03 Sep 2018

Some residents of Tsodilo have hailed United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) efforts towards stimulating tourism activities in the area.

They expressed their views in an interview after the Tsodilo Hills Heritage Challenge, an event which brought together multitudes from across the country. The challenge was attended by among others Okavango leadership, senior government officials and UN resident coordinator and UNDP resident representative, Jacinta Barrins who was also the chief walker.

It was jointly organised by Tsodilo Community Development Trust, Department of National Museum and Monuments, Desert Bush Walk and Ngamiland Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Project, and was expected to attract over 500 local and international participant who are interested in fitness.

Held under the tagline: Walk for rural development, the event aimed to enhance the socio-economic development of the Tsodilo Enclave area.

Residents hailed the UNDP for the event which brought a large number of tourists to the village, which they said they had never experienced despite the fact that the village was home to Tsodilo World Heritage Site. “

This event was a resounding success and we really thank the organisers as they had put our village on the map,” said one of the tour guides. He said they had doubts about the event more so that it was the first time to host it but was impressed with the turnout of participants.

He is optimistic that the event will also enhance the diversification of tourism products in the region. The challenge was divided into two categories, a bush walk and a cultural night. The bush walk comprised of 15km and 31km walk and the chief walker, Barrins took part in the 15km.

She expressed happiness for having taken part in the challenge, saying it was her first time to take part in such an incredible event. She stated that the event gave many an opportunity to come and appreciate and enjoy tourism at its best in Tsodilo. She said many did not know about the beauty of the famous Tsodilo World Heritage site but the challenge highlighted the significance of the site. 

“We are impressed to see the beautiful paintings which makes the site unique and well recognised, and we believe this event will promote local tourism as we want to see many locals appreciating the beauty of their heritage sites,” she added.

Barrins also revealed that she was hopeful that the event would enhance the socio-economic development of the communities, adding that proceeds accumulated would be channeled to some community projects such as refurbishment of the mobile clinic and construction of ablution blocks amongst others. She believed that the challenge which would be an annual event and would grow bigger, better and attract more people.

Prior, to the challenge, Barrins launched a 230km 4x4 trail which connects Tsodilo and Gcwhihaba National Monument which is the natural heritage site. The trail, she said was marked every 5km to ensure tourists do not get lost. She said the trail aims to stimulate the economic opportunities in all villages along it. “We want to see communities living dignified lives by venturing into tourism activities and eventually develop their villages.”

In a recent interview, SLM project coordinator, Innocent Magole explained that they had realised the need to embark on tourism activities which would benefit communities of Ngamiland as the SLM project was coming to an end. He said they wanted to grow tourism and believed that through such activities, the communities would gain meaningfully and their livelihoods be improved. BOPA