UNESCO, in collaboration with the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage (ARC-WH) and the UNESCO Chair for World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Management in the Arab Region (UNESCO Chair GUTech), successfully concluded a five-day training program in the Socotra Archipelago from September 25-29, 2024.
The program gathered 45 participants from various stakeholders within the tourism industry to equip local tour guides and relevant authorities with the knowledge and skills necessary to support conservation efforts, enhance visitor experiences, and build partnerships with local communities.
The Socotra Archipelago, renowned for its rich biodiversity, is home to many endemic species. Socotra Island, the largest in the Arabian Peninsula, symbolizes the region’s natural heritage. Protected by Yemeni law through the Socotra Conservation Zoning Plan, the Archipelago has earned international recognition for its exceptional natural value. It was designated a UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve in 2003, Yemen’s first Ramsar Site in 2007, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Despite its natural beauty, Socotra faces significant challenges, such as environmental degradation, socio-political unrest, and the impacts of climate change. The ongoing conflict in Yemen further underscores the urgent need to safeguard Socotra’s heritage and promote sustainable development. The island’s inhabitants, deeply connected to their environment, rely on traditional practices such as dragon’s blood extraction and Socotri music, both integral to their cultural identity. Local civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in conservation efforts, despite limited resources and capacity.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism
UNESCO’s World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme, implemented for over a decade, represents a new approach based on stakeholder dialogue and cooperation. This program integrates responsible tourism and heritage management at a destination level, protecting natural and cultural assets while fostering appropriate tourism development. Tour guides are pivotal in this approach, providing essential information on site protection, sustainable development, and local culture.
The five-day training program in Socotra Archipelago aimed to bridge the gap between stakeholders, promoting sustainable tourism practices while contributing to local communities’ livelihoods. This initiative also benefitted from synergies with the UNESCO EU-funded Youth Employment through Heritage and Culture in Yemen project, which empowers local communities and CSOs to participate actively in cultural preservation and promotion.
In close collaboration with ARC-WH and the UNESCO Chair GUTech, this training program supports the overarching goal of safeguarding and promoting Yemen’s heritage while advancing sustainable tourism in the Socotra Archipelago. Ongoing investment in infrastructure, tourism services, and promotional activities, combined with a focus on ensuring visitor safety and well-being, is crucial to revitalizing tourism in Socotra Archipelago and contributing to its long-term development.
Voices from the Field
Mr. Mr. Abdullateeef Saad, a representative from the Tourism Office, noted: “For me, the most significant part of this training workshop was the exercise on the tourism plan proposal. We conducted two site visits to Delisha Beach and Dihamri Marine Reserve. As a group, we developed a tourism plan for them, which had never existed before. I believe that well-planned sites will be valued more nationally and internationally. I hope to see similar plans for all touristic sites in Socotra.”
Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdullah, a representative from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), observed: “It is important for us to learn from others’ expertise to enhance our sites. We have many sites with tourism potential, but they are not yet prepared. I request that UNESCO and its partners continue supporting tourism development on the island.”
Mrs. Harouf Issa Saad, from the Women Handicraft Association, added: “Women can play a pivotal role in sustainable tourism development. I learned a lot in this workshop, especially about how to treat tourists and visitors to the island.”
Mr. Khalifa, a tour guide for three years, shared: “I benefited greatly. After this course, I will take one day off and then return to work as a tour guide. I will apply the knowledge I gained, particularly in explaining our unique environment and biodiversity to tourists. This was my first course on environmental and eco-tourism. I am very grateful to UNESCO for providing this opportunity.”
© UNESCO
The post UNESCO promotes sustainable tourism and heritage conservation in Socotra Archipelago appeared first on Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH).