“Building Bridges between Rural Communities with Tourism Products” Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations NACSO

Overview  Workshop organised by NNF / FENATA  Funding source SIDA  Date: 22 nd -23 rd March 07 / Safari Hotel Conference, Windhoek  Attendance to workshop 78 participants  Private Sector- Tour Operators & Hunting association reps  SME Sector in Tourism  12 NGO’s and Conservancy Representatives

Barriers identification in terms of groups  Rural Conservancy Group General Mistrust between GRN, Private Sector, and Communities ( History, unequal wealth distribution, black upcoming tour operators not using the products from conservancies) Infrastructure development in rural areas are non- existent) Conditions of Joint Investments sometimes unequal ( communities not getting fair deals, payments not done on time, payments or agreements not honoured) Banks not willing to lend money to tourism operations in rural areas Lack of respect to Traditional Authority and Traditions

Continue Fear of competition among amongst and from established lodges and touropertors (not willing to promote SME’s) Lack of Private Sector programs

Private Sector Clarify each parties expectation Balancing political issues ( operators do not often local dynamics Who is the local communities ? Who is in charge? ( Fights among local community structures) Lack of basic business knowledge Legislative and policy deficiencies Lack of transparency and openess on both sides Institutionalised distrust of private sector by goverment

Private Sector Cont’ JV’s – Showed that continuity and persistence are key factors leading to success ( misunderstandings, lack of knowledge, cultural attitudes) Private real concerns: Contract periods, Hunting zoning, NGO’s was also adressed: Are NGO’s informed enough on business practices?

Five top barriers  FINANCE AND SECURITY- LAND TENURE –Land Boards,  POLICY ISSUES – Conscession Policy, National Tourism Plan  Capacity and Training –lack of mentorship  Communication –Lack of understanding- Tourism Awareness  Lack of trust between the private sector and communities

Reccommendations oMore interest in understanding each other (develop a code of conduct) oPrivate Sector support for emerging tourism SME’s ( encouraged to join main stream Associations, focus on real business / profit- making skills oSetting up a think tank to develop Capacity building Programs oLobbying & tourism awareness programs and activities developed and jointly undertaken.

Thank You