Koran; another predicts whether a farmer s crop will succeed; another, where water can be found. Additional research and dissemination of this information to all levels of tourism providers will further support the development of complementary sustainable tourism opportunities. The development of sustainable tourism opportunities in local communities will require financial resources. There are non governmental organizations such as the Grameen Bank, which make microfinance opportunities available; identifying and developing opportunities to partner with such groups in support of tourist service development should be pursued. At this time, it seems that potential tourists to this area glean most of their travel/planning information to this area from limited travel websites and blogs, including Lonely Planet and other travel guides, as well as word of mouth/personal experience web postings and chat sites. (Examples include search functions on 13

14 lonelyplanet.com/thorntree; travelpod.com; and blogspot.com). Very limited information on the Gourma region is available; independent travelers blog postings are the most common information source. Opportunities for USFS Technical Support: Specialists with the USFS have experience in developing interpretive and educational materials that could be created as a series of resources or as components of an educational/interpretive materials package; these could serve tourism agencies who offer packages to Mali as well as local populations, school groups, and local service providers in the Gourma. With access to more complete information through partners, brochures/booklets or web based resources could be developed; this would support the development of bird related tourism as an activity that complements the cultural tourism opportunities currently available, as well as the elephant viewing tourism opportunities that are presently being developed in the Gourma. USFS specialists also have experience in working with concessionaires and service providers. Assessment of carrying capacities, advice on the structure of tourism circuits, and technical guidance on the development of tourist services (e.g. lodging) could be provided. For example, infrastructure to support tourism circuits is needed in the Gourma; while some campements are available, and opportunities to camp in the dunes or sleep in Tuareg huts are possible, the level of development and services currently available is not adequate to serve the desired numbers of tourists, nor is it likely to meet the expectations of many Western tourists. One possibility for USFS support would be to work with the service providers already established in other areas of Mali (Pays Dogon and Djenné) as well as other international examples of successful sustainable tourism services to create a handbook for tourism development. This resource would include comprehensive information on tourists expectations, photos and information about well developed services, and local contacts for intra community support. As an output of this mission, USFS has developed a brochure entitled What do Tourists Want in a Campement? which is intended to be used as a starting point for tourism service providers in Mali, and to provide a resource for local communities and business owners as they plan for sustainable tourism; this brochure could be built upon and crafted into a more comprehensive handbook for tourism development, addressing important points beyond tourists expectations of campement lodging. USFS specialists have previously provided guide and service provider training in Pays Dogon and other areas of Mali; other organizations such as GSTA, other governments, and NGOs have also provided training at various levels. Training is necessary for effective development of sustainable tourism opportunities; the USFS could provide this 14

15 directly or could partner with other organizations to ensure that training is broadly available. Two distinct types of training are needed: 1) general development of hospitality/tourism services, and 2) focused resource knowledge and effective interpretation/communications. Marketing the opportunities for tourism in the Gourma could include the development of web based materials; it is recommended that Malian counterparts take advantage of a hosted service that includes web page building tools, software, and technical assistance. Packages for this type of service are available with French domain names through services such as 1+1 Hebergement. (See Annex 3 for a brief discussion of elements to be considered in developing a web site). Opportunities for AMCFE Support: AMCFE is well positioned to collaborate with USFS in developing and distributing interpretive and educational materials to appropriate audiences. B. Issue: Realization of local income generation There is currently a lack of effective communication, signage, and interpretation at many existing tourist sites around the Gourma. As a result, opportunities for local income generation through tourism are not realized. Findings: In the specific example of the Sacred Crocodiles of Batouma, there exists only a sign at the turnoff from the main highway. No other information is available for the visitor. In questioning the local population about the story of the crocodiles (history of why they became sacred, what they do during the dry season, how the villagers care for them) we received a variety of contradictory responses. The chief of the village charges a fee per tourist (currently 250 CFA, approx $.50 USD) for viewing the crocodiles, but there is no opportunity for the tourist to purchase water, other beverages, food, local products, or local handicrafts; it is unclear how the current revenue generated by tourist fees is managed or potentially shared beyond the chief. Currently, there is a water storage project (dam and holding pond) under construction in partnership with the National IUCN Mali Program. When complete, this will allow a year round supply of water for both the village and the crocodiles, which currently burrow deep into the ground to survive the dry season. While this adaptation has enabled their survival through the hottest part of the year, a changing climate (resulting 15

16 in an increasing length of dry periods, and less water year round to replenish the water table) has placed increasing stress on the animals. Recommendations: In general, working with local villages (ideally through local Peace Corps volunteers or non governmental organizations, and potentially in partnership with the USFS) to develop basic and consistent signage/information for tourist orientation as well as interpretive information, would greatly enhance the experience for the tourist and allow the village to charge more for the experience, which could be distributed in a way that would benefit a large number of Batouma residents. This may include specific local guide training as well as elements of environmental education for villagers and visitors to take advantage of an opportunity to increase awareness of climate change and its effects on local species. Additional development of revenue generation opportunities (which might include a food/drink kiosk, local handicrafts, etc) could provide opportunities for villagers to realize additional income. Construction of a well maintained toilet for public use at a small fee, located at the edge of the village (easily accessible to tourists) could provide a reason for visitors to take a break off the main highway. It is possible that partner microfinance programs may assist the development of this process. Opportunities for USFS Technical Support: Batouma is an example of an area in the early stages of recognizing and developing a tourism opportunity. The niche for this area would be as a break or stopover point for tourists traveling between the Gourma or Pays Dogon and Bamako. Support for basic service development and information/interpretation would enable this village to realize some income from tourist traffic. As described in Section A above, a modified handbook for tourism development would provide a resource from which the village could make plans for future development. Opportunities for AMCFE Support: AMCFE is well positioned to collaborate with IUCN to assist Batouma in establishing a system to manage ecotourism activities so that income generated in this way could be appropriately used for village development. 16

