Community Development Program

Chandelao, India

Basecamp’s business model generally combines viable eco-tourism, environmental protection, and community development projects. This model creates a platform for local people’s involvement in the tourism sector that, in turn, results in long-term community revenue through job creation. It also enhances the fundamental mission of Basecamp Explorer, namely to create authentic meeting places, preserve and restore environmental values, and to nurture a better understanding between different cultures.

In line with this approach, Basecamp has recently launched on a program developing responsible tourism in Chandelao and surrounding villages in the Bilawa district of Rajasthan, India. We have engaged the local community in discussions on eco-tourism, business ideas, environmental issues, and development needs. Based on these discussions we have, together with our partner, Lok Rang (an Indian non-governmental development organisation) defined a set of goals and priorities for our community development program in this drought-prone area. The program’s initial activities will include:

- Supporting girls’ education in Chandelao and its surrounding villages.
- Securing access to fresh water through improvement of traditional water catchment systems.
- Implementing models for improved local sanitation at the household level.

Partners:
Basecamp Explorer Kenya
Basecamp Rajasthan
Project management - Lok Rang, local NGO, India


Funders:
Basecamp Explorer Foundation
NORAD
Private donors