Blog

September 08, 2024

In the picturesque Konkan region of Maharashtra, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Streekon is a women-led social enterprise based in Sindhudurg district in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, offering responsible tourism experiences in partnership with local self-help groups. The experiences are owned and led by local women. Streekon believes that women’s leadership is critical for building climate resilience as their gendered reproductive and socio-religious responsibilities bind them intimately to nature. Streekon aims to catalyse a circular economy in the tourism sector through women’s leadership.

Streekon supports women to harness their experiential skills and knowledge to produce traditional culinary specialties, crafts, and experiences-based tourism products following sustainable consumption and production processes. Streekon's strategic goal is to mainstream sustainable consumption and production in the tourism sector. Streekon has decided to follow a model of sustainability that SHG members can adopt without any external financial resource requirements, avoiding indebtedness. This makes the goal of sustainability achievable and motivates them to adopt similar changes in their own homes. The practice of these SCP processes within their workspace has highlighted the benefits to the women.

IMAGE SOURCE: STREEKON INDIA

This article explores the innovative initiatives undertaken by Streekon to promote responsible tourism, the challenges they face, and the significant impact they have had on the local communities and environment. Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Streekon and discover how this remarkable enterprise is transforming Konkan into a model of sustainable tourism.

IMAGE SOURCE: STREEKON INDIA

Q: Can you tell us about the unique initiatives Streekon is undertaking to promote responsible tourism in Konkan, Maharashtra?

A: Streekon has decided to follow a model of sustainability that SHG members can adopt without any external financial resource requirements, avoiding indebtedness. Streekon’s model is built on hub-and-spoke destination circuits, wholly owned and operated by local SHGs, supported by Streekon. Responsible Tourism enterprise partner members are motivated to grow the business by developing tourism circuits. They participate in a Training of Trainers program, conduct primary outreach in new villages, assist Streekon in training as facilitators, and eventually conduct training independently. Partner SHGs are envisioned to assume managerial responsibility, becoming co-owners of the new circuit, with Streekon playing a limited role.

 

IMAGE SOURCE: STREEKON INDIA (FRESH NATURE OF KONKAN)

Life in the Konkan is traditionally non-consumerist, revolving around cultural, spiritual, religious commitments, and natural resource-based seasonal livelihoods. Village culture is community-based, with families sharing agriculture work and responsibilities during festivities. Streekon is committed to respecting this cultural fabric of the community. They are also sensitive to women’s time poverty due to their gendered family and community responsibilities. Streekon promotes Responsible Tourism as a complementary livelihood for women.

Streekon currently offers the following Responsible Tourism services at 2 destinations:

• Ratnagiri District: Dabhol, Kelshi, Bankot
• Sindhudurg District: Mithmumbri, Sawantwadi

Biodiversity Tours:

• Mangrove Trail, Dabhol
• Forest Trail, Kelshi
• Rocky Outcrops Trail, Bankot
• 16th Century Sand Dune Tour, Kelshi
• Olive Ridley Turtle Conservation Watch, Kelshi

Agro Tourism:

• Paddy Farming, Kelshi
• Fishing in the fields, Kelshi
• Mango Orchard Walk, Mithmumbri
• Mango Harvesting, Mithmumbri

Cultural Tourism:

• Shimga (Holi) Festival, Kelshi & Dabhol
• Ganesha Festival, Kelshi & Dabhol

Heritage Guiding:

• Himmatgad Fort, Bankot
• Rock Art, Bankot
• Malet Memorial, Bankot
• Anda Masjid, Dabhol
• Chandika Devi temple, Dabhol
• Yakub Baba Dargah, Kelshi
• Kunkeshwar Temple, Mithmumbri

Workshops:

• Cultural: traditional threshing & grinding of rice accompanied by singing of ovi’s
• Culinary: learning to make traditional cuisine vegetarian and non-vegetarian
• Craft: weaving coconut frond mats, making brooms from coconut frond stems, pottery, craft from upcycled waste

Traditional Games:

