Labels: Andaman Discoveries, humanitarians, international development projects

Labels: activities, Andaman Discoveries, Ban Talae Nok, CBT

Labels: activities, Andaman Discoveries, conservation

By Claudine Nagiah

Tourism is one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries. Tourist spending in developing countries is almost three times greater than the amount of international development assistance. The potential of tourism industry to contribute towards poverty reduction is enormous.

Andaman Discoveries recently attended the launch of a new book on tourism and poverty reduction, written by Jonathon Mitchell and Caroline Ashley from the Overseas Development Institute in London. The book looks at the different ways that money from tourism impacts the local economy and local people in developing countries, and identifies three main pathways that tourism spending flows to poor people:
1. Direct effects, such as employment;
2. Indirect effects, such as the growth of construction and retail sectors, and increased demand for agricultural products;
3. Dynamic effects, such as improved infrastructure in the country, and a greater tax base to fund social welfare and education.

The authors found that between 5–25% of tourist spending makes its way to poor people, so the potential for tourism to make a positive impact on the lives of poor people is huge.

Unfortunately, where tourism it is poorly regulated, the results can be disastrous. Insensitive tourism development can have negative impacts on local environment and wildlife. It can contribute to the loss of cultural heritage and traditional livelihoods, and result in the displacement and exploitation of local people. More needs to be done, particularly in the mainstream tourism sector, to reduce these negative impacts and ensure that tourism really does bring positive benefits for poor people.

Here at Andaman Discoveries, we have done our own analysis of how tourism funds are spent. In 2009, 17% of the income from tourism went directly to communities and local partners for the provision of tourism services volunteer placements. An additional 16% went to locally owned businesses for provision of services such as transportation and accommodation. That’s a total of 33% of tourism spending, going directly to local people in the region. In addition, a further 44% went towards community projects that provide benefit to local communities, such as scholarships, conservation, tree planting, and vocational training.


Community based tourism (CBT) in the North Andaman region has been particularly successful as a socio-economic strategy to help communities recover from the impact of the Asian tsunami in 2004. It provides people with a sustainable form of income within their own village, after their homes, fishing boats and farms were destroyed. The emphasis on homestays and handicraft projects is particularly helpful for women, as it gives them a viable way to support their family and increases their standing within the community. People have less need to relocate to major cities and tourist destinations to make a living, which helps to keep the village and its cultural traditions alive.

The positive benefits of CBT can reach far beyond financial impacts. When managed effectively, CBT puts the villagers in control of their own destination; the villagers make the decisions about how tourism in their village will be managed and so can work together to ensure their lands, their cultural heritage and natural environment are protected. The very fact that tourists come to visit their village instills them with a deep sense of pride and a determination to preserve their culture and environment for future generations.

Income generated by Andaman Discoveries’ tours support a number of conservation projects in the area. Funds from tourism help to finance environmental projects such as recycling and solid waste management, whilst the tourists and volunteers are able to directly support projects such as mangrove rehabilitation and conservation of rare species of water lilies and orchids. The children in the villages, schools and orphanages we work with benefit enormously from the time and attention which our guests and volunteers so generously give; it helps to improve their English skills, gives them exposure to different nationalities, cultures and values, and above all brings them lots of fun and laughter.

So, from us all here at Andaman Discoveries, we would like to say a big “thank you” to all of our guests, volunteers and supporters. It is because of your support and kindness that we are able to continue making a positive impact in the lives of the communities we work with.

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, community tourism, community-based tourism

This week saw the celebration of our partner’s wedding Kim and Awe from The Eco Lodge on Koh Ra Island, they took their vows on the beautiful Island on Saturday the 27th March. The AD team arrived en masse to the Island where our friends had decorated the sala the night before with beautiful red and white roses.


Celebrations took place on the island with a traditional Buddhist service in the morning, it was beautiful to witness the Thai ceremony; it is so warm and loving. The afternoon was dedicated to a western service with a reading from Kim’s brother in
law, which made the service so much more personal, only a few tears flowed, the day was magical the setting amazing, sea, sand and love all around. We were so happy to be part of this special day, for most of us it was the first Thai wedding we had witnessed; these ladies know how to dress to impress. The next day the bride and groom were whisked off, courtesy of their friends speed boat, to Surin Island to carry on celebrations into the wee small hours. We would like to extend our thanks again for allowing us to be part of this special day and wish them health, wealth and happiness in their life together.

