Workshop for park rangers and tourist guides
Twenty park rangers and tourist guides received a 4-day course on service to visitors in protected areas; specifically, in environmental interpretation, guided tours, and bird watching, among other topics. The object of the course was to improve service to tourists in seven natural reserves supported by the Co-Management of Protected Areas Project (COMAP) with assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These reserves include the Cosigüina Volcano and Father Ramos Estuary in Chinandega, Tisey-Estanzuela in Esteli, Musun Mountain in Matagalpa, the Parakeet Zone in Managua, and the Juan Vendo Island in Leon; in addition to the Natural Volcano Mombacho Reserve, where the workshop was held.
SUPPORT FOR COMAP
USAID has provided more than $6.2 million from 1997 to 2006 for COMAP, working directly with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (MARENA), local non-governmental organizations, and members of nearby communities to promote social, economic, and environmental activities.
To date, more than 1,400 persons have received training in tropical flora and fauna interpretation, environmental education, on the construction of natural paths, ecotourism services, and management of protected areas. The project has also financed micro businesses related to conservation that offer products and services to tourists, such as lodgings, restaurants, and arts and crafts which provide economic income for 594 families.
In addition, USAID has built visitor centers, park ranger stations, and paths in the seven reserves.
RESULTS TO DATE
- To date, over 50,000 people have visited the six protected areas, without including the Mombacho site.
- The Mombacho Volcano Reserve is the first example in Nicaragua of a protected area that has become self-sustainable thanks to a dramatic increase in the number of visitors, which surged from 12,000 in 1997 – when USAID began its assistance – to nearly 26,000 visitors in 2005.