17 C. Issue : PCVBG E program is concluding Currently, the PCVBG E (Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversité du Gourma et des Eléphants,) funded by the World Bank, is in the 5th year of funding, with one year remaining in the project. It is reported that there have been few measurable accomplishments; there is concern that lack of monitoring and accountability have resulted in failure to achieve project goals. Findings: Representatives from OMATHO described the project as consisting of 2 phases (within the scope of a biodiversity assessment ) 1) to study elements of environmental and economic needs/impacts of elephants in the Gourma region, including exploring human population effects and developing training/education for local populations; and 2) develop tourism opportunities to support local economic development consistent with biodiversity protection. Specific elements of interest in the second phase were to include the identification of locations for observation facilities (towers, blinds), and complementary trail systems as appropriate. Local community involvement in the development of lodging and related tourism facilities would be integral to this phase of the project. Unfortunately, it seems that few project goals have been accomplished, and disappointment is evident among local stakeholders and would be project beneficiaries. Recommendations: The PCVBG E program has achieved some success, which should not be overlooked, and which should be built upon. For example, PCVBG E has sensitized the population around Dimamou regarding the need to stop the poaching of migratory birds. Poaching Surveillance Groups comprised of villagers have been initiated to monitor the poaching situation. Our team was informed that a hunting infraction merits a 15,000 CFA fine, payable to the village Surveillance Group, which has resulted in the successful decline of bird poaching in and around Dimamou. Success such as this should be built upon and expanded during the final year of the PCVBG E program. As is noted in the USFS/AMCFE 2008 mission report, immediate action must be taken in order to ensure the survival of the elephants in the Gourma. Particularly in light of the drought that is currently being experienced (which began in 2009,) it is critical that efforts be taken at Banzena to ensure female elephants and family groups have access to water during April and May when the lake at Banzena is the only available water source. Most importantly, there needs to be a large portion of the mare at Banzena where livestock cannot be watered in order to allow elephant family groups access to water. One suggestion would be to allow livestock only on the northern side of the 17

18 mare, leaving the southern side free for elephant use. There has also been talk of creating three alternative grazing / watering areas for pastoralists and their livestock, each located approximately 30 km from the mare at Banzena, which would alleviate pressure on the mare at Banzena, and allow elephants greater access to this resource. The critically important task of creating greater access to the mare at Banzena for elephants can be accomplished by PCVBG E and/or DNEF with existing personnel and little or no additional monetary investment. Immediately feasible actions which PCVBG E could support include: Station Eaux et Forêts agents at/near Banzena to limit livestock access to water from the north side of the mare, and prohibit access from the south side. (The south side of the mare could be reserved uniquely for elephant use.) This will be most critical during April and May. During other months, and when livestock numbers are fewer, PCVBG E and Eaux et Forêts representatives should begin engaging fully in the process of patrolling the area to ensure the absence of illegal human settlements. *NB. Although there are other areas that need action within the elephant range, Banzena is critical to the elephants short term survival and maintaining the overall biodiversity of the area. Opportunities for USFS Technical Support: USFS possesses expertise in biodiversity conservation and management, and can work with the PCVBG E, as well as DNEF and local stakeholders, to strengthen capacity in these areas. USFS can collaborate with PCVBG E on ecosystem management and restoration in the Gourma. USFS has rangeland management and wildlife management expertise, including carrying capacity calculations, which could benefit the work of PCVBG E. USFS could collaborate with PCVBG E and other relevant stakeholders to build capacity related to patrol techniques and training. D. Issue: Coordination among variety of interest groups in the Gourma is necessary There are a number of NGOs and government agencies (both Malian and foreign) who are currently working in the Gourma; additional organizations have done work in this 18

19 area but may no longer be active. There are also local community organizations that could be critically important in the continued development of this project. Findings: Multiple partners have been identified, and the USFS and AMCFE are currently working with OMATHO, DNEF, USAID, IUCN, PCVBG E, and non government partners, including GAE Walia and The WILD Foundation. Other organizations that may be integral to efforts towards sustainable tourism development in the Gourma region include travel organizers (Malian and foreign tour operators at the local and national levels), local community organizations, and NGOs focused on elephants, biodiversity conservation, and water resources. There may also be opportunities to develop voluntourism and research partnerships with organizations such as Earthwatch. Other organizations specifically Wetlands International Mali have previously partnered in these efforts, however, the expected sharing of resources has not materialized. The Mali Elephant Project (MEP) consortium will require additional investigation, as the internal partner Save the Elephants may currently be inactive. Several communities in the Gourma have created organizations (the community of Boni has formed an association called Les Amis des Elephants ; the community of Gossi has formed a tourism committee; and there is a guide association in Hombori). There is a Peace Corps volunteer with an interest in tourism (Paul Fody) stationed in Hombori. Paul s local partner is Mahouloud Siddi Daou (called Lélélé), the Secretaire de Conflit (Secretary of Conflict Resolution) for the Hombori Guides Association. There are several other NGOs and/or foreign Governments who have worked or who are currently working in the Gourma region (including French, Swiss, Italian and Spanish organizations). These organizations have engaged in a variety of activities, from training for tour guides in the Hombori area to school garden development. Unfortunately, due to perceived security risks, activities in the area have been curtailed for some groups. Recommendations: Successful sustainable tourism development can only occur with coordination across a wider variety of interest groups; environmental protection, community involvement and benefits, and economic growth in this area must all be considered. While on site activities on the part of some non Malian groups may currently be suspended, a foundation for future coordination can be developed so that partnerships can efficiently function when the security situation improves. 19

20 Environmental education efforts (such as educational wildlife notebooks produced by GAE Walia) should also be developed/made available for schools in the Gourma. Curriculum development that includes a focus on conservation of the local environment (perhaps in association with groups such as Les Amis des Elephants ) could provide opportunities for the development of connections between the children of these villages and the resources at risk due to human pressures and climate change. (We were informed by Mr. Boureima Maiga, a teacher and school director based in the village of Tin Habou, that these types of materials have been promised but are not yet available for use.) While many environmentally focused/conservation groups have developed partnerships in past projects, integrating non traditional partners (such as NGO or government based microfinance lending and educational initiative programs) could augment the overall effectiveness in both increasing conservation success potential and improving local livelihoods. The Peace Corps has had a consistent presence in Mali for many years, and local volunteers have been involved in ecotourism, education, and natural resource projects. It would be ideal to identify a Peace Corps volunteer based in this area (possibly Paul Fody or another individual) to take on a focused role in informationgathering and local coordination. A Peace Corps volunteer in this role could direct energy towards broad inter organization coordination in order to facilitate the common goal of resource protection and local livelihood improvement. Organizations such as Earthwatch ( could be approached as partners to assess the potential for research voluntourism opportunities in this area. As an example, if there is interest in data collection on the elephants that could involve volunteers, with an environmental education/local school involvement component, voluntourism tourists could assist with these types of activities. Opportunities for USFS Technical Support: USFS has specialists with significant experience in developing effective environmental education programs, and could work with Malian counterparts in the development of materials to be distributed and activities to be undertaken in schools and villages. USFS has specialists with experience in partnership development, and could work towards increased integration of groups, agencies, and other interests in building a foundation for communications and collaboration towards the larger goals of improved community livelihood related to food and water security, education and environmental awareness, and environmental protection. 20

