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The Pang Soong Nature Trail is the core component in the 'Voluntourists Without Borders' Initiative recently introduced by the VWB Initiative and development partners Track of the Tiger T.R.D. a Chiang Mai based – tourism resources development company, and the villagers of Ban Pang Mano.
The Pang Soong Nature Trail follows a 4km trail along the Mae Lai stream, and negotiates some 17 waterfalls as it climbs from 1000 m.a.s.l. to 1450 m.a.s.l.and travels in part through pristine forest.
The trail (a work in progress) has areas of improved access facilitated by pathways, steps cut into the banks, railings, ladders and bamboo bridges.
With the help of the Chiang Mai University Herbarium Consultancy we have gathered extensive data of tres 9292 species) birds (300+ species) mammals, insects and more and compiles the information into a Trail Guide Document – published in the PDF format as it is still a work in progress.
The nature trail component with its educational and ecotourism programmes, will over time be supplemented by an adventure trail, a corporate training and assault course, a river tracing challenge route, a jungle run challenge, and a version of a canopy walk, - all using the same trail as an access.
This will maximise the benefits to the village which in turn will showcase he product’s viability and encourage other villages of the areas to adopt the model.
Note* VWB actively seeks other villages for inclusion in its ecotourism (geotiurism) development programmes in the belief that many more products are needed to move from just attraction to world class geotourism industry status
1. Visiting International Schools - Studying geography, environmental studies, team building and leadership – conducted by the MRV Project - Educational Tour Services, an operation highly regarded for the programmes they run from their base Maekok River Village Resort, in Ban Thaton, Chiang Mai.
Note* These schools will also work on our 'voluntourist' projects, as well as on other CIP projects (small construction projects in local schools and orphanages) whilst being accommodated at the Pang Soong Eco-lodge).
Note* - See the article: 'the link between the educational and volutourism products' in the Voluntourists Without Borders PDF file.
2. Universities & Special Interest Groups - Studying flora, fauna, birdlife and environmental or ecological based subjects. The programmes are either of their own design or put together for them by our consultants - experts from the Chiang Mai University Herbarium Consultancy Services.
3. Corporate Development Clients - For team building activities, nature retreats and hands on involvement in the 'voluntourism' component (fast gaining acceptance as an alternative team building option with added benefits).
4. Eco-tourism / Geotourism clients - Those wishing to get away from the city and to enjoy one of northern Thailand's most beautiful remaining forested areas, situated only 50 minutes away from, and 700 m above the northern capital of Chiang Mai. Those wishing to experience the forest, (with the aid of qualified guides and a well written nature trail guide), whilst staying in high style under canvas and thatch.
Future markets will be drawn from those making up what is know as the SAVE markets.
Participatory products and holidays can provide both economic and social benefits to small-scale tourism initiatives, including: cultural immersion, experiential learning based travel, volunteerism, or supporting local development projects. These are important markets because they allow relatively undeveloped destinations to receive tourists that can make an economic impact while at the same time partaking in activities that enhance a destination. An increasingly higher percentage of advertising and promotion resources should be devoted to niche marketing efforts as contrasted with general interest marketing in the early market access stages.
Scientific
Individuals or groups that travel for the purpose of conducting specific research or observation within fields such as biology, archaeology, or anthropology; for example, Earth Watch Institute, Global Vision International, Green force Conservation. Numerous sites worldwide, including have been effectively utilized for scientific field studies in the past, but the economic impact that these expeditions provide to the local community has not been fully documented. Scientific expeditions hire local workers, live in the communities, eat local food, utilize local transportation and buy local goods—leading to positive economic impacts in surrounding communities.
Academic
Individuals or groups that travel with the intention of participating in experiential learning activities leading to credit for formal degree programs or courses offered by higher education institutions; for example, field studies in anthropology, archaeology, languages, conservation biology, etc. Although there has been some research on the economic and social impacts of formal study abroad programs, the focus has been on the importance of incorporating field studies in academic disciplines using learning opportunities provided at field sites. Academic groups have a tendency to visit more remote places in the interest of study, and are more willing to interact with local communities.
Volunteer
Individuals or groups that travel to participate in specific activities that will contribute to the betterment of society; for example, International Volunteer Program Association, Amizade, I to I Tour Operator. Los Ninos International has created VolunTours--the combination of volunteer service and travel/tourism. In recent times, travelers, particularly youth, have shifted from what was originally just traveling or studying abroad to incorporating service into the learning experience. There are many types of volunteer activities that can be directly related to the improvement of rural Thailand’s tourism and livelihoods in local communities. There are currently a number of volunteer organizations that work in Thailand. The focus of the SAVE market is to recruit volunteers who will give their time and effort to enhance the destination. A classic example is volunteers developing trails at national parks.
Educational
Individuals or groups that travel to obtain, for personal gratification rather than academic credit, knowledge or experience within a wide range of human activities; for example, Smithsonian Journeys, Natural Habitat Adventures, The Nature Conservancy. Educational special interest activities that involve any value added experiential learning for the traveler would fall within this niche. One example would be a culinary trip where the visitor learns how to prepare local food in the traditional manner. Educational experiences leading to some credential or certificate of completion involve longer trips and higher expenditures for value added activities (e.g. guided interpretation) directly benefiting local people.
This segment is broad in scope. It has been organized under four sub-categories: Cultural Heritage Travel, Adventure/Sports Travel, Wellness/Spiritual Travel, and Ecotourism.
With the help of those in our client markets, we can ensure that the concept of village-based ecotourism (geotourism) takes hold, spreads quickly throughout the north, and for the first time in some 35 years of hill tribe tourism, lets the ethnic minority groups and rural Thai villagers share in the rewards of tourism, using those rewards to escape the vicious cycle of poverty that traps them.
Voluntourists Without Borders (VWB) welcomes enquiries from you and can package visits/inspections of the project for you on request.
For details: Contact: Shane K Beary direct at tiger@loxinfo.co.th
Shane K Beary
Track of the Tiger
Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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