MCRB, Myanmar Responsible Tourism Initiative (MRTI) and Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) cohosted a second Communities and Tourism Conference in Naypyidaw on 13/14 June. Read more: http://www.myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org/news/communities-and-tourism-conference-2017.html

1. AYEYARWADY DOLPHIN
PROTECTED AREA,
COMMUNITY-BASED
ECOTOURISM PROJECT
Thant Zin,
CBET Manager, ADPA, WCS
thantzin1977@gmail.com
09259463540

2. Dolphin Conservation
and Community Based
Ecotourism Working
Group Mandalay
Leadership Committee
1. Tract Level Leader
2. Tract Level Dy Leader
3. Accountant
Advisors
Village Level
Committee
1. Village Leader
2. Dy Village Leader
3. Accountant
Dolphin Guide Team
1. Leader
2, Members
Non Dolphin Guide
Team
1. Leader
2. Members
Cook Team
1. Leader
2. Members
Patrol Team
1. Leader
2. Members
Visitor Center Mgt
Team
1. Site Manager
2. Volunteers
Village Advisors:
1. Village Leader
2. Elders
3. Monk
Village Sanitation
team
1. Leader
2. Member
Government Patrol
1. DoF staff,
2. WCS
3. River Police
4. Police
5. GAD
Decription
ADPA CBET Members
Working Group WCS
Dept Fisheries
Dept Dolphin
Research
Dept Tourism
Tract Leaders
Village Leaders
Tract Level Committee Leader
Village Level Committee Leaders
Tourist Boat
Association
Guide Association
Tourism Police
Advisors Tract Leaders
Village Leaders

3. 0
200000
400000
600000
800000
1000000
1200000
1400000
1600000
2014 2015 2016
Income
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
2014 2015 2016
Number of tourists
Current estimate
population = 68
Estimate 2006=58
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Number of Dolphins in ADPA (Mingun to Kyaut Myaung)

4. 1. Village level rules and regulations developed and agreed for protect dolphin
2. Village Leadership committee form 6 six villages was established
3. Other village want to join CBET project
4. 9 cook trainees trained (MOHT) from 6 villages and they can share to new 55 trainees
5. One Cast Net ( Cooperative Fishing Culture)Training was conducted to 20 young
generations
6. Waste management is keeping on in 8 villages
7. Village headmen involving on leading role of CBET process
8. Information sharing from villages for dolphin distribution and threats
9. Highly potential for tourism business (visitor survey result)
10.More interesting on dolphin from government, local and foreigners

5. CHALLENGES
1. Electrofishing
2. River traffic
3. Water pollution
4. Fishing concessions causing over fishing
5. Lack of Collaboration

6. Advice to communities thinking of being involved in tourism
1. Have a unique and charismatic product (Cooperative fishing in Ayeyarwady)
2. Understand the needs of the tourist you target
3. Cooperate with government administration to ensure governance support
4. Cooperate with private tour operators ensuring all follow rules and regulations
5. Develop clear rules and regulations with consensus of all villagers and
authorities.
6. Work together as a team and provide support to the leaders
7. Ensure there is Village Development Funds in the CBET income generation
8. Regularly report progress to village and authorities
9. Keep proper records of tourists visiting village and inform authorities.
10.Keep a tourist feedback book for tourists
11.Explain or keep information boards informing tourists clearly on products
being sold

7. Future
1. Communities and authorities cooperate to protect dolphins inside and
outside ADPA, stopping electrofishing and reducing fishing concessions
2. Communities moderate use of fertilizers and pesticides along the
Ayeyarwady
3. More tourists come to see the unique fishing technique and population of
dolphins continues to rise to at least 100 or more.
4. CBET activities bring the communities together and they cooperate with
each other to protect dolphins
5. Double the number of tourists visiting the dolphin area
6. Establish clear protocols for dolphin watching and all visitors, tour operators
and community respect these protocols.

8. Thank you very
much!
Thant Zin
Ecotourism Manager
Wildlife Conservation Society
Ph-09259463540
Email. thantzin1977@gmail.com