21 Opportunities for AMCFE Support: AMCFE has video production and editing capabilities; a film on the Gourma and its unique biodiversity could be produced and disseminated to help spread awareness locally, nationally, an even internationally. E. Issue: Travelers safety concerns are negatively affecting tourism in Mali Concern seems to be spreading among would be tourists to Mali about safety for visitors to the country, following recent negative media attention the region has received. There have been incidents of aid worker kidnapping in Mauritania and a Frenchman being kidnapped in Menaka town (Gao Region) near Mali s border with Niger. Some of these hostages had been released at the time this report was prepared, however, some hostages are still being held in northern Mali by AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb). After our arrival in Mali, the American Embassy expressed concern over our proposed travel into the Gourma region; US Government team members traveled only as far as Pays Dogon. Several other embassies such as France, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, have also placed warnings on their websites on travel to Timbuktu and points farther north in Mali. Though all AQIM activity has occurred in Northern Mali generally far from the main tourist circuit in country tourists are deterred from coming to Mali at all in response to negative media coverage. Findings: Discussion with local tour operators indicates that there has been a significant decrease in the number of tourists to the Gourma area; this was also reported to be the case in Sevaré and by tour operators out of Bamako. However, it is difficult to assess an overall drop in tourism from a handful of operators, and difficult to determine the impact of multiple factors (specifically the slowdown in the global economy in conjunction with the perceived increase in risk to tourists). Malian and expat owned tourist service businesses are struggling to remain open. One hotel operator in Sevaré indicated that of the 100 bookings made for the year, only 35 had arrived (as opposed to approximately 70 honored reservations out of 100 bookings made in a typical year ). Others indicated that unless improvement was forthcoming, their businesses may have to close. Malian tour operators are quick to remind tourists and would be tourists that Mali is a very large country (roughly the size of Texas and California, combined,) and that the negative incidences that are being reported by the media are isolated to the far north of the country, north of the Niger River, and far from popular tourist destinations in 21

22 country. Nevertheless, various embassy warnings and negative media attention focused on Mali result in a definite impediment to a healthy tourism industry. It is difficult to determine what the future holds for tourism in Mali; as long as the perceived risk to tourists remains high and embassies warn against travel, the full tourism potential of the Gourma region will not be realized. Recommendations: Preparing for on site work in the Gourma when teams are able to engage in the area should continue. Despite current security concerns, partnership development and strengthening, and collaborative planning can take place now so that proactive steps can be taken on the ground when certain international organizations reengage in the field. Public awareness and environmental educational efforts among local communities and schools should continue by Malian counterparts who are engaged in the Gourma. Social networking opportunities such as Facebook should be considered as eventual outlets for communicating information about the Gourma to potential tourists. An example of this is the Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique) Facebook page. Facebook is a free, interactive social networking tool, which can help spread awareness about the Gourma, various tourism opportunities in and around the Gourma, conservation priorities and accomplishments, and allows visitors to post photos and comments from their individual Gourma experiences to share with others; it would be prudent to capitalize on no cost awareness raising opportunities, which require little or no maintenance by a site monitor, such as Facebook, to expose a wider potential tourist audience to the tourism experiences one might enjoy in/around the Gourma. Opportunities for USFS Technical Support: Support for partnership development, continued work on conservation education/public awareness materials to be distributed through our Malian counterparts, and preparation to begin on site assistance as soon as possible (as described in this report as well as the USFS/AMCFE 2008 report) is the most realistic set of activities at this time. 22

23 F. Issue: Drought in the Gourma Since 2009, there has been a drought in the Gourma, which has had negative impacts on all life in the region, including birds and elephants. These droughts increase pressure on permanent and semi permanent water resources, which in turn increases pressure on animal life. Findings: There is talk of creating three forages (grazing areas) with wells, each about 30 km from Banzena, a critical watering hole for elephants and other wildlife. These forages would be created so that pastoralists and their livestock can move away from Banzena, thereby alleviating pressure on this important source of water and forage for wildlife. These plans to create alternative forages with watering holes have not yet been finalized. Recommendations: Immediate action must be taken at Banzena to ensure female elephants and family groups have access to water during April and May when the lake at Banzena is the only available water source. Most importantly, there needs to be a large portion of the mare at Banzena where livestock cannot be watered in order to allow elephant family groups access to water. As suggested previously, livestock might only be allowed on the northern side of the mare, leaving the southern side free for elephant use. New water sources should be developed to support resettlement efforts of persons who might be removed from natural water sources in the elephant range. These new water sources (and resettled areas) should be located at an appropriate distance from high use elephant habitat; additional studies are required in order to adequately determine the exact distance which should be allowed between human settlement areas and high use elephant habitat or migratory corridors. Opportunities for USFS Technical Support: USFS has expertise in developing Land Use Management Plans in the US, across Africa, and in other parts of the world. This experience is crucial in providing for effective multiple use land management and protected area management. Primary parties with which USFS would suggest collaborating include: DNEF, PCVBG E, OMATHO, AMCFE. USFS possesses GIS expertise, which can be beneficial to implementing land use management and zoning recommendations. 23

24 USFS has specialists in biodiversity conservation, management, and restoration, and can work with DNEF and local stakeholders to strengthen capacity in these areas. USFS has rangeland management and wildlife management expertise, including carrying capacity calculations USFS possesses extensive expertise in collaborating with private and public stakeholders to promote involvement of all parties in planning, monitoring, and enforcement issues. Of particular note, USFS has worked across the globe with local communities to ensure their voices / interests are considered in forming and implementing policy. USFS can also offer expertise in patrol techniques, policies, and training. VII. Conclusion The team believes sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma Region is a viable vector for conservation, as well as improved livelihoods of local populations. However, given the findings of the team, it seems that bird viewing is not the most viable tourist draw to the Gourma. Rather, tourism in the Gourma Region should capitalize on the resources that are particularly unique to this area, including elephant viewing on foot (please see the USFS/AMCFE 2008 report), cultural highlights (inclusive of the cultural significance and belief systems attached to birds in the area), dune camping, donkey cart trekking between Bozo and Songhai villages, rock climbing, and hiking. Birding in the Gourma could serve as a nice complement to the aforementioned activities, but does not seem likely to draw tourists to the Gourma of its own merit, nor to warrant investment in and development of facilities to support stand alone birdwatching tourism. Annex 2 offers an Additional Information / Resources section, which could assist in best capitalizing on the resources that are particularly unique to the Gourma. It is important to reiterate that the team s ability to conduct field research was greatly limited by travel restrictions imposed by the US Embassy; findings presented above pertaining to birding opportunities in the Gourma are largely sourced from informational interviews, document/internet research, fieldwork conducted by AMCFE and USFS in the Gourma in 2008, and the AMCFE team member s ground truthing in part of the Gourma during this mission. More in depth field research should be conducted throughout the Gourma to validate the team s above recommendations related to birding opportunities in the Gourma. 24

