THE LOCAL ECOLOGY

In recent years accelerated logging practices have threatened ecosystems all over the country, specifically the hill tracts and the Sundarbans. International tobacco companies are fiercely promoting tobacco cultivation, leading to land erosion, pollution and socioeconomic problems. Unrestricted hunting, particularly of rare monkey and bird species which are crucial for the regeneration process of the forest, has contributed to the demise of the ecosystem. The government of Bangladesh recently created a Heritage Area in the Sundarbans and signed and agreement with the hill tract indigenous people. Ecotourism may well prove to be the only way to preserve the region and it's unique cultural and vital biological diversity.

WHO WE ARE

Bangladesh Ecotours is registered as a business and is run like one, but in reality we are an association of dedicated and experienced tribal & village leaders, ecotourism professionals, indigenous activists, conservationists and other such personalities, cooperating to allow you to experience and enjoy the pristine wonders of Bangladesh - it's natural beauty and good-natured people. Sort of a 'Social Enterprise', if that is the word for a caring, ethical business with a social consciousness. We think like a business, but act like a nonprofit - or is it the other way around.

WHAT WE DO

We support many selected projects formed to enable the local peoples to directly plan, control and profit from ecotourism in a sustainable manner. About 10% of all our profits stay in the villages and communities visited and go toward village health & education, cultural development and conservation projects - from tortoise hatcheries, reforestation and single teacher village schools to traditional health-care research and handicrafts development. However, this does not rule out the possibility that you may feel inspired to contribute either personally or collectively to any special project separately. Alongside providing a rewarding and unique experience for you, a few of the things we seek to do are:

• Study alternatives to, and the sustainable merits of traditional agriculture
• Balance new and traditional healthcare, education & economics
• Respect the quality of village life through controlled tourism
• Provide a positive sustainable supplementary income sources
• Value and promote indigenous skills and knowledge
• Work for the protection and recognition of indigenous land rights
• Provide tourism benefits directly to local communities on a fair basis
• Provide intimate visits for guests without burdening village resources
• Encourage the recognition of indigenous land & human rights
• Encourage an interactive forum of all stakeholders