USAID Republic of Congo

• Client: United States Agency for International Development
• Partners: TetraTech
• Project Duration: November 2021 - September 2022

Overview

USAID’s investment in the ecotourism sector through the Conservation Through Economic Empowerment in the Republic of the Congo (CEERC) program aimed to enhance the Republic of Congo’s (RoC) competitiveness as an international ecotourism destination while preserving its unique environment. The initiative incentivized the tourism industry and local communities to support conservation efforts. The activity aimed to expand and improve RoC’s tourism offerings using an inclusive and sustainable approach. It focused on facilitating private investment by working with the government to create private sector-friendly incentives and obligations, promote steady and sustainable tourism growth, and protect local communities’ environment and social characteristics.

Throughout implementation, the program adapted to changing market conditions, shifting its focus when necessary to capitalize on emerging opportunities. It considered both private sector investment on private land and the creation of favorable conditions for investment in and management of public assets, such as protected areas.

The activity focused on three Intermediate Results (IRs):

• IR 1: Establishing sustainable and scalable enterprises/industries and business models that supported conservation and reduced deforestation.
• IR 2: Improving the enabling environment for conservation-friendly enterprises.
• IR 3: Helping targeted communities establish and benefit from conservation-friendly enterprises and industries.

Major Activities

Solimar International analyzed development and investment opportunities in RoC’s tourism sector and facilitated connections with global business and investor networks to support IR 1. Solimar mobilized experts to align ecotourism possibilities with the National Tourism Strategy and other tourism development efforts. Solimar also provided CEERC access to global buyers and partners for ecotourism-focused value chains, including private tour operators, technology platforms, impact investors, and global tourism companies through its networks.

The assessment focused on target landscapes identified in CEERC’s Year 1 geographic prioritization process. Using a participatory approach, Solimar engaged the private sector, national government, and local communities through key informant interviews and site visits to identify:

• Ecotourism potential in CEERC’s target landscapes and the investments needed to realize that potential.
• Policy and regulatory improvements to enhance the enabling environment for ecotourism.
• Linkages with local, regional, and global business/investor networks to support ecotourism initiatives.
• Priority actions for CEERC and partners to strengthen conservation-friendly ecotourism in RoC.

The Ecotourism Assessment and Action Plan guided CEERC’s interventions and ensured alignment with the national tourism strategy while complementing ongoing tourism development efforts in RoC supported by other donors, such as the World Bank.

Results:

• An inception report was produced detailing findings from desk analysis, a proposed assessment itinerary, a table of contents for the Ecotourism Assessment and Action Plan, a list of proposed stakeholder interviews, field visit schedules, and the proposed Solimar assessment team members. Draft participant surveys, key informant questions, and other data collection tools were also included.
• A draft Ecotourism Assessment and Action Plan was developed.
• The final Ecotourism Assessment and Action Plan was completed and delivered.