As part of the project, rustic wooden accommodations have been erected near the shepherds' homes, providing a charming overnight stay option for tourists. Moreover, a recommendation has been made for shepherds to enrich their living spaces and broaden their offerings, including the production of artisanal cheese, curds, cottage cheese, and honey. This initiative is pivotal as it anticipates that curious tourists will be drawn to the shepherd's abode to witness activities such as cheese-making and milking.
While the project doesn't explicitly address the enhancement of the shepherd's dwelling, insights from successful endeavors elsewhere can be shared to inspire shepherds to organize their surroundings, fostering an inviting and pristine atmosphere. To sum up, in order to attract a larger influx of tourists, concerted efforts should be directed towards cultivating an attractive and diverse environment that engages visitors in the unique aspects of shepherding life.
As the local population perceives the growing interest in this path and agro-tourism, there's a likelihood that they will contemplate participating in similar activities. Witnessing the benefits their neighbors derive from tourism, they may find inspiration to cultivate and provide an array of products, such as honey, cheese, diverse dairy products, fruits, vegetables, forest tea, and more. The positive impact observed in their community can serve as a motivating force for others to explore and embrace opportunities in the burgeoning agro-tourism sector.
Recognizing that the project trail may be challenging for an average tourist, it becomes important for the local population to offer horse services to tourists. Consequently, this may lead to the establishment of a horse service line in the village, which should be incorporated into the overall tourist services.
Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
Increasing awareness within the population can be effectively achieved through the exchange of experiences among community members. In sparsely populated villages, information tends to spread rapidly, especially in alpine pastures where people have ample time for communication. Ensuring the dissemination of accurate messages and sharing positive examples is crucial to building a cohesive understanding of the project's benefits and objectives.
Furthermore, plans include a visit from the first TV channel in the upcoming season, offering a valuable opportunity to showcase concrete results. This platform not only enables the community to witness the project's impact but also allows shepherds to prepare for recording and actively participate in conveying their experiences. Leveraging such media exposure can significantly contribute to creating a broader awareness and garnering support for the initiative both locally and beyond.
Inovative Financial Mechanisms
The completion of the project and the attraction of 50 tourists per month during the tourist season would indeed signify a significant achievement. Assuming this number remains stable, it translates to 1000 GEL in revenue every month from just one shepherd's shelter, solely from overnight stays. This revenue not only benefits the shepherd directly but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall services provided by other members of the community.
Notably, the construction of two additional shelters in Sadzromkhe village indicates a positive expansion of tourism-related infrastructure. This expansion not only signifies growth in the tourism sector but also provides additional opportunities for local community members to participate in and benefit from the evolving tourism landscape. The overall impact extends beyond individual shepherds to contribute to the economic vitality and improved services within the entire community.
Capacity - Building Component
The current local theme lacks opportunities that could elevate tourist attraction and enhance services on an ongoing basis. It is imperative to conduct regular reviews and analyses post-tourist season, reflecting on achievements and identifying areas for improvement in anticipation of the next season. This continual evaluation process ensures a dynamic and responsive approach to evolving tourist preferences and demands.
Furthermore, facilitating travel for young people to gain exposure to other regions, such as settlements in the Alps, becomes crucial. This exposure not only broadens their horizons but also allows them to bring back valuable insights and skills that can contribute to the local theme's growth and development. Encouraging such exploration and learning experiences among the youth will not only benefit the individuals but also infuse the local community with fresh perspectives and competencies to further elevate its tourism potential.
Policy Impact
Undoubtedly, the project will reshape the response to potential challenges. Historically, shepherds have been spared direct interaction with tourists, as no marked paths traversed through their living areas. However, with the project's implementation, shepherds will now find themselves in direct contact with tourists, elevating their level of responsibility. Addressing this shift is paramount, and incorporating guidelines that align with the prevailing legislation and human rights in Georgia becomes essential.
Moreover, fostering collaboration between the administration of Borjom-Kharagauli National Park and the shepherds is crucial to preempt unforeseen problems. Joint efforts will facilitate the establishment of clear expectations, protocols, and support systems, ensuring a positive and responsible interaction between shepherds and tourists within the project's framework. This collaborative approach aims to navigate potential challenges proactively and promote a harmonious coexistence between the local community, the park administration, and the visiting tourists.
Gender Focus
While women may not have had direct involvement in the project, given that shepherds are predominantly men, it is important to recognize that they still contribute certain benefits. Within the herdsmen's families, where women are present, they too derive economic advantages from the project. As tourism continues to develop, there is an anticipation that the role of women will expand. In the future, female family members may actively participate in providing various tourist services, marking a positive shift towards increased inclusivity and participation of women in the evolving landscape of local tourism. Encouraging and supporting the potential involvement of women can further contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the project.
Notable Community Participation
Young people played an active role in the project at every stage:
1. Members of shepherd's families actively took part in monitoring activities.
2. Young rangers participated in all project activities.
3. The project coordinator and the tourist service coordinator played crucial roles in marking the path, planning, measuring distances, determining and installing signs, and working on the content of informational materials such as banners and guides.
Additionally, young people contributed to shelter building and volunteered to assist in the construction efforts.
Project Results
It's impressive to see the comprehensive efforts made in Borjom-Kharagauli National Park to boost tourism and engage the local community. Here's a summary and rephrasing of the key points:
A new 40-kilometer "Iron Cross Trail" has been established in Borjom-Kharagauli National Park, featuring clear markings, signs, 3 information banners, and the creation of 500 tourist guides.
Two tourist shelters were constructed and upgraded near shepherds' residences, involving the installation of 2 12-volt solar panels, the creation of room partitions, waterproof painting of the facade, and balcony floor painting.
Marking the tourist trail has contributed to increased awareness in the village and has enhanced the capacity of the local community, which comprises 120 families.
The local community was encouraged to develop a tourist product, including the establishment of a family hotel, horse rental services, packaging and selling dairy products, and an increase in the production of various local agro crops.
Fifteen representatives from the local community received training in "Local Community and Tourism Marketing."
Herdsmen, whose residences were equipped with shelters, were motivated to enhance and make their farms and products attractive to tourists.
The shelters near the shepherd's residences now serve as overnight accommodations for the rangers of Borjom-Kharagauli National Park, assisting them in carrying out their duties in challenging meteorological conditions.
The marking of the new trail facilitates the development of agro-tourism in Borjom-Kharagauli National Park.
Communities from 6 villages adjacent to Borjom-Kharagauli National Park stand to benefit from tourism revenues. This initiative not only promotes economic growth in the region but also fosters community involvement and sustainable development.
