Bridges-PRTD

Background Report

by Pepper Etters
(Bridges 2001 participant; Summiters 2003 field manager)

History

Seth Sicroff and Empar Alos founded Bridges: Projects in Rational Tourism Development on the premise that independent tourism can be the best vehicle for development in remote mountain areas: this perception is confirmed in Nepal by the record of success in the Khumbu and Annapurna regions, and by the lack of alternative strategies that would combine economic opportunity with cultural and natural preservation. The initial objective of Bridges-PRTD was to "[sponsor] a program of combined volunteer work and study-abroad, in which interdisciplinary teams collaborate with the people of Rolwaling in the Himalayas of Nepal to appraise local needs and tourism opportunities, and to design and implement plans compatible with those conditions."

In the spring of 1999, Alos and Sicroff trekked to Rolwaling to determine if it was a suitable location for the Bridges project. On the basis of their discussions with residents, as well as a quick survey of the valley's tourist assets, they decided it was the perfect place to stage their program and since then have taken three separate student groups into the valley. In the fall of 1999 they worked with the local population to formulate a petition to His Majesty's Government (HMG) to open the valley to independent trekkers. This was believed to be necessary as the government closed the valley in the late '70s to all parties not associated with large trekking groups accompanied by guides. Since these groups lived in tents, carried all of their food, and rarely employed valley locals, they had almost no positive impact on the people and land of Rolwaling. On the other hand, they carried with them most of the negative impacts associated with trekking and tourism. Therefore, in order to help the locals maximize their benefits from tourism, and to allow independent trekkers access to the valley, the Bridges group orchestrated a petition asking relief from restrictions on access. Also in 1999 the group carried out research and small-scale volunteer/service projects to help the residents prepare for tourism.

The second Bridges group continued this research in 2000. In 2001 we carried out anthropological research with the intentions of helping Jan Sacherer update and publish here original field study of the Rolwaling Valley; took measurements for a proposed micro hydropower project; painted and remodeled the local Gompa; provided first aid supplies and training to the community; photographed and documented the valley and the important sights and destinations for guides, promotional material and past and future replicate photography; produced signage for campsites, trash pits and lodges; and developed an informational kiosk for trekkers detailing services and attractions around the valley.

Objectives

Before my participation in Bridges, their mission statement was to "sponsor participatory tourism development projects in which interdisciplinary teams of university students collaborate with remote mountain communities in appraising local needs and tourism opportunities, and in designing and implementing plans compatible with those conditions." Since then, the mission statement has evolved along with the ideas and goals of this relatively new organization. As Bridges prepares to expand its initial involvement in Rolwaling to other areas of the Himalayas and beyond, its mission statement has also developed a wider breadth, although it remains focused on the three key ideas: independent backpackers, mountain tourism, and local communities. The updated mission statement reads as follows: "Bridges promotes independent backpacking in remote mountain destinations as a basis for cultural and ecological preservation and as an alternative to more destructive avenues to economic opportunity." Therefore, it is Bridges' aim to promote independent trekking and backpacker tourism not for its own sake, but for the benefit of the environments and cultures that are visited. These ideals fall closely in line with those of ecotourism, while avoiding the empty promises and vague generalizations that we have learned to expect from such organizations.

Strategies

As the mission statement has evolved, so have the operating procedures. For the first three years, Bridges was set up to provide students and researchers with the opportunity to design and implement their own project within the loose parameters set by the organization and the self defined needs of the local population. The organization therefore existed to facilitate not only tourism development of the Rolwaling valley, but the research projects of its participants. In order to prepare students for their time in the valley and to enable them to make the most of their experience, time in Kathmandu, a rafting excursion, and a trek to Everest are included in the program. These experiences are enhanced by written projects and verbal discussions concerning the tourism development present in these areas. Following the time in Nepal, Bridges also offered an optional excursion to India to allow participants a greater appreciation of Nepal's tourism assets and potential, and a greater understanding of the larger sub-continental tourism of which Nepal is a part.