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, Koh Ra Ecolodge

Andaman has experienced a "changing of the guard" in recent months. We are excited to welcome out new interns Jenny, Carli, and Laura to the team! We now have a fresh group to take 2010 community based tourism by storm!

A northern California native, Jenny came direct from San Francisco, California. She recently graduated from the University of San Francisco with an M.S. in Enviornmental Management, and has over five years of experience as an Environmental Consultant around the US. Jenny hopes to bring fresh program ideas and marketing concepts to the AD team.

Carli came all the way from Michigan State University to join the AD team for two months. She was sent by the Asian Institute University of Technology (AIT) through their study abroad program in Thailand. Carli came to AD to get hands-on experience in sustainable tourism and while serving the community. So far, Carli has visited several community projects, villages, and events. Carli hopes to help our online marketing efforts online and support the AD team efforts in villages.

Laura will be with AD for eight months and is our first intern from Pistes Solidaires, a French non-profit organisation based in Marseille. Laura is here to learn all she can about community-based toursim and Thai culture. This is an extraordinary experience and she really wants to add something new and help the organisation.

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, intern

Dear Friends,

I am a new addition to the AD team and would like to extend a warm and enthusiastic greeting from Kuraburi!

The chains of corporate America are finally loosening as I start my third month at Andaman Discoveries. I arrived in the wake of graduating with my M.S. in Environmental Management, and have fully recovered from the frantic San Francisco lifestyle I left. Thank you AD!

I have never worked in the tourism business, nor have I lived outside the U.S. I came to Thailand to absorb as much information as possible about community-based development, having just completed my thesis on sustainable construction in Haiti.

So far, the people are amazing, the food is delicious, and the sunsets continually surprise me. I have grown beyond my wildest expectations, both professionally and personally, all thanks to the AD team.

Sincerely,

Jenny Lovell

a.k.a "The Jeneral"

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, intern

Thank You for Voting

Andaman Discoveries was one of twelve finalists (out of a record 900 nominations) for the fifth annual BBC World Challenge awards. We appealed to you to help support our nomination by voting for us online, and are extremely grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support we received. The time and energy you consistently show us is a source of hope and inspiration – to say nothing of our very existence – and we offer our gratitude.

The experience garnered tremendous positive exposure for us, helping to spread our message to a much wider audience. We were humbled by this honor, especially considering the formidable talent competing for this award. Please join Andaman Discoveries in congratulating this year’s winner, the Safe Bottle Lamp Foundation of Sri Lanka.

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, BBC World Challenge

Nan Joins Andaman Discoveries

Andaman Discoveries recently welcomed Nadanong “Nan” Chanpaibool as our new accountant and translator. Nan comes from Bangkok, where she completed a degree in accounting and finance before working as an accountant for Callaway Golf accessories. Anxious to expand her skills in a more pastoral setting, Nan was excited by the opportunity to join the Andaman Discoveries team. “It’s exciting to work with people from so many different cultures, from the international staff at Andaman Discoveries to the guests who come here from all over the world,” said Nan. We’re equally pleased to have Nan’s expertise and effervescent personality on the team roster!

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, guests, Nan

Experienced Program Manager joins Andaman Discoveries

Claudine Nagiah, UK, has about 10 years of experience with a focus on international development projects and natural resource management. She has been living in Thailand since January 2009, and is planning to be with Andaman Discoveries until November, assisting in the office and on-site at projects.

“My passion is to work in ecotourism and community-based tourism, as it’s an area which I find interesting, varied, challenging and fulfilling. I am looking forward to learning about Andaman Discoveries and Kuraburi, which I hear has some of the best food in Thailand,” said Claudine.

Mimi Cheung, program development manager, said, “Claudine has joined our team at the perfect time. She has extensive knowledge about community development, which will be highly valued as we research new programs to offer our guests. Thank you for being a part of our team, Claudine!”

