1. 1ECOTOURISM - Rural and Adventure Tourism -

2. 2 STRENGTHS Wide difussion of the State worldwide (Chiapas as a selling icon) Natural and cultural biodiversity with tourist potential Tourist points known worlwide (Z.A. Palenque, Yaxchilan, San Cristóbal, Cañón del Sumidero, Agua Azul) Tourist affluence to the traditional destinys of the State Wide variety of infraestructure Growing interest of commnities to enter into the tourist activity Growing interest of institutions to support this activity ECOTOURISM IN CHIAPAS

3. 3 WEAKNESS “Ecotoristic” centers developed without order and planning Lag between infraestructure developed and capacity builded Lack of capacity and experience in communities to operate touristic projects Lack of a joint and integrated vission for the development of this activity Tourist centers focused in landscape contemplation and not in activities (producto development) Lack of integration among tourist centers and with private sector ECOTOURISM IN CHIAPAS

4. 4 “Biodiversity Corridor Planning and Implementation Program” Associate Cooperative Agreement No. 523-A-00-03-00047-00 Reference: Leader Cooperative Agreement No. LAG-A-00-99-00046-00 Managing the Usumacinta Watershed for Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability Objective 4: Communities and Partner NGOs Develop Economically Viable Responsible Tourism Projects.

5. 5 PROJECT VISION 2008 Mid-part of the Usumacinta Basin develops responsible tourism activities, adopting economical, social and environmental best practices

6. 6 O4: RESPONSIBLE TOURISM OBJECTIVE: Develop an inter institutional tourism joint strategy and responsible tourism activities adopting best practices OUTCOMES: KBA 5, KB1, Sustainable economically activities, USAID IR2, IR3 PERIOD: 2004-2008 PARTNERS: Asociación Cultural Na Bolom, A.C., Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Language School

7. 7 INSTITUTIONS INVOLVED Secretaría de Turismo Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas Comisión Nacional para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indios Comisión Nacional Forestal Proyecto de Desarrollo Social Integrado y Sostenible – Secretaría de Desarrollo Social Corredor Biológico Mesoamericano Iniciativa de Prosperidad Rural y Conservación Asociación Cultural Na Bolom Conservación Internacional

8. 8 Interinstitutional Joint planning for ecotourism development Develop and strengthening of capacities Support product development and commercialization Develop Ecotourism Best practices to prevent negatives impacts of tourism Promote cooperation among comunity based enterpriese as well as with privete initiatives (local tour operators) STRATEGIC LINES OF THE PROGRAM

9. 9 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS Establish a Inter Institutional Coordination.- 6 Strategic Lines were Developed: 1.Strengthen Institutional Coordination 2.Environmental Issues 3.Natural and Cultural Recognition 4.Commercialization 5.Organizational Development and Capacity Building 6.Infrastructure & Equipment

10. 10 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS Establish a Reservation and Information Center Linking CBEs Linking CBEs with Private Sector (Local Tour Operators 16 CBEs 4 Local Tour Operators

11. 11 MAJOR CHALLENGES Strengtheng the Inter Institutional Coordination Institutional Agendas (priorities) Political Changes Establish Joint Action Plans for Each Strategic Line

12. 12 MAJOR CHALLENGES Strengtheng SendaSur Integration Business Plan Comercialization Program Scalling up

13. 13 MAJOR CHALLENGES Vinculate Tourism Activities (Ecotourism) with Conservation Develop a Code of Best Practices for the Region