Eco and Agro Tourism, Grassroots initiative in North INDIA

EcoVolunteerTravel

EcoVolunteerTravel, commonly referred to as EVT in ConservEN, is a project focused on the tourism sector combined with sustainable development. Primarily in operation in the state of Himachal Pradesh, EVT was conceived in response to rapid growth and development of the tourism industry in the Dharamshala area, due to its proximity to the residence of the Dalai Lama, as well as its natural environment at the base and with the Himalayan Mountain Range.

Many of the constructed hotels, restaurants and tour operators in the small Himalayan community we are current based, Naddi, are owned and even operated by outside persons, whether Indian or foreign. This has and will continue to have an impact on the local, more traditional Gaddi and Himachali communities, who area generally farmers by profession.

EVT is a program that is in the phases of research and development. The ideal intern will be working on a project that will integrate multiple and more of the following areas:

• Agro-tourism in the local agricultural community
• Home stays in the local indigenous and resident community
• Eco-tourism that focuses on working with local guides to develop and carry out activities with tourists that promote education and awareness of the local environment, minimized environmental impact and provide adventure and a physical experience
• Corporate Social Responsibility education and awareness campaigns with local hotel, restaurants, shops, tour operators, etc., that would be aimed at creating promotional opportunities for the business side, and encourage investment and economic and social benefits for the local community
• The planning, development and implementation of a Volunteer-tourism program with packages ranging in scope of days to months, with opportunities for these volunteer tourists to participate in many of the EducARE programs, including organic farming, young women's association, REstore and more. The tourists would also have a chance to visit some rural Punjab areas that are not commonly known or accessible to tourists, giving them a new and unique cultural perspective on India

Currently we are working on a Homestays project in the Himalayan community of Naddi, near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh; this is called Eco Home Stays India (www.homestays.educare.in - this is still an in progress site). Our current Homestays committee have been meeting over the course of the past 6 months with a group of 4-8 women (all at different phases of the program) interested in conducting homestays for interested tourists, providing food and guide services, as well as lessons in cooking, Hindi and local dances and customs. Four of the Home Stays members are currently being visited regularly, often for overnights, by many of our EduCARE interns to help the participants gain experience, identify problem areas and become comfortable in receiving and entertaining guests in their home. By June/July we hope to open these homes for guest stay and complete the first stage of training, development and business planning.

We are currently looking for interns who can help us take the next step and develop a tourism circuit in our local area, expand on activities and develop partnerships with local companies, guides and service providers.

Our current Project Manager Etienne (France) has been contributing to the ConservEN blog on this dynamic and challenging project.

Project Manager:

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Timeframe: 3-12 months

Age Restriction: 18 to 35 years of age

Tasks and responsibilities:

The Project Manager's role is to innovate and manage one or more projects within the areas listed above, with the support of Project Assistant Managers, at a specified cluster location within one of the three EduCARE India centres: Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. They work closely with the Program Coordinator to implement on-ground projects and manage them daily, monitor and evaluate these projects and their resource needs on a weekly and monthly basis, and update the project manuals, with the assistance of the Project Assistant Manager. Additionally, the Project Manager should reach out to their community and create/maintain communication and collaboration with the local people for their education and empowerment.

Project Management:

• Research and initiate new projects
• Manage existing projects within the assigned program cluster
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the project activities to the Program Coordinator
• Liaise with the Program Coordinator to acquire material and non material resources
• Create and update project manuals regularly
• Create long term, medium term and short term plans with the support of the Program Coordinator
• Organize and chair the project committee meetings
• Coordinate and support Cluster Coordinator in cluster events

Communications:

• Liaise between Project Assistant Managers and Program Coordinators
• Help manage the feedback, concerns, and needs of the Project Assistant Managers within their projects.
• Create blog posts related to their projects regularly.
• Liaise with people from the local community, fostering good relations.

Assistant Project Manager:

Reports to: Project Manager.

Timeframe: 3-6 months

The Project Assistant Manager works on one or more ConservEN projects. They will be assigned to one specific office location within the three program centres: Himachal Pradesh, Punjab or Rajasthan. The Project Assistant Manager works closely with the Project Manager, who will provide guidance and direction and resource needs. They will also work with the Program Coordinator to ensure that their projects fit with the overall aim, mission and values of the organization.

Together with the Sustainability Project Manager, the Sustainablity Project Assistant Managers form a team to assure the continuity and quality of one of the Environmental Projects. This job role will put you in the center of the work field and you will be in close contact with the local community. Being involved in the social projects run by the VIKAS Centres will provide you with invaluable work experience in development and let you experience Indian culture first hand.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Assist the Project Manager in the daily on ground tasks related to their projects
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the project activities to the Project Manager
• Inform the Project Manager about any human resource, financial and material needs.
• Management of Project Manuals and other project documents
• Liaise with people from the local community, fostering good relations.

Benefits

Free on-site accommodation is provided. Free access to Internet is provided in the various centers and some houses. Additionally, work-related transportation and phone expenses (partially) are provided for by the organisation.

*Fee: Please note there is a one-time legal fee for intern placement that is US $460. Interns of 6-12 months or longer qualify for partial to full reimbursement of this fee.