9th August is devoted to the indigenous peoples of the world. Here are some of the ways our membership – of one hundred in 37 countries – promotes mutually beneficial sustainable tourism by and with indigenous peoples.

 

The #Culture 4C

 

The Long Run 4C – #Culture is part of our sustainability framework: a holistic balance of #conservation, #community, #culture and #commerce in privately managed areas.  Our members’ activities in this 4C strengthen intercultural relationships and understanding, safeguard cultural heritage, and raise awareness of cultural diversity of the indigenous peoples in member destinations.

Conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems

 

Located in areas of high biodiversity and ecological value,  and at sites where indigenous peoples have a historical and spiritual connection, our members are partnering with indigenous peoples, to conserve land and biodiversity, and combat climate change.

 

Cottars 1920s Camp (Kenya), through the Cottars Wildlife Conservation Trust (CWCT), has supported the Maasai’s to obtain land tenure. Sasaab (Kenya) provides support to the management of the Westgate Community Conservancy of the Samburu people. Kicheche (Kenya) is part of the Mara North Conservancy, a partnership of 12-member camps, set up to protect animal migratory routes as well as the land from other incompatible land uses with the Maasai. Borana (Kenya) supports the development of community tourism enterprises with the Maasai.

 

Kapawi (Ecuador) is part of a project belonging to the Achuar people preserving the  Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest and their culture. Huilo Huilo (Chile) is conserving a unique part of nature and culture in the Patagonian Rainforest, including that of native Mapuche people. Huaorani (Ecuador) is a community-run enterprise owned by five Huaorani tribes: Nenkepare, Quehueri’ono, Apaika, Wendaro and Kakataro,who preserve one of the planet’s most bio-diverse tropical rainforests and the ancient culture of the Huaroni people.

Art, crafts, architecture and cultural expression

 

Linking destinations to their ancient history and culture is important to our members. Tahi (New Zealand) retains its Mahori name OHUATAHI (meaning first place of plenty) to maintain its close connection with the Maori. The American Prairie Reserve (USA) features interpretive signs with greetings in Native American languages. Nikoi (Indonesia) showcases and helps sustain the unique craft skills of the Orang Suku Laut. Grootbos (South Africa) keeps the memory of the Khoi and San people, the original inhabitants of its locale, alive through sharing stories, and visits to archaeological sites such as the Klipgat Cave, which bears Khoisan history.

 

Basecamp (Finland) preserves the Sami culture through artefacts with traditional Sami symbols. Segera (Kenya) supports the SATUBO women’s group which keeps the beading traditions of the Samburu and Maasai alive. Feynan (Jordan) promotes native Bedouin traditions and archaeological sites of cultural and historical value. Posada Amazonas’ traditional architecture reflects that of the Machiguenga people of Manu. Pacuare (Costa Rica) chose an architectural style based on indigenous Cabécar construction methods and helps keep Cabécar cultural values alive.

 

The Long Run supporter CES (Canada), a community and tourism development firm, works  with Aboriginal entrepreneurs, communities and organisations.

 

Education

 

This year’s Indigenous Peoples Day theme is dedicated to Education. To aid universal access to education, our members are improving education opportunities for indigenous communities.  Segera (Kenya) has a bursary programme for local communities including the Maasai and Samburu. Nikoi (Indonesia) improves education standards of the Orang Suku Laut along the east coast of Bintan.