Concept note on Promoting Eco Village Tourism in ,

Submitted to: For Family Reisen/IMPULS Projektfonds/travel-to-nature Submitted by: SWAN Date: 5/28/2018

1. Introduction

This concept note is prepared for Promoting Bhakunde as Eco Village in of Nepal. Social Welfare Association of Nepal (SWAN) with the funding of For Family Reisen, IMPULS projektfonds and travel-to-nature in close collaboration with the Milijuli Women Group of Bhakunde will carry out this project.

SWAN has been promoting Eco tourism in its project area, Baglung since 1994. With the Eco tourism intervention of SWAN, rural and disadvantaged people of Bhakunde and its adjacent villages has been benefitting to improve their livelihood status to the some extent. Since then, every year 4-6 groups of tourist visits to the SWAN project areas with the kind support of Eco Trips Nepal Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd, travel-to-nature- Asia and For Family Reisen of Germany. In addition to the Eco tourism package, SWAN supported projects like strengthening community based health care services, education and livelihoods projects in Bhakunde. SWAN also constructed the 3 rooms spaced Office Local woman rearing goats provided by SWAN and training building for Milijuli Women Group in 2016 with an objective to empower them institutionally. The project is completed and handed over to the community successfully with the funding of For Family Reisen and travel-to-nature of Germany. SWAN thus proposes to support this new project with the same partners to promote Eco village tourism in Bhakunde for the economic and sustainable development of women and local people.

Concept note on Promoting Eco Village Tourism in Bhakunde, Baglung 1 www.swannepal.org

To develop and promote Bhakunde as Eco village, there is an urgent need to protect traditional culture, values, indigenous technologies, tools and practices whilst displaying to the public in a form of the Museum. Likewise, it's inevitable to develop a trail from the village to view tower located at the top of the hill. The view tower was built by the local stakeholders and women of Bhakunde by raising the funds which is also the major attractions of the place. Empowering women through skill development trainings like making handicrafts at local level would also benefit for diversifying their sources of income by selling it to the internal and external tourists.

Office & training building of MWG supported by SWAN

2. Situation Analysis

After the intervention of women empowerment projects of SWAN in Bhakunde, local women gave a high priority to promote Eco tourism for their economic growth, financial independence and longer sustainability. The majority of the people in Bhakunde are now aware of promoting Eco tourism as another best livelihood option at the local level. However, problems like limited knowledge of tourism business and lack of a strong association with tourism promoters has restricted them to reach their full potential. Therefore, SWAN, in consultation with the targeted community developed this concept note for developing the best museum of indigenous community, trekking trail from the village to the view tower and empowering women through the handicraft enterprenuership at local level.

Concept note on Promoting Eco Village Tourism in Bhakunde, Baglung 2 www.swannepal.org

Component 1 -Museum - The Milijuli Women Group were interested to develop a museum in ground floor of Office & training building right from the beginning of the project. However, they didn't have a proper and technical idea to establish a museum. Hence, they have requested SWAN to facilitate them a technical manpower who could assist them in the proper design, identifying essential materials and detailed cost estimation for developing the museum.

Component 2 -Trekking trail- As we can see the majestic view of 22 mountains from the view tower of Bhakunde located at the height of 2,200 meters height, it is necessary to develop a proper trekking trail to reach the view tower from the village. To date, developing a proper trail has been neglected which creates difficulties for tourists to reach the destination.

View tower Tourists enjoying the majestic views of mountains

Component 3- Empowering women through handicrafts training- When women learn to make handicrafts including gifts and souvenirs at the local level using locally available raw materials, they could sell the products to the tourists who comes to visit Bhakunde. Such trainings not only helps women to improve their lives, but also associates them with Eco tourism development and enterprenuerships.

(Note:- Once the concept note is approved, SWAN will present the detailed information and a budget breakdown of each activity.)

3. Objectives

The proposed project aims to promote Eco village tourism in Bhakunde of Baglung district. However, specific objectives are:- o To establish a museum to preserve and protect the antique tools related to the practices of indigenous Magar community.

Concept note on Promoting Eco Village Tourism in Bhakunde, Baglung 3 www.swannepal.org

o To create awareness on Eco tourism in Balewa area; , , Paiyunpata and Bhakunde of Baglung district. o To develop a model village tourism and an Eco trekking route to conserve the cultural and natural heritage. o To protect the traditional and indigenous culture through transferring information to tourists and younger generations. o To improve the lives of women through handicrafts business. o To facilitate the tourists to the view tower through the proper trail.

4. Planned activities o Assessment & Survey. o Meeting the technical persons related to the museum, briefing about the project. o Arrange the visit of a technical person to the project site. o Study of location, community, traditions & culture. o Planning the ample concept for museum along with the community. o Designing a museum. o Collection of ancient tools and utensils. o Develop an indigenous museum which reflects the local culture, traditions and practices. o Detailed survey of trekking trail, proper estimation. o Coordinates with the concerned office on handicrafts trainings and make a detailed plan how the trainings can be conducted in a well organized manner. o Regular meeting and coordination with local stakeholders.

5. Expected outcome o Further developed Bhakunde as a tourist destination in Baglung district. o Increased income of women and local people. o Development of local infrastructure. o Development of hospitality and enterprenuership at local level. o Protection and promotion of local culture, traditions, tools and practices.

Local woman serving guests at her house 6. Target area

The targeted area of this project is a Bhakunde village of the Baglung district. The direct beneficiaries of the program are the owner and employees of home stay service, tourists and

Concept note on Promoting Eco Village Tourism in Bhakunde, Baglung 4 www.swannepal.org

member of the women's group. However, this program will create an awareness on Eco village tourism in Balewa area including; Narayansthan, Amalachaur, Paiyunpata and Bhakunde.

Few glimpses taken in Bhakunde village

7. Duration of the project

The project will start from the 17th July, 2018 and completes by 14th July, 2020.

8. Estimated budget

The estimated budget for this project is Rs. 19,62,040 Only. (In words - One Million Nine Hundred Sixty Two Thousand Forty Rupees only. Euro - 15,424.842 as per the FOREX of May 27, 2018.)

Concept note on Promoting Eco Village Tourism in Bhakunde, Baglung 5 www.swannepal.org

S. no Activities Amount Remarks 1 Assessment and coordination 21,000 2 Assessment and Survey to 52,000 (Allowances and Develop Indigenous Community refreshments for Musium in Bhakune technical person.)

3 Museum development 3,50,000 4 Trekking trail 5,00,000 Trail will be constructed in Co - funding approach with local administrative unit. 5 Skill development training 6,50,000 Training to 20 women for 3 months. 6 Monitoring & supervision 45,000 7 SWC evaluation 60,000 8 Project management costs 3,84,040 Total 19,62,040 In Euro 15,424.842

Women of Bhakunde flaunting their local costumes

Concept note on Promoting Eco Village Tourism in Bhakunde, Baglung 6 www.swannepal.org