25 The following are important take away points from the mission, assembled by our team. Bird viewing does not seem to be the most viable tourist draw to the Gourma. Elephants are the key niche attraction toward which additional resources should be dedicated. (Please see the 2008 USFS/AMCFE mission report for further details, and priority action items.) Other activities in and around the Gourma which can serve as complementary attractions to elephant viewing include birding, rock climbing, hiking, donkey cart trekking, and camping in the dunes. Existing work (research studies, consultant reports, educational resources, etc) must be shared and used in planning and implementing actions in support of sustainable ecotourism and associated endeavors, including local livelihood improvement (employment as well as food and water security), and climate change awareness/mitigation activities. Partnership development and ongoing relationship management along with identification and coordination of opportunities will be critical to successful sustainable ecotourism development. Environmental education and interpretation opportunities that involve children and local populations will be critical to the success of any tourism venture that results in locally improved environmental conditions. sacred ibis Black rumped waxbills 25

26 Annex 1: Key Contacts AGOFOU BAMAKO BUSINESS MAN Ali Ag Mahmoud LOCAL GUIDE Zeynou Maiga AMCFE Moriba NOMOKO President tel : amcfe@afribone.net.ml IUCN Mme KONARE Rokia Diarra Country Program Director Tel: Cell: / rokia.konare@iucn.org OMATHO Moussa DIALLO Vice Director OMATHO Tel : Cell: info@officetourisme mali.com, omatho@orangemali.net, omathoo@yahoo.fr Mr. Mohamedoun Ag A. Salam Directeur de l Aménagement Touristique et de l Appui aux Entreprise Magas72@yahoo.fr TAM VOYAGES Amadou MAIGA President of Association Nationale des guides touristiques du Mali Tel : / / Cell : tamvoyage@cefib.com THE WILD FOUNDATION Susan Canney Spatial Ecology and Epidemiology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford 26

27 BATOMA Tel: Cell: USAID MALI Jean Harman Office Chief, Economist. Accelerated Economic Growth Tell: / jharman@usaid.gov US EMBASSY Peter Barlerin Deputy Chief of Mission Tel: Cell: BarlerinPH@state.gov Peter Newman Political Affairs Officer Tel: Cell: NewmanPD@state.gov LOCAL GUIDES Seydou Diallo Amadou Katile VILLAGE CHIEF Amadou Katile VILLAGE LEADER Adou Katile BORKO MAIRIE Adjouna Kasambara Mayor Cell: , communedeborko@yahoo.fr TOURISM COMMITTEE Soulymane Kassambara Hama Kassambara Yaya Kassambara Ousmane Kassambara. 27

28 DENTAGA COMMUNITY LEADER Soukey Kamanta LOCAL GUIDES Amadou Konta Traditional keeper of birds and water Ousmane Traore DIMAMOU VILLAGE LEADERS Hamma Bombala Sadou Kalado Boureima Kalado Doumana Kalado Moussa Al Hadj Kalado PCVBG E Hassan Maiga Biodiversity Agent DOUENTZA CAMPEMENT HOGON Hogomono Doumo hotel owner Tel: CANTONNEMENT FORESTIER Ibrahim Maiga Chef de Poste Centrale Tel: Moussa Soumano Charge de Controle Tel: HOTEL LA FALAISE Mahamoud Dicko 28

29 PCVBG E (Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversite du Gourma et des Eléphants) Nomba GANAME chargé du développement local Tel: HOMBORI COMMUNAL GOVERNMENT Boikary TRAORE Sous Préfet EAUX ET FORETS Moussa COULIBALY Chef de Poste LOCAL GUIDE Ibrahim ould DAH LOCAL GUIDE AND CAMPEMENT OWNER Mahouloud Siddi DAOU called Lélélé maoulouddaou@yahoo.fr PEACE CORPS Paul Fody Eco Tourism Volunteer Cell: paulfody@yahoo.com MOPTI GAE WALIA NGO Alassane BALLO President Cell: , ballowalia@yahoo.fr Sidiki KONE Program Officer Cell: , , coumbask@yahoo.fr OMATHO Seydou Karakon Acting Regional Delegate Tel. :

30 TIN HABOU L ECOLE DE TIN HABOU Boureima A Maiga Directeur d école Tin habou Tel: maigambs@yahoo.fr 30

31 ANNEX 2: Borko Sustainable Tourism Opportunities blog.com/0/13/88/41/carte pays dogon.jpg Issue: Due to travel restrictions imposed on the US Forest Service (USFS) team members after arrival in country, the team s mission schedule was reorganized to allow for an assessment visit to the village of Borko in Pays Dogon in support of the USAID funded Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance (GSTA) program, which is active there. The team s visit to Borko was very brief, but allowed for interaction with the Mayor, members of the Ecotourism Committee and other village leadership, and visits to the sacred caiman pond, the GSTA initiated nursery, and the newly constructed campement. To date, GSTA activities in Borko have been focused on biodiversity and conservation efforts. GSTA partners are interested in identifying ways to enhance the existing tourism offerings, and in maximizing benefits to the community for these 31

