Introduction of ECOTOURISM
Ecotourism is an entirely new approach to tourism. Ecotourism is preserving travel to natural areas to appreciate the cultural and natural history of the environment, taking care not to disturb the integrity of the ecosystem, while creating economic opportunities that make conservation and protection of natural resources advantageous to the local people. In short, ecotourism can be categorized as tourism programmed that is - "Nature-based, ecologically sustainable, where education and interpretation is a major constituent and where local people are benefited."All this together can be called ecotourism. If travel does not satisfy any one of these constituents, then it is not called a real ecotourism venture.
ECOTOURISM IN INDIA
India, the land of varied geography offers several tourist destinations that not just de-stress but also rejuvenate you. There are several ways to enjoy Mother Nature in the most pristine way. The few places like the Himalayan Region, Kerala, northeast India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Lakshadweep islands are some of the places where you can enjoy the treasured wealth of the Mother Nature. Thenmala in Kerala is the first planned ecotourism destination in India created to cater to the Eco-tourists and nature lovers. The India topography boasts an abundant source of flora & fauna. India has numerous rare and endangered species in its surroundings. The declaration of several wildlife areas and national parks has encouraged the growth of the wildlife resource, which reduced due to the wildlife hunt by several kings in the past. Today, India has many wildlife sanctuaries and protection laws. Currently, there are about 103 national parks and 543 sanctuaries in India, which works for the protection and conservation of wildlife resources in India. There are numerous Botanical and Zoological Gardens in India, which are working towards the enhancement of the Ecosystem. Poaching has stopped to a large extent. There are severe punishments for poachers, hunters, and illegal traders of animals and trees. Tree plantation is taking place in several places. There are several animal & plant rights organizations, who fight for the rights of the animals and plants. Numerous organizations and NGOs are coming forward to provide environmental education to the common people at the grass-root level. Ecotourism in India might not be a very popular terminology, but those who care about it are doing their bit to conserve the country’s natural heritage, even if it’s one baby step at a time.
10: STATES THAT ARE ENCOURAGING ECOTOURISM IN INDIA
Eco-Sensitive Zones in India boast of geographical diversities and lovely tourist places that have
been or are rapidly becoming popular getaways in India.
1. Ladakh – Traveling to the Himalayas done right
The Himalayas have been on top of every traveler’s bucket list and therefore left gasping for breath in recent times. Now that tourism has found a foothold in the Trans – Himalayan region and most of the places have been glorified, ecotourism is penetrating to encourage sustainable travel and extensive tours.
Leh Nutrition Project established by Save The Children Fund (UK) in 1979, happens to be the NGO working towards the overall upliftment in Ladakh. They have been addressing issues related to child care, development, education, livelihood, and watershed development in the difficult terrains. In addition to that, the Leh Nutrition Project and Ladakh Ecological Development Group have been actively working to promote a sustainable society in Ladakh. Attractions for eco-travelers in Ladakh: Hemis National Park, Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, ancient monasteries, treks spanning across villages, chance to experience the life in the valley Eco-friendly stays in Ladakh: Eco Popular Resort in Leh, Himalayan Eco Resort in Leh, and homestays in Leh
2. Himachal Pradesh
Responsible travel in the highlands The mountainous landform of Himachal, bordering Tibet and Jammu & Kashmir, has a rich biodiversity, which attracts a large number of tourists every year. As a result, popular holiday destinations in Himachal are suffering due to excessive commercialization. Himachal has been practicing Community-Based Ecotourism (CBET), which is a collaborated effort towards the conservation of natural and cultural resources in the region. Various approaches like Participatory Forestry Management for the development of forests have been initiated. The efforts have been widely appreciated by the people of Himachal as well as tourists. Besides, they’ve generated a lot of revenue for the state. A huge credit for promoting ecotourism in Himachal also