Empowering Indigenous Peoples through Sustainable Tourism

Leslyn Paul in Imbotereo. Photo credit: GMCS

Leslyn Paul’s Journey of Resilience in Imbotero by Sara Bharat

In the heart of Guyana’s northwest region, Region 1, where the country’s largest intact mangrove forest stretches along the coastline and riverbanks, lies the small village of Imbotero. Here, amidst the traditional Warrau culture and the ever-changing landscape of modern life, Leslyn Paul has carved out a remarkable path. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. Through the support of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) and the GEF SGP, Leslyn has become a beacon of hope and progress in her community.

A New Beginning: Training and Transformation

Leslyn’s journey began in December 2021, when she participated in a series of tourism and hospitality training sessions organiszed by GMCS with funding from the GEF SGP. The training took her to various locations, including Warapoka, Iwokrama, Turtle Mountain, Surama, and Yupakari. For Leslyn, it was an eye-opening experience. “It was my first time going to those places, and for me, it was exciting,” she recalleds. The training focused on tour guiding, birding, and the intricacies of welcoming and entertaining guests.

Leslyn learned how to cater to visitors, manage guest experiences, and showcase the unique beauty of her homeland.

This training was more than just a skill-building exercise; it was a catalyst for change. Leslyn returned to Imbotero with newfound confidence and a vision for her future. She was soon appointed as the manager of the Imbotero Research Centre (IRC), a role that allowed her to apply her new skills and knowledge. “For me, the best part of being at the IRC is when we have workshops and guests arriving,” she said. “I get to learn different things at these workshops, and it has helped me grow.”

Breaking Barriers: Becoming a Boat Transportation Operator.

One of the most significant challenges in Region 1 is transportation. With limited infrastructure, moving people and goods can be a daunting task. Recognising this need, Leslyn saw an opportunity to fill a gap in her community.

GMCS connected her with the Guyana Tourism Authority, and soon, Leslyn was offering transportation services to tourists and researchers visiting the area. She also provided transportation for Conservation International Guyana, further expanding her reach and impact.

For Leslyn, becoming a boat transportation operator was not just about earning a livelihood; it was about breaking barriers and proving that women, especially indigenous women, could take on roles traditionally dominated by men. “Transportation service was challenging,” she admitted, “but I was determined to make it work.” Her perseverance paid off, and today, she is a respected figure in her community, known for her reliability and dedication.

A Homestay Host: Sharing Culture and Building Connections

In September 2023, Leslyn took another bold step by starting her own homestay. The idea came to her during a conversation with Jane Miller, the British High Commissioner to Guyana, who attended a GMCS drone training session at the IRC. Leslyn showed Miller her craftwork, and the two discussed the potential of homestays as already practised by Indigenous Peoples in the Rupununi (Region 9). “I would definitely stay at someone’s homestay (in Region 1),” Miller told her, encouraging Leslyn to pursue the idea.

Leslyn’s homestay quickly became a reality, and she welcomed her first guest, a researcher, later that year. “For me, everything was normal,” Leslyn said with a smile, recalling the experience. “The only issue was in the night when the guest had to come out to use the outdoor toilet, but they soon got used to it.” Despite the challenges, Leslyn’s homestay has become a symbol of cultural exchange and community empowerment.

It offers visitors a chance to experience the traditional Warrau way of life in Imbotero, from the unique architecture of trulie homes to the flavors of homemade pepperpot.

A Legacy of Resilience and Community

Leslyn’s journey is deeply rooted in her love for her community and her commitment to preserving its t`1raditions. Born and raised in Imbotero, a village nestled in Guyana’s northwest region, she moved to Venezuela for a time to live with her aunt but returned in 2018 to care for her aging parents. After her mother’s passing in 2019, Leslyn decided to remain in Imbotero permanently, dedicating herself to the well-being of her community.

Today, Leslyn’s daily routine reflects her unwavering dedication. She wakes up at 4 or 5 a.m., feeds her dog, Blanko, and prepares for her day at the IRC. In the evenings, she returns home to clean, cook, and spend time with her family. Her life is a testament to the resilience and strength of the people of Imbotero, who have adapted to changing times while holding onto their cultural heritage.

Leslyn Paul's Homestead. Photo Credit: GMCS

The Impact of Funding: A Ripple Effect of Change

The support Leslyn received from GMCS and the GEF SGP has had a ripple effect, not only on her life but on the entire community of Imbotero. The training and funding provided have enabled Leslyn to create opportunities for herself and others. Her success as a boat operator, homestay host, and IRC manager has inspired others in the community to explore new avenues for economic growth and cultural preservation.

Leslyn’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that targeted funding and community-driven initiatives can have. It is a story of empowerment, of breaking barriers, and of preserving traditions in the face of change. As Leslyn continues to build her legacy. She remains a shining example of what is possible when communities are given the tools and support they need to thrive.

GMCS, in collaboration with GEF SGP, initiated the transformative project in 2021 aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and community empowerment in Guyana’s northwest region, particularly in the Barima Mora Passage area. SGP provided the first and only startegic grant of USD 145,000 to the GMCS for the Developing tools for collaborative management of the Barima Mora Passage Mangrove Area project. This region, home to the country’s largest intact mangrove forest, is rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage.

The project focused on providing tourism and hospitality training to local community members, equipping them with skills in tour guiding, birding, guest management, and cultural preservation.

By fostering eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods, the initiative sought to enhance economic opportunities while promoting environmental conservation. The training sessions, held in various locations including Warapoka, Iwokrama, and Surama, empowered participants like Leslyn Paul to take on leadership roles, such as managing the IRC, operating boat transportation services, and hosting homestays.

This project not only strengthened the community’s capacity to engage in tourism but also highlighted the importance of preserving traditional Warrau culture and the region’s natural ecosystems. Through this initiative, GMCS and GEF SGP demonstrated the profound impact of community-driven development in achieving both environmental and socio-economic goals.

In the words of Leslyn herself, “We started to learn new things, and from that, we grew.”