• Songtya: seed-based catch indoor game
• Lagori: stone and ball-based outdoor game
• Kho Kho: outdoor game

Storytelling:

• Local Tales and Fables

Leisure Tourism:

• Village Walk, Kelshi & Dabhol: a leisurely stroll through the village, passing through roads lined by arecanut & coconut trees & traditional houses
• Beach: enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Kelshi beach
• Sangam of Savitri River and Arabian Sea: be mesmerized by the view of the confluence of the Savitri river and the Arabian sea

Culinary Services:

• Traditional fresh homestyle food made from local produce

Special Services:

• Customized meals for infants and diabetics
• First aid, Doctor on call
• English Commode facilities at all destinations
• Training on Safety
• Lifeguard on duty during every beach visit
• Life-Saving Equipment with Lifeguard during beach visits of tourists

Q: How does Streekon empower local women to actively participate in sustainable tourism practices in the region?

A: Streekon first engages with the district government to reach out to the women and conduct an orientation program for them. It then conducts mobilization meetings for Self-Help Groups (SHG) to provide in-depth information and answer any questions interested women might have. Intensive capacity building programs are conducted for SHG members interested in participating in the Responsible Tourism enterprise. The program covers skill-building in hospitality, finance, and management, as well as conceptual training in women’s collective leadership, social entrepreneurship, responsible tourism, and biodiversity & sustainability. These conceptual programs are conducted by partner NGO Marathmoli. Women own and operate the enterprise, providing Responsible Tourism services and products to tourists.

IMAGE SOURCE: WORKSHOP ARRANGE BY STREEKON INDIA

Q: What are some of the key challenges Streekon faces in promoting responsible tourism in the Konkan region, and how are they addressing them?

A: Marketing is the key challenge faced by Streekon. The destinations are deep in the hinterlands of Konkan and off the tourism map. Local public transport is not dependable, and private transport is exorbitantly priced, deterring solo travelers and backpackers interested in our tours.

This part of Konkan is mainly frequented by the middle segment of the Maharashtrian community, who visit famous temples and forts in the area. They are not interested in the experiential products we offer or the ideological dimension of sustainability. Streekon’s growth model is based on a hub-and-spoke model where women operating village-based enterprises take the lead to develop a circuit around their village, which they will lead in the second phase with Streekon playing an advisory and supporting role.

Streekon pursues a low infrastructure investment strategy, avoiding financial investment requirements from women entrepreneurs. The home-stay offers clean and hygienic accommodation in a rural home without frills. The financial model pays women a daily wage, payment for services like guiding and workshops, and a 40 percent profit share, which naturally increases the package price. The lack of footfall has also led to a smaller group of SHG women members working with us.

IMAGE SOURCE: STREEKON INDIA (BAPU ALI WADI, KELSHI)

Counter these challenges, Streekon has formed marketing partnerships targeting segments interested in experiential activities and village accommodation. They have partnered with Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, to offer biodiversity tours and are empaneled with Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation to offer women-led tourism services to tourists and women travelers. Streekon plans to collaborate with a local hotel offering 2-star AC accommodation in Kelshi village for tourists desiring those facilities.

Q: Could you elaborate on the impact that Streekon has had on the local communities and environment in Konkan?

A: After five years, with a year-long break due to COVID, Streekon operates across 4 destinations. Key achievements include:

• Developing a cadre of 3 trainers and 5 facilitators to lead up scaling.
• Promoting an understanding of Responsible Tourism among partners, including women’s collective leadership, social entrepreneurship, responsible tourism, and biodiversity & sustainability.
• Focusing operations on sustainable consumption and production processes.

Q: How does Streekon collaborate with local authorities and other stakeholders to enhance sustainable tourism practices in the region?

A: Streekon engages with the State Rural Livelihoods Mission while initiating its work in Konkan. They maintain close contact with Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation to upscale sustainable tourism initiatives. Streekon has recently partnered with the Sawantwadi Palace Boutique Art Hotel to provide Responsible Tourism products and plans to operate a campaign for plastic-free Ganpati celebrations in partnership with the hotel.

