Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Program (CSTP) Fact Sheet

The program focuses on driving entrepreneurial growth and employment generation in the tourism sector in Estelí and Jinotega, while promoting sustainable tourism and conservation of natural resources. The CSTP operates in three geographic regions: the Jinotega Cluster, which includes the urban centers of Jinotega and San Carlos, as well as the Cerro Datanlí-El Diablo Nature Reserve and Apanás River; the Estelí Cluster, which includes the urban center of Estelí, the Meller-Moropotente Nature Reserve, the Tisey-Estanzuela Nature Reserve, and the Somoto Canyon National Monument; and the Bluefields Cluster, which includes the urban centers of Bluefields and Bluefields and Lagoon. The program aims to strengthen local leadership and improve the performance of tourism boards and community groups. It also seeks to build better businesses by enhancing the management of tourism operations, including administration, promotion, and marketing. Additionally, CSTP will improve natural resource management by developing key stakeholder buy-in in program areas of implementation. The program will work closely with local initiatives and leadership to empower communities to take charge of their own development. CSTP will provide tools and resources to improve income and protect natural resources. However, it is essential to note that sustainable change will not occur overnight, and CSTP will provide realistic steps to promote sustainable tourism and conservation of natural resources. CSTP will not provide direct funding for infrastructure development, such as road construction, or direct cash donations. Instead, it will offer technical assistance, training, and training, as well as co-financing of local activities and investments with a sustainable vision. The program will be implemented in partnership with local organizations, including the Mesoamerican Ecotourism Alliance, Paso Pacifico, the University of Idaho, and Asociación de Educación y Comunicación "La Culemeca". The CSTP is headquartered in Villa Fontana, Edificio Discover #1, Oficina 4-D, and can be contacted at 2275-2559 / 2278-7659 or [email protected]. The program began in January 2012 and is expected to continue its efforts in promoting sustainable tourism and conservation of natural resources in Nicaragua.