Africa
ZAMBIA
One long-standing problem facing Africa - particularly its national parks - is human-wildlife conflict: the result of tension caused when free-roaming animals prey on livestock or plunder the crops of surrounding farms and villages, sometimes provoking retaliatory killings. One powerful solution is to channel some of the money generated by tourism into educating and compensating affected people. Two great examples can be found in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Since 2010, Project Luangwa funded from a portion of profits at safari lodges - has been investing in schools and education, teaching children and communities the benefits of protecting wildlife and local ecosystems. Another enterprising initiative is Mulberry Mongoose, run by women in South Luangwa who craft jewellery from materials collected locally, including wire from poachers’ snares. Money raised from sales - over US$150,000 so far - helps support local communities and conservation projects. projectluangwa.org;mulberrymongoose.com
LOISABA CONSERVANCY, LAIKIPIA COUNTY KENYA
Lion, elephant, giraffe, African wild dog and Grevy’s zebra are just some of the creatures you might encounter within Loisaba’s 23,000-plus hectares. Created by the Loisaba Community Trust, in partnership with Nature Conservancy and Space for Giants, it aims to facilitate coexistence between Maasai farming communities and the area’s rich and diverse megafauna. Earlier this year, conservationists relocated 21 critically endangered eastern black rhino to the conservancy - an action considered crucial for the long-term survival of the subspecies, and the first time it’s been present in the region since 1976. Ecotourism is vital to the conservancy’s operation, and a levy from the three luxury Elewana Collection camps goes to surrounding villages, loisaba.com
Asia
HOKKAIDO JAPAN
For generations, Japan’s Ainu, who speak a language distinct from Japanese, were treated as second-class citizens. Though recognised as an indigenous people by UNESCO only as recently as 2007, in 2019 Japan passed a law mandating the protection and promotion of this unique culture.
Today, with the establishment of museums and cultural centres across Hokkaido - Japan’s northernmost main island, and the Ainu’s stronghold - you’ll find numerous opportunities to learn about this culture and interact with Ainu communities.
The Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, opened in the small town of Shiraoi in 2020, serves as a community centre where Ainu people can practise their traditions. And in Nibutani, the district with the highest proportion of Ainu people in Japan, the Biratori Municipal Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum displays nearly 1,000 exhibits.
Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, has its own Ainu cultural centre, Pirka Kotan- a hands-on experiential space, and the first of its kind in Japan.
ainu-upopoy.jp/en; biratori-amu-culture.com/en/trip/nibutani-museum; sapporo.travel/en/spot/facility/sapporo-pirka-kotan
ISHIKAWA PREFECTURE JAPAN
This prefecture on the north coast of Honshu island, which was hit by a devastating earthquake in January, has a longstanding commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage dating back to the Edo period (1603-1867). During that era, the Maeda family - which ruled the region that’s now Ishikawa - prioritised cultural and industrial development over military build-up, fostering the growth of crafts, Noh theatre, tea ceremonies and flower arranging.
Ishikawa’s capital city, Kanazawa, has a unique history: a well-preserved castle town established by samurai in the 16th century, it was designated a UNESCO Creative City in the 21st.Though Japan’s traditional craft industries have faced economic challenges in recent years, local institutions and schemes are supporting young artists, while initiatives such as the Kanazawa Ichigo Ichie Programme allow visitors to try their hands at advanced techniques. Local travel agencies collaborate with craftspeople to offer studio visits, supporting this unique local economy, https://www.ishikawatravel.jp/en; visitkanazawa.jp/en/ichigo-ichie
KAZAKHSTAN
Five years ago, residents of the KatonKaragay district - a sweep of lonely steppe, mountains and forests in far eastern Kazakhstan - faced a dilemma. Though home to the country’s largest national park and around 275 bird species, its 48 villages attracted few visitors, and there was little work available. As a result, its population had almost halved since the turn of the century, many residents having moved to cities in search of employment. So in 2019 the Sustainable Rural Development Fund was launched, with the aim of improving the quality of life