32 activities. Findings: Though our exposure to Borko was limited, we were impressed by the strides that have been made in terms of tourism, and the opportunities that exist to further enhance groundwork that has been laid. There seems to be a genuine interest from the Mayor and other village leadership to enhance the tourism offerings of their village. The sacred caimans are a big drawing card, as they emerge from various ponds in the village when called to devour raw meat that is offered. The Mairie has recently (within the past year) constructed a campement with 4 rooms (which can each sleep 5 people,) all equipped with air conditioning. The current Mairie (next door to the campement) will be converted into additional space to host visitors, once the Mayor s new offices are completed. At present, there is no running water in the campement, and no consistent restaurant service. The Mairie keeps a sign in book for visitors; in 2009 there were approximately 150 entries. Of these, roughly 40% were identifiable as tourists; all comments about the experience were positive. The remaining 60% were from government (Malian and international assistance work) and NGO visits. A survey is currently being conducted by the NGO JIGI, based out of Bamako, to assess visitation to Borko. Questions include: How visitors learned of Borko, their purpose in visiting, and how long they planned to stay in the area, among others. Once the results of the survey are compiled, it could be very useful to share information about the process and results with other villages interested in developing their own tourism potential. The distance between Borko and the current hiking circuits on the Falaise does not lend itself to addition as part of a current Pays Dogon trekking route. However, the local enthusiasm for appropriate tourism development and the relative ease of access and site features suggest that marketing this oasis as a relaxing and unique retreat could be a very successful venture. Borko s appeal includes its plethora of easily spotted sacred caimans, options for hiking, interpretive opportunities for visitors to learn about the natural springs, historically significant sites (for example, the Mayor referenced a nearby point visited by famed Songhai Emperor, Askia Mohamed this and other potential historically important places and events should be further explored), agriculture, and medicinal plants. Hiking to other villages such as Tintam or Ume as a day trip out of Borko may be most realistic at this time, as we were informed there is limited water available in the area to support overnight (or longer) stays in neighboring villages. Fortunately, Borko appears to have no shortage of water, and currently supplies water to people from neighboring villages. (The Italian group Yacouba has been working in Tintam; 2 wells have been dug but were dry upon completion.) In terms of tourist attractions in nearby villages, we were informed that Tintam 32

33 has a festival upon the start of the rainy season, which could be of interest to visitors; unfortunately, the timing of the festival does not coincide with the tourist season. Donkey cart supported trekking may become an option with the development of hiking circuits/trails in this area. If this occurs, water and other supplies for tourists could be carried by donkey cart for a multiple day journey. Borko s agriculture appears to prosper. A drawing point for eco conscious tourists seeking authenticity could be the availability of local fresh produce/products, particularly when clearly prepared in a manner acceptable for travelers sanitary standards. While traditional agrotourism may not translate directly, there may be opportunities for guests to enjoy fresh local products (more so than in other areas of Mali). Thus, it may be possible to capitalize on the agricultural features of Borko through a modified form of culinary tourism. For example, pending the development of adequate facilities and training for local women, opportunities for tourists to learn about/participate in the preparation of traditional Malian dishes could be one of a suite of activities during a stay in Borko. Additional offerings for tourists could include an exploration of medicinal plants and traditional healing practices. Options for consideration include developing this as an activity that occurs in Borko, and/or creating a more intensive study that could incorporate treks to other villages or sites in the bush along developed hiking routes. Recommendations: Based on our limited time in Borko, and previous experience in other areas of Mali, it appears that Borko s tourism niche is that of an oasis/retreat with opportunities to participate in authentic village life; a place to relax (after trekking or as a break from the rigors of travel) with complementary active and cultural activities. Its relative proximity to the existing trekking circuits of Dogon Country and ease of roaded access suggests that developing plans/packages for 2 to 4 day stays may be ideal. The active management of tourism in Borko, and the engagement of village leadership (including the active tourism committee) is very promising for the development of tourism that reflects the needs, desires, and capacities of the local area. Some training for local guides has been reported as part of GSTA work in the area. Additional and more comprehensive training with elements of interpretation/environmental education, safety/first aid would be ideal. Additional sessions for all villagers who work with tourists (especially those employed to provide food services and engage in other 33

34 tourism related activities) would help move Borko s tourism industry forward, as desired. Interpretation and communications, including the development of appropriate signage, would be part of this effort. In addition to greater training for guides related to general environmental education and interpretation, a specific effort should be made to focus on the unique resource that is Borko s sacred caimans, and to interpret their presence and significance for visitors. Tourism in Borko would greatly benefit from a clear, concise, and consistent presentation of the villagers and caimans interactions, the history of the relationship, and people s belief system related to the caimans. We were informed that the youth of Borko had recently made appropriate sacrifices to the caimans for protection, then swum among them (without negative incident) in their pond to clear out an invasive plant species. Anecdotal stories such as these, which when correctly presented can also help reinforce environmental protection messages, are sure to delight tourists, and assist in their understanding of the people s interaction with this animal they hold to be sacred. Visitor guidance / rules for interaction with the sacred caimans must be established and effectively communicated to tourists to help ensure protection and safety for both tourists and Borko s caimans. During our short visit to Borko, we were repeatedly surprised by the regular emergence of caimans from various ponds. We were told that the caimans frequently walk among the people in the village, and particularly at night are known to wander well into the village. It is important to inform tourists of the appropriate manner to respond to such a surprise encounter particularly during times when it is unlikely that a local guide would be in the vicinity (such as a late night trip to an outdoor toilet) to help avoid negative incident. Planning sessions (such as visioning, facility and activity development, and business management) for the village to articulate a long term vision for tourism and develop plans to reach that goal would be valuable in ensuring an acceptable rate and level of development where the village could realize local income generation benefits as well as environmental protection, while simultaneously ensuring that Borko does not become overrun by tourists. Planning sessions could include complementary activity development, such as culinary/agro tourism opportunities and cultural elements (like children s group/folkloric demonstrations and handicrafts). Improved signage off the main road between Mopti and Douentza should be considered. 34

35 Opportunities for USFS Technical Support: USFS has specialists with extensive experience in training for all elements of tourism development described in the recommendations above, including tourism promotion, community involvement, interpretive material creation, environmental education, and visitor services. There are opportunities for USFS to support the GSTA activity by providing technical guidance or materials, and/or by delivering in person training/working sessions. USFS could also offer assistance with appropriate trail construction / maintenance and interpretive signage to support the type(s) of hiking/trekking experience that the people of Borko decide they would like to offer their visitors (locally guided treks, for example, versus tourists hiking without a local guide.) Additional Information / resources: The publication Sustainable tourism in protected areas : guidelines for planning and management is available for download from wcpa_tourismpub/?2167/sustainable tourism in protected areas guidelines forplanning and management. This document provides practical guidelines for managing the challenges of tourism in protected areas. While the focus is on designated protected areas, the topics of planning, sensitive development, tools for visitor management, managing challenges, human resources, and economics are broadly applicable to natural and cultural resource based tourism. Guidance from International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), 1999 is also valuable. Available from topics include Authenticity, Employment, Respect, Culture, Economic Returns, Visitor Satisfaction, and Consultation/Evaluation. 35