Recently, Bridges has changed its procedures. Instead of requiring participants to develop and carry out a project, the directors have developed a number of different projects for which they seek experienced people to carry out. However, they have kept the option open to develop a project for those who would like to do so. The Everest trek has been dropped in order to allow more time for the installation of a hydropower project within the valley and participation in a Bridges sponsored conference to be held in Namche Bazaar following the installation. Not only is attendance in the conference a part of next year'ss program, but participants will be given the opportunity to present their work to the academic community.

Clientele / Customers / Audience Served

Given the new procedures, Bridges can also expect a slightly different makeup of participants. Previously, the clientele was primarily made up of students and recent graduates. Now, in addition to recruiting students and recent graduates, Bridges intends to actively recruit experienced professionals to carry out a number of its proposed projects. These students and researchers pay Bridges for the opportunity to participate in their research and tourism development program.

This program therefore serves two audiences, the paying participants who are given a chance to carry out real world research and advance their educational and professional goals, and the local population for whom the program is really intended to benefit. The locals gain help from outsiders with issues and concerns they voice about their community needs, especially those related to tourism. In addition, the program seeks to enhance their economic income by increasing the number of visitors to the valley while attempting to minimize potential conflicts.

There are no "customers" in the sense that the locals do not pay for the services of the program, and the students/researchers who do pay are actually the employees or agents of change that deliver the service to the community. Therefore, Bridges exists primarily as a partnership between local communities and interested students and researchers and provides mutual benefits.

Finances

The Bridges budget in 2001 was about $11,800. This came entirely from student fees ($1800 per student, plus an additional $250 for the four students interested in the excursion to India). This money was used to pay the expenses and salaries of the two directors, fund group equipment such as paint and wood for signs and Gompa restoration, and subsidize various other expenses such as group dinners, a two day raft trip, and various group members' project supplies. The budget for spring 2003 has been significantly increased to help fund the Proposed Hydropower project, cover costs associated with the conference and to account for the included cost of room and board within the valley. Dr. Sicroff claims that, "in accordance with our primary goal (to promote low-budget tourism, volunteer work, and low-budget study abroad), program fees for Bridges to Rolwaling are set at or somewhat below our actual costs. A waiver of program fees is offered to participants from Himalayan countries: Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan." This explains why the costs for this program are so much lower than similar study abroad or volunteer programs. Every effort is made to make it accessible to as many interested participants as possible while having the greatest effect on the local populations. All money is received before the start of the program; traditionally this has been early September, but has been changed to mid February for the 2003 session.

Organization

There were no separate departments or divisions within the Bridges program when I started. It is a small organization with the two directors being the only real employees. However, now there is a second part to the program, "Summiters: The Rolwaling Climbing School" for which I am the field manager. The Namche Conference is also a new addition the program's agenda, but its management is still the responsibility of the directors. There is also serious talk of expanding to South America.

Activities and Programs

Bridges is primarily a research facilitation program and tourism development organization that sponsors a multi-week experience in the Rolwaling Valley and neighboring areas of Nepal. Projects focusing upon responsible tourism development have resulted in, among other things: the valley being opened to independent trekkers in 2001, the development of an individual garbage disposal system for trekkers, a proposed hydropower project for 2003, the establishment of a community first aid supply and training, updating and expected publication of anthropological data, and the development of a climbing school run by local residents.

Conclusion

Bridges is an organization still in its infancy. It is only 3 years old and is only now beginning to realize its intended effects. Recent successes have caused a rapid growth spurt within the program and expansion into additional niches. Constant changes reflecting the director's policy of learning from doing, have resulted in an ever evolving program designed to meet the needs of the local population while providing a sound experience for involved students and researchers. Each successive year has shown increased participation, greater achievements and improved satisfaction by all parties involved. The year 2003 promises to continue this trend with a greater range and depth of projects which, if successful may be the springboard necessary to catapult the organization and its influence to other countries and continents. Not only does this dynamic environment provide a sound learning experience for its participants, but the fact that it is still in its early years offers not only the chance to effect the people and environments with whom they work, but the chance to contribute to the shape and direction of the organization itself