There are periodic openings for an opportunity to be a part of the AD team. Are you a student or recent graduate eager to gain more hands-on experience? Or are you a professional ready to take a career break, but want to utilize your marketing and business skills? If yes, then Andaman Discoveries wants to hear from you.

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, community-based tourism, ecotourism, international development projects, natural resource management

National Geographic recommends Andaman Discoveries

The third edition of the award-winning “National Geographic Traveler: Thailand” hit bookshelves recently, and the current version recommends Andaman Discoveries for responsible tourism in Thailand. Guidebooks are an important way of sharing information with travelers, and we are grateful for another opportunity to shine light on responsible tourism.

In addition to the National Geographic guidebook, Andaman Discoveries is featured in the Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, Natural Guide, and Beach Huts in Thailand (Denmark). We're also part of the responsibletravel.com network, as well as the Conservation International Community-Based Tourism Program, which supports and promotes community-based tourism ventures that offer significant conservation and development benefits to local communities.

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, guidebook, National Geographic, responsible tourism, Thailand

Potter Logo Design Captures the Andaman Discoveries Story

Andaman Discoveries proudly unveiled our beautiful new logo last week. Congratulations and many thanks to Michaela Potter, co-founder of Briefcase to Backpack and owner of Wanderlust Productions. Michaela’s passion for travel inspires her creative side, and she gained firsthand knowledge of the Andaman Discoveries story during a four-day, three-night cultural tour in 2007.

After considering many outstanding submissions to our call for a logo design, we concluded Michaela’s design best represents the story of Andaman Discoveries. Her simple and elegant design is symbolic of our mission and history on several levels. The Andaman Discoveries’ story began after the tsunami in 2004 and continues to this day. We continue to invite people to become a part of our ongoing story, in contributing to the sustainability of communities in the North Andaman Region in Thailand.

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, Briefcase to Backpack, logo, Michaela Potter, Wanderlust Productions

Lessons from the Andaman Coast Shared with International Commission

As you may recall, AD won the prestigious 2008 SEED award. As part of the honors that come with the award, our work was recently highlighted at the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development (UNCSD) in New York. So, we sent Mimi Cheung , our product manager and all around great gal, on a mission to the Big Apple!

After the event, Mimi said, “Winning the SEED Award lends credence to AD’s philosophy and work in Thailand. Many people were essential in the success we’ve achieved thus far. The lessons learned in New York will surely be a part of AD’s tomorrow.”

At the event, Mimi shared her knowledge with high-profile champions of sustainability including Thailand’s Minister for the Environment, the Minister of Agriculture from the Netherlands, and the Director General of IUCN.

Winners participated in a workshop designed to help identify the tools and methods required to develop a successful, sustainable-development enterprise; how to find and work with key stakeholders; and how to measure and report on progress. “The reception was an excellent opportunity to meet with key leaders to share the AD story,” said Mimi.

The importance of public-private partnerships for sustainable development was emphasized in reception topics. Presentations ran the gamut of the value of UN/NGO/Governmental collaboration on initiatives like SEED, and information about how SEED contributes to green growth and value of SEED to partners. A unified effort helps build awareness of different paradigms throughout administration and operation.

There was a frame discussion regarding governments and Commission on Sustainable Development facing unique challenges in a world of climate change, financial obstacles and food crises. These topics require new paradigms, such as SEED’s, to generate opportunities.

The discussions conveyed that local entrepreneurs and local initiatives make significant contribution to sustainable development, and stimulate economic activity. There is a need for policy frameworks at national and international levels to help these programs to proliferate.

The events were a prime opportunity for Mimi to touch base with leaders and provide understanding of AD’s work. A display booth was set up for each winner to describe their project.

At the conclusion of the event, Mimi seized the opportunity to connect with prospective clients, university professors and leaders in the travel field in New York and made a quick business visit to her pre-Thailand home of Toronto.

The SEED Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development is “an annual international competition, designed to support locally-led, innovative, entrepreneurial partnerships in developing countries which have the potential to make real improvements in poverty eradication and environmental sustainability,” according to SEED Initiative.

Labels: Andaman Discoveries, SEED Award, UNCSD, United Nations