36 Annex 3: Preparing for Developing a Website A. When creating a website, the first things you need to think about include: Who is the audience? What do they need? What is the theme of the site? (i.e. bird watching in Mali) Look at similar sites to see what might work. What is the purpose of the site? (i.e. To provide travel and tourism information for firsttime visitors who are interested in bird watching in the Gourma region.) Who will create the site use a hosting program or buy software and learn it? How will you keep the site up to date who will do this? Keep hard copy records. How will you invite visitors to return? This is part of updating! What contact information will you provide? Have a specific address and someone who checks it regularly and replies to messages. B. Rules for creating a web site: The website is for reaching out to people Keep it simple and organized Understand who your visitors are and what they want It is your Web site, and your opportunity to share what Mali has to offer. Enjoy it! C. Step by step: 1. Who is the audience? Current visitors to Mali where do they get their information? Potential visitors who are they and how will they find this website? Keywords and site names, page title names. Think about what visitors will type in to a search engine. Use those words in your title and main page. 2. What is the theme of the site? Developing sections and content i. What do your visitors want? ii. What do your visitors need? (Enough information, not too much clutter) iii. What should the site look like? (look at other sites with similar themes, model your site for the visitors you would like to attract) Linking the sections i. Is the site consistent and well organized? 36

37 ii. Is it easy for visitors to find the information they are looking for? 3. Creating the site Do not use a lot of text only. Use good quality photos. Site maps and organization charts. Think about your site in graphic form. This will allow you to put information in the correct categories so it is easy for visitors to find. The graphic below is just one example of a way to organize a site. Look at other tourism websites to find ideas of what might work best for you. Main page transportation information/ how to get here local events and activities more pages, other information hotels and restaurants/where to stay and eat contact information/general info, local guides, etc 4. Keeping the site up to date Visit your site at least one time a week or more so you can correct any problems quickly. Your host service has a help feature, use it. Keep a record of how the site is organized and who has access and passwords Check spelling Keep contact information up to date Add or update something at least one time per month. (For example, new photographs and/or updatedd visitor information pertaining to current birding conditions.) It is easier to use a host and web building service. As an alternative (although it takes more time and can even be more expensive depending on the software 37

38 package) you can also experiment and learn how to build more complicated web sites with text editors and page building programs, such as Dreamweaver. Have other people visit the site to see how it works. Is it easy for them find what they are looking for? 5. Invite visitors to return Consider a visitor comments or review section. If you add this, make sure someone looks at it regularly. This can be used to assess whether you are providing all the information needed by potential visitors, develop a Frequently Asked Questions section, etc. D. Other Information: Potential host services include 1+1 Hebergement (French) FA0.TCpfix151a? frame=_top& lf=static&linktype=btn&linkorigin=home 38

39 Annex 4: Promoting Tourism Key Dates and Locations In general, the ideal Periods for bird viewing in the Gourma (due to the great numbers of birds that can be spotted) do not entirely correlate with the elephants presence in the same areas as the elephants make their way along their migratory path. What follows are some key dates and information to be considered when assembling or promoting tourism offerings in Mali. *NB dates are approximate, as bird and elephant migrations vary from year to year, and are affected by environmental and climatic conditions. Nov Feb July Jan height of tourist season in Mali birds are numerous in the Inner Delta / Gourma, with the height of bird numbers generally occurring during July September Limited GPS information and locally reported sightings reported to the USFS/AMCFE team in 2008 revealed that elephants can likely be viewed as displayed in the table below. Site Elephant Family Groups Male Elephants Banzena Feb May Unknown Indiatafane Dec March Year round Boni July Sept Year round Gossi None Year round Hombori Oct Jan Unknown Mahouloud Siddi Daou (called Lélélé), a local guide in the Gourma Region, and the Secretaire de Conflit for the Hombori Guides Association, reported to our USFS/AMCFE team in March 2010 that recent elephant migration has occurred as is displayed below. Months Oct Nov Dec Dec Jan Jan Mar Mar April May July Aug Sept Sites Elephants begin returning to Mali from Burkina Faso; often spotted in Boni, Kena, Gassoni, Boumboum Terra Galma village (approx 20 km from Hombori) Dimamou, Kilwal Banzena, Ais, Idamane, Indiatafane Indiatafane, Banzena Banzena, Porte des Elephants, Mondoro, Gossi Burkina Faso 39

40 Annex 5: Marketing the Gourma Experience Marketing the Gourma Experience should be carefully considered, as opportunities for various marketing angles / approaches abound. In deciding the most prudent approach, local communities desires and carrying capacity should be considered, so as to ensure that the number of tourists attracted (or allowed) to the region does not surpass what the environment and local people are interested in / able to support. Ecotours centered on the elephants could be a 2 3 day add on trip extension for visitors to such destinations as Dogon Country or Timbuktu OR could be incorporated into a larger itinerary, highlighting both culture and nature based tourism throughout Mali. As an example, Sekou Dissa, the official representative of Point Afrique (#1 provider of Mali tourism in France,) owner of Ethnika Mali travel agency ( and award winner from the Ministry of Tourism, prepared the following itinerary as a possible way to incorporate both cultural and nature based tourism into the Malian tourism experience: Day 1 Bamako to Terya bugu (village along the river with captive West African animals including camels, pythons, etc. but also with some natural habitat and wild birds along the river). Mary Crickmore, representative of the African Bird Club in Mali, reported good numbers of waterbirds. Day 2 Terya bugu to Mopti (stay in nice hotel, see markets and river life) Day 3 Mopti to Douentza (Good campment with permanent tents off the ground on pads in Douentza.) or to whichever site is nearest where the elephants are at that season (e.g., Boni, Gossi, Inadiatafane) and where the specified level of facilities are available. Day 4 6 day trips to find the elephants and experience local culture Day 7 leave Douentza to Kona, then by boat (pinasse) to Lac Debo, and other areas of the delta to see birds, hippos,manatees, etc. Day 8 Niafunke Day 9 Timbuktu (3 4 good hotels) visit Tuaregs on the dunes north of town, visit mosques Day 10 Timbuktu to Mopti (4x4 vehicle over land) Day 11 Mopti to Dogon Country Day 12 Dogon Country (Sangha or other place with facilities) 40

41 Day 13 Dogon Country to Djenne Day 14 Djenne Day 15 Djenne to Bamako Another option would be for the Gourma Region, itself, (along with the trip to / from this region) to be marketed as the destination for travelers, incorporating culture and nature along the way. A trip to the Gourma might highlight a photo safari on foot (as opposed to safari by vehicle, which is the common means by which to observe wildlife in East and Southern Africa,) with the possibility of spotting desert elephants, a camel ride into the desert and interaction with the local Tuareg, Songhoi and / or Peul people, local artisan goods and music. 41

42 Annex 6: Objectives of Tourism in the Gourma The two main objectives of promoting sustainable tourism in the Gourma are to improve livelihoods through enhanced sustainable tourism opportunities and to promote conservation via awareness raising outreach and education. The below resources / suggestions are intended to support the achievement of these two important objectives. A. Improve Livelihoods through Sustainable Tourism Opportunities Please see Annex 7: What Do Tourists Want in a Campement? B. Promote Conservation via awareness raising outreach and educational materials Some awareness raising / educational outreach materials that have proven effective with similar initiatives in many parts of Africa include: Awareness raising song or jingle in local language(s) to be played widely on the radio Public service announcements by popular leaders, athletes, or musicians to be played on radio (and/or TV, where appropriate) Youth outreach/educational materials to be disseminated in schools (activity pages, educational notebooks, etc.) T shirts for school children (with logo promoting conservation / elephants) Stickers (for bicycles, motorcycles, school children s notebooks) Bicycle reflectors / clickers (on spokes) with logo Canvas bags with logo Posters Organize soccer tournaments with environmental message shared at beginning or during half time; environmentally themed prize to winner (which could be a Cup/Trophy that is passed to winning team year after year) Brochures/leaflets 42

43 Annex 7: What Do Tourists Want in a Campement? A successful campement can generate income and employment opportunities, protect cultural and natural resources, and provide opportunities for local livelihood improvement. This brochure provides examples and explanations of how to meet tourists needs and expectations in a campement. This document is intended to be used as a starting point for tourism service providers in Mali, and to provide a resource for local communities and business owners as they plan for sustainable tourism. Every campement is different, and there are many different ways to successfully provide tourism services. However, some basic points provided here will help to enhance the tourist s experience. Many visitors to Mali learn about places to go, where to stay and eat, and what to do from people who have already been tourists in Mali friends and family who share their experiences, on a blog or from a website. Everything you can do to meet tourists needs and provide what they want at your campement is good business, for your tourists now and for future tourism. Research shows that the following elements are very important to tourists. These elements are listed, and then briefly described with photos and examples of good practices. Examples are from Mali and other countries in Africa. The most important things tourists look for are: Safety Good Sanitation and Hygiene Authenticity Value It is most important to understand the general idea of what tourists are looking for, and then to think about how to apply these ideas in your campement. Every campement is different, and while these general guidelines will help you think about how to provide for tourists needs, it is equally important to develop and retain the features that make your campement unique. Talking to other people who are experienced with tourism can provide good ideas of how to implement these elements in a cost effective way. Other campement operators and tourism service providers may have ideas to share. Partners such as the Peace Corps and USAID/GSTA can provide suggestions, and your tourists themselves can share their experience and suggestions. For example, a guestbook for tourists to sign could also have space for comments about what they liked best and suggestions for new ideas or improvements that could help develop your business. 43

44 Safety Tourists rate safety as their number one concern when choosing their holiday destination Federation Internationale de l'automobile, 2009 Tourists choose destinations that they believe have a level of acceptable risk. Some things (like terrorism or unsafe border crossings) are out of your control. However, once tourists arrive at your campement, providing a safe environment and safe practices in tourism services increases the tourists confidence that they will have a good experience and that they can trust in the services you provide. For example, At the campement: 1. If private rooms are available, make sure that doors and windows can be securely locked both from the inside and from the outside when a visitor leaves 2. Provide a safe place for valuables (a safe at the front desk where tourists can get a receipt or a lock box in each room) 3. If rooftop sleeping areas are provided, make sure that: A secure storage room or lockers area available There is good drainage so that water does not pool Ladders are sturdy and secure Walls are high enough that tourist cannot fall at night 4. At the front desk, post a sign or have a booklet with general and In case of emergency information. This should include how to call for a doctor (what medical services are available and where), how to make an international call, and where/how tourists can purchase medicine or pharmacy supplies. Additional information such as where to find a bank or restaurant, and a map of the streets around the campement with landmarks will also help many tourists feel more comfortable exploring. 44

45 5. Warn tourists of any concerns. (For example, is there an area where they should not walk at night? Or, is there an area they are not permitted to walk through because of a fetish, sacred site or other reasons?) **Don t forget MALARIA! Many Western tourists have not been exposed to Malaria before. It is important to warn them of Malaria, and a good idea to offer pointers on ways to avoid contracting it. Providing mosquito nets for your tourists is a great idea. Good Sanitation and Hygiene Staying healthy is very important to tourists. This is very closely related to safety becoming ill when far from home can be frightening. Being very clear about the importance of sanitation and hygiene will make a very good impression on tourists. There are several areas to consider, including: 1. Food and water a. Water that is not clean is the primary reason tourists become ill when traveling. Most tourists will require bottled water for drinking. Drinks such as bissap are a pleasant change from water but it is important that they be made only with bottled water, and that tourists can be confident that this is the case. You can post a sign on the bar that tells visitors if this is the case. b. Water that is used for washing dishes should also be clean. If possible, use a three step dishwashing method: First, wash dishes with hot, soapy water. Then, rinse dishes with hot clean water. If possible, the third step is to rinse/dip dishes into hot, clean water with a very small amount of 45

46 bleach (10 drops in a bucket). Dishes should be left to dry in the air, not wiped with a cloth. c. Most tourists will not be able to eat fresh (raw) fruits and vegetables if they have been peeled and cut before being served. Food should be cooked thoroughly and served hot, right away. If you are able to offer fresh items (such as mangos in season), consider offering whole fruits (rinsed of dust and served with a knife) so that the tourist can choose what they are comfortable eating. 2. Personal hygiene (hand washing, toilets, and showers). Sometimes, there is a shortage of water for washing. If this is the case, let tourists know the hours when water is available. Most tourists will understand and support a message of water conservation. A small sign at the check in desk with the message saying please help conserve water is a gentle reminder that water is a limited resource. a. Hand washing stations should be clean and inviting, with soap always available. Provide a basin to catch wastewater or arrange the tap so that water does not form a muddy pool where tourists are trying to stand to wash their hands. This campement has hand washing stations with small benches and hooks for personal items. Notice the water tower a good gravity feed system that is also warmed by the sun. Water from the basins drains away from the area where tourists stand. 46

