Page 12 - Vol.38-No.1

CROP PROTECTION

ECO-TRAVELLING WITH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES

Tourism initiatives that support mountain peoples and their environment

Mountain regions around the world
have long held a fascination for vis-
itors, drawn by the rugged natural
landscapes, outdoor activities, cool-
er summer temperatures and unique
mountain cultures.
In fact, for these communities, tourism
brings with it a real economic lifeline.
Mountains may look pretty, but they
can be a tough place to live. They are
remote areas with high levels of food
insecurity, a lack of infrastructure and
very few jobs. Tourism is a key source
of income, but making sure activities
are sustainable is vital to protect the
natural beauty of mountainous areas
and their cultural heritage. As trav-
el begins to pick back up, we have a
chance to rethink tourism, making sure
it is sustainable in the long-term for the
environment and local communities.
The Mountain Partnership Secre- women, Ulikan red rice farmers in the Mountain Partnership member Glob-
tariat at FAO and the World Tourism Pasil area. al Himalayan Expedition. ‘Astrostays’,
Organization (UNWTO) have a new The Mountain Partnership Secretar- owned and operated by local communi-
publication that explores the ways that iat, Slow Food and the Department of ties, include homestays and stargazing
mountain communities can leverage Tourism in the Philippines have now sessions for tourists.
this to their advantage, creating both launched a project to connect small- “Ever since we introduced astrostays
sustainable tourism opportunities and scale producers with tourism service in the village of Maan, tourists are now
robust livelihoods. providers to tap into the potential of staying overnight to experience the
Here are just some places that are local food systems and products, in- night stargazing sessions, which has
already doing that: cluding tours of the rice terraces. In helped to generate additional income
2019, Ulikan red rice was also granted for us,” said Tsering Dorjey, a 29 year-
Ancient red rice in FAO’s Mountain Partnership Products old village resident.
Philippines narrative label, a tag that tells the story Thirty women from 15 different vil-
of traditional products from its origins
Nestled in the Cordillera mountain to its sales. This initiative aims to boost lages have been trained in the basics
range in the Philippines are the Fum- the income of mountain farmers living of astronomy and hospitality. A team of
five trained community members from
mag Rice Terraces, famous across the in remote areas. Maan conduct night sky viewing ses-
country for their superior rice produc-
tion. Stargazing in the sions for the incoming travellers.
“Rice in the Philippine Cordillera Himalayas “Tourists are now also visiting us in
represents life, culture and identity. It cold winters, when stargazing is at its
best, which has helped to spread the
is the first crop to be planted before all Do you fancy lying under the night benefits of tourism year-round,” Tser-
other crops. It is the first food families sky, watching shooting stars in one of
prepare before cooking other foods,” the best stargazing spots in the world? ing added.
says 72-year-old Lita, who has worked This is what some communities deep In the first four months of operations
in the rice fields her whole life. in the Himalayas are offering with their in 2019, Ladakh welcomed 450 visitors
astrotourism services, which include
Ulikan red rice, native to the village night-time stargazing and special and generated income for the commu-
of Pasil, is particularly renowned and events for solar eclipses or meteor nity, which was reinvested to set up 10
solar water heaters and 15 greenhous-
Lita’s ancestors have been growing this showers. Remote, mountainous areas es vital for the community during the
heirloom variety since ancient times. offer the best vantage points for these COVID-19 pandemic.
Legend has it that when the great lead- events and, situated at an elevation of
er Likan of the Taguibong tribes went over 3 000 metres, the Indian region of Experiencing nomadic
missing after a hunt, the Ulikan red rice Ladakh is the perfect location.
variety grew from his remains. The tribe life in Iran
brought the seeds home and planted Since 2018 villages across Ladakh It would be harder to find a more
them in remembrance of their lead- have been following a community-led extraordinary experience than going
er. Fast forward several generations astrotourism model developed by the on a migration with a nomadic tribe.
and there are over 400, predominantly International Astronomical Union and

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