IMAGE SOURCE: STREEKON INDIA

 

Q: What initiatives does Streekon undertake to raise awareness among tourists about the importance of responsible travel in Konkan?

A: Streekon’s operations and experiences are focused on responsible travel, with a clear marketing message emphasizing this. Tourism services and products offered, such as stone and flower rangoli, upcycling of plastic bags and used shellfish as decor, banana leaf cutlery, workshops on making coconut frond mats and brooms, and the sale of waste cloth floor mats, underline sustainable practices.

IMAGE SOURCE: STREEKON INDIA (INSTEAD OF PLASTIC STREEKON USE BANYAN TREE LEAVES FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM)

Q: How does Streekon integrate cultural preservation and environmental conservation into its tourism offerings?

A: Streekon uses sustainable products like stones, leaves, and flowers for rangoli arrangements, upcycles plastic bags, bottles, and cardboard as decor, and provides sustainable table accessories. They prepare soapnut-based cleaning liquids and provide bamboo fans during outdoor tours. Recycling kitchen wastewater is a traditional local practice. Streekon offers workshops on making coconut frond mats and brooms, rice threshing, pottery, guiding on flattened poha making, agrotourism products, and biodiversity tours, all promoting sustainability.

IMAGE SOURCE: STREEKON INDIA

KOKAN TRADITIONAL DESSERT MODAK MADE BY KOKAN COMMUNITY WOMEN

Q: What steps can travelers take to support Streekon's mission and contribute to sustainable tourism development in Konkan?

A: Travelers can book a package or request customized experiences, purchase Streekon products, and spread the word. Word-of-mouth is a strong marketing tool. Any visitor promoting Streekon’s work with friends, family, and social media is greatly appreciated.

 

Q: What kind of training and capacity-building programs does Streekon offer to local women to empower them in the tourism sector?

A: Streekon offers intensive capacity-building programs covering hospitality, finance, and management skills, along with conceptual training in women’s collective leadership, social entrepreneurship, responsible tourism, and biodiversity & sustainability.

 

Q: Can you describe any collaborations or partnerships Streekon has formed with other organizations to strengthen its responsible tourism initiatives?

A: Streekon has formed key partnerships to enhance its responsible tourism initiatives. They collaborate with the Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth in Dapoli for biodiversity tours and are empaneled with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation to promote women-led tourism services. Streekon also partners with local hotels, such as a 2-star accommodation in Kelshi, to provide diverse options for tourists. These collaborations help Streekon expand its reach and improve the quality and variety of its offerings.

 

Q: How can interested travelers book a responsible tourism experience with Streekon, and what can they expect during their visit?

A: Interested travelers can book a responsible tourism experience with Streekon through their website or by contacting them directly via phone or email. During their visit, travelers can expect a range of authentic and sustainable experiences, such as guided biodiversity tours, cultural workshops, traditional culinary sessions, and leisurely village walks. Streekon ensures that all activities are conducted in an eco-friendly manner, with a focus on preserving the local environment and culture. Tourists will have the opportunity to engage with local women, learn about their way of life, and support the community by participating in these responsible tourism activities.

 

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the Streekon initiative in Konkan, Maharashtra, stands as a testament to the power of sustainable tourism in uplifting local communities, by choosing to visit Streekon, you not only immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region but also contribute directly to the livelihoods of local women and artisans. This unique experience allows you to witness the positive impact of responsible tourism first hand, making your journey not just a getaway but a meaningful contribution to preserving traditions and empowering communities. Your visit to Streekon is an opportunity to be part of a movement that values sustainability, culture, and social responsibility.

 

STREEKON INDIA

Email: streekonamj@gmail.com

Connect: Ms. Asmita Jayendra: +91 7498 404 214 (What Sapp inquiry)

Address: 1847 Arya Nagari, Tiravde Village Rd, Village- Varad, Taluka- Malvan, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra 416604