Georgetown: Training and Capacity Building continues to be a top priority at the Guyana Tourism Authority, and Senior Product Development and Marketing Officer, Ms. Annarie Shiwram is the latest beneficiary from one such training programme in Japan.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organised a Group and Region-Focused Training programme which was implemented as part of the Official Development Assistance of the Government of Japan based on bilateral agreement between Guyana and that country. This training programme was scheduled from August 19th – October 1st, 2014.
The Training Programme focused on ‘Eco Tourism for Sustainable Use of Natural & Cultural Resources’ and encouraged the promotion of eco tourism, which goes a long way toward environmental conservation, wise use of natural resources and contribution to communities, among others.
National and local government bodies as well as Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) involved in tourism promotion were represented by ten (10) countries from around the world. These countries were: Mongolia, Mexico, Guyana, Suriname, Georgia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Kosovo, Albania and Turkey; Ms. Shiwram represented Guyana.
As to the benefits of such exposure, she said, “ It was quite a learning experience to examine Eco- Tourism programmes used there and to examine the components that they incorporated to inform and educate.”
Alluding to plans the GTA has to implements best practices learnt from Japan, Ms. Shiwram explained that she will use the knowledge gained to work with local communities to develop similar models.
Participants were engaged in lectures by JICA representatives, University Professors, National Park System representatives, Government representatives and NGO representatives among others. Some topics covered were Eco tourism policies in Japan, Society & Culture, National Parks System Management and Ecotourism & Regional Promotion. Practical sessions in the form of field visits and demonstrations were also conducted while on training.
An inception report outlining Guyana’s current status on Eco Tourism was presented by the Product Development Officer at the beginning of the training programme. The report highlighted Guyana’s position, the challenges and possible solutions for future development of this niche.
During the six weeks, the Officer was exposed to new experiences, learning best practices from Japan and representing countries, as well as understanding the concept of Eco Tourism and the impact it has on Japanese society.
At the end of the programme each participant was tasked with preparing an Action Plan which will be implemented in home countries. The Product Development Officer has decided to work with the local Amerindian Community of St. Cuthbert’s Mission to develop their existing tourism product by utilising all available resources in the community. A meeting with the Village Council will be organised before the end of 2014 to begin dialogue on the way forward.
Other Guyana Tourism Authority staff who have attended JICA organised training programmes are, Mrs. Natoyah Fields-Harewood, Product Development Officer who attended a programme focused on Young Leaders of Latin American Countries ‘Communities and Tourism Promotion’ in 2013 .
The Director of Tourism, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh also represented Guyana in 2006 by participating in a six week programme on Sustainable Development, in Japan.
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