47 b. Clean and tidy toilet and shower facilities are very important. It is very helpful to have a small shelf and two or three hooks for tourists to hang clothing, small bags, and towels. c. If toilets do not have a door that can be closed for privacy, make a small sign that says occupied/open that can be turned around. Or, use a string and a hook so that tourists can clearly indicate that the toilet is in use. Many tourists are not used to a toilet with no door to be closed, and will be more comfortable if they are confident they will not interrupt someone or be interrupted. 3. Trash and waste disposal. Many tourists are surprised by the plastic bags and other trash they see. a. Encourage recycling and re use as much as possible. For example, place a basket in an area where tourists can drop their empty water bottles to be re used, instead of putting them in the trash. It will be important to make a sign saying recycle water bottles only here and to let tourists know this is a way they can help keep Mali cleaner. **Tourists will want to know that these bottles are not being refilled and re sold as mineral/drinking water. A small sign explaining that they are not recycled for sale is necessary. b. If there is a trash pile or collection area, keep it as contained as possible, behind a wall or bushes so that trash does not blow away in the wind. 4. Maintaining water quality. Plan the design and location of toilet and waste facilities to avoid contamination of water sources. Campement owners should seek guidance from organizations such as OMATHO and GSTA; several pilot projects in Mali, such as the latrine project on the Niger and the fee based public latrines in Sangha and other areas, are examples of planning for waste management. (Additional discussion of this topic is available in the US Forest Service/GSTA Pays Dogon July 2008 technical report). 47

48 Authenticity Tourists come to Mali to experience the unique cultural and natural heritage. A campement that is authentic allows tourists to appreciate and understand life in Mali the people, the history, and the natural environment. Many tourists to Mali appreciate campements that use local styles of building, use Malian art for décor, offer Malian food and drink, and give an idea of what life in a Malian village is really like. Mosquito nets hung from wood roof. Project using traditional materials for building walls. This plan for tourists in a Malian village was designed by training participants who hope to build a visitor center to serve tourists note the design for stores and hotels, with a togona style shaded rest area (with benches for tourists). Signs are clear, and provide directions and tourist information Traditional materials are used in the design. 48

49 Shaded dining area using local materials. Using wood and natural materials instead of plastic appeals to tourists This firepit is from Namibia. Notice the elephant cut out where the flames can show through at night when a fire is lit. What ideas do you have for unique, Malian elements in your campement? Note ladders and Dogon carvings (art should be representative of the area.) Green plants add shade and appeal. 49

50 Value Related to authenticity tourists to Mali are not always looking for luxury, but they are always looking for a fair price, and to be treated like a welcomed guest. If you run a clean campement with friendly, helpful staff, tourists will come to trust your business, and this will help develop your business in the long term. Providing additional services from your campement or developing relationships with other tourist service providers can help develop well managed tourism, which will increase local opportunities. The internet makes it very easy for tourists to learn about different campements, guides, and other tourism services. Remember that every tourist can be a good or a bad advertisement for your future business! If a tourist has a good experience in your campement, they will tell their friends and family. If a tourist has a bad experience, they will tell everyone! Tourists generally appreciate knowing about any training or certifications. If there has been training (for example, guide s training), you can use this to advertise your services. Some tourists are used to bargaining for prices, but many others appreciate knowing what a good price is. For example, if you work with some guides to offer a tour, you can advertise what tourists can expect to pay for different kinds of tours. If a tourist feels that they have had good value for the price, they will tell other tourists, and their friends and family. If a tourist feels that they have paid too much, they will tell everyone! Every campement is different, and all have some good ideas that can help you increase your tourism potential. Here are some photos that show what has been done in other areas of Mali and across Africa. 50

51 Here are some examples of campement signs. Some list services provided, some include more than one language. It is important to provide clear, easy toread information so that tourists can find your campement and share the information with other tourists. Be careful not to include too much detail on your sign, which can make it difficult to read. Which of these signs do you find to be most effective, and why? Finally, it is important to coordinate locally and regionally, and to find a level of development that uses the resources available to you to meet tourists needs. Simple is better do not make things more complicated than they need to be. Talk to other tourism service providers, government and nongovernment organizations, people in your community, and tourists to continually develop understanding of wants, needs, and opportunities. 51

52 Additional information/resources Ecolodges: Exploring Opportunities for Sustainable Business, International Finance Corporation, Available for download from: biz Sustainable tourism in protected areas : guidelines for planning and management. Available for download from: urismpub/?2167/sustainable tourism in protected areas guidelines for planning andmanagement. This document provides practical guidelines for managing the challenges of tourism in protected areas. While the focus is on designated protected areas, the topics of planning, sensitive development, tools for visitor management, managing challenges, human resources, and economics are broadly applicable to natural and cultural resource based tourism. Guidance from International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), 1999 is also valuable. Available from: topics include Authenticity, Employment, Respect, Culture, Economic Returns, Visitor Satisfaction, and Consultation/Evaluation. US Forest Service/GSTA Pays Dogon July 2008 technical report. Available from USDA Forest Service International Programs or online at: ali%20+%20usfs 52

53 Annex 8: Birding Africa and Naturetrek tours to Mali Guides 2 There are many official tourist guides who know something about birds, but that is not to say they can help in bird identification. One highly recommended guide who speaks English and is trying to learn bird ID is Yaya Keita at Tam Tam Tours, BPE 2495 Bamako. His is bf07ykyaya@yahoo.fr The following are French speaking contact persons for some of the birding hotspots in Mali. Bamako/Torokorobougou: Mahamane Cissé, known as Bengué or Sosso, Rue 351, Porte 15 Torokorobougou. He knows how to find birds on the islands in the Niger river. Segou: three biology teachers at the Cabral Lycée have training in bird identification: Ibrahim Diabaté, Famahan Nomoko, and Adama Samogo. They know Konodimini and Soninkora farm and other sites. Konna: Alhousseyni Sarro, Veterinarian at Konna. Tel : or ask for Sarro le Veto Yanfolila: Souleymane Sidibé, at the camp. 2 This information is taken from the African Bird Club website ( ). As indicated in the body of the report, birding can serve as an excellent complement to / component of ecotourism in (and en route to) the Gourma Region. 53

54 Annex 9: Mali Elephant Project Map of Elephants Migratory Path 54