It is hoped the camp will contribute to Oudomxay province's efforts to promote sustainable tourism and achieve economic benefits. The camp is located in Ngeun district, Xayaboury province, on the other side of the Mekong River from Pakbaeng district in Oudomxay province, and is home to the large animals and their handlers, known as mahouts. It is hoped the elephants will attract greater numbers of visitors to the area and encourage mahouts to use their animals for tourism activities rather than logging. Vice Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration, Mr Soukaseum Bodhisane, spoke after an official inspection of the camp. He expressed appreciation for the operators' efforts to create interesting and useful activities that were both sound environmentally and would leave a lasting positive impression on visitors. “This is the first elephant camp that has been set up along the Mekong River . It signifies an important step as we add to the variety of programmes on offer to visitors who stop over in the district,” Mr Soukaseum said. He spoke at the opening ceremony of the camp and associated Pakbaeng Lodge. The gathering was attended by French Ambassador to Laos , Mr Francois Senemaud, Minister of Public Health, Mr Ponmek Dalaloy, local authorities and curious locals. Attendees learnt that Pakbaeng district has a rich bounty of natural attractions to capture the attention of visitors. Tourists travelling from Luang Prabang province to Bokeo province are being encouraged to stop in the area to learn more about the great variety of natural and cultural wonders, as well as the ethnic minorities who call the area home. With more than 4,000 people visiting the area so far this year, the local authorities are working actively to encourage the construction of accommodation suitable for visitors. The elephant camp has already been run by the Sofimek Company as a one-year pilot programme. One year on, the feedback is positive from the many visitors who come to experience elephants in their natural surroundings.
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Elephant riding is a line of ecotourism that business operators have been encouraged to get involved in. Properly managed, ecotourism gives economic incentives to protect the environment and gives elephants the chance to breed, Mr Soukaseum said. “Elephants in the logging industry are often denied the opportunity to breed, and in other cases if they are overworked they sometimes give birth prematurely.” The camp has created jobs for local people and benefits local farmers who supply the animals with food. “The most important aspect of this tourist programme is to sustain nature and the environment in the long run.” More operators are eyeing the opportunities. However, both skillful mahouts and 8 to 10 elephants are needed for any such business, so they can manage and look after each of the animals appropriately. On the same day, attendees celebrated the second anniversary of a local health dispensary. In the past year more than 3,000 people have received free health services and medicine from the dispensary. It is supported by the company and staffed by a volunteer doctor from France . The local authorities have expressed satisfaction with the company's contribution. Since it began building the business, it has worked actively to promote local economic development, especially in creating jobs for local villagers. It is believed the company has set a good example by using income-generation activities to help the community and province to tackle poverty reduction.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun |
