𝐉𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐮 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦

…𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚-𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚, 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔

By Lalit Gurung

Established on December 4, 2020, by five passionate individuals, the Jigmechu Ecotourism Campsite has evolved from humble beginnings into a popular seasonal destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors. What started with an initial investment of Nu. 5,000 from each of the five founders has now grown into a successful model for sustainable tourism, benefiting both the local community and the environment.

The community-based tourism initiative has proven to be a significant contributor to the local economy, providing a steady source of income while promoting cultural preservation and environmental conservation. The success of the campsite has been made possible by substantial support from various organizations. Over Nu. 20,00,000 was secured through grants from the Bhutan Foundation, Helvetas Bhutan, the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN), and the gewog administration. These contributions have been instrumental in improving the campsite’s infrastructure and water management systems, which also benefit 35 households in the surrounding area.

Wangchuk Dorji, the founder and manager of the campsite, reflected on the progress made since its inception, saying, “We started small, but with the support of organizations and the dedication of our team, the campsite has grown into a destination that people from near and far want to experience. It has been a transformative journey for us and our community.”

The Jigmechu Ecotourism Campsite operates seasonally from September to February, offering visitors a unique combination of adventure, nature, and cultural experiences. The campsite’s guests can explore forest trails filled with vibrant wildflowers, visit tranquil lakes, and engage in traditional activities such as local crafts and food preparation. One of the main attractions is the Sunday market tours near the border area, which provides a fascinating insight into the local economy.

Despite being a seasonal operation, the team behind the campsite remains dedicated to maintaining the site during the offseason. Renovations and cleaning efforts are ongoing to ensure that visitors can enjoy a high-quality experience during their stay. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the growing popularity of the site, with over 400 local visitors and more than five international tourists visiting this season.

The campsite’s positive economic impact extends beyond tourism. Local farmers have benefited greatly from the steady demand for fresh, locally sourced produce. Karma Chenzom, a local farmer, explained, “The campsite has provided us with a steady market for our vegetables. On days with many guests, I earn about Nu. 17,000.” She supplies the campsite with local cheese, meat, chillies, and spinach, demonstrating how the tourism initiative is supporting sustainable farming practices and improving livelihoods.

In addition to supporting local farmers, the campsite has also created income-generating opportunities through its waste management initiatives. Kiba Dorji, who manages scrap collection in the area, shared, “Currently, I am earning a modest income from this business, but with the growing number of guests at the campsite, I believe my earnings will increase in the future.” This initiative not only helps manage waste effectively but also provides local residents with new sources of income.

While the campsite has made significant strides in promoting sustainable tourism, there are still challenges to overcome. Wangchuk Dorji noted, “While we are thriving during the seasons, there are still several areas, particularly in management, where local NGOs could provide valuable support.” He also expressed his gratitude to the Tourism Council of Bhutan, which has allowed international tourists to visit the area and contributed to the campsite’s growing visibility.

Looking to the future, the founders remain committed to the long-term success and sustainability of the campsite. “This is about more than tourism; it’s about creating a sustainable future for the community,” Wangchuk Dorji emphasized. As the campsite continues to grow, the founders aim to further integrate cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and economic development, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the broader community.

The success of the Jigmechu Ecotourism Campsite is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives and the impact of community-driven tourism. By fostering local development, preserving Bhutan’s natural beauty, and promoting cultural exchange, the campsite has become a shining example of how small communities can drive meaningful change. The campsite’s journey highlights the potential for sustainable tourism to create long-lasting economic and social benefits while preserving the cultural and environmental heritage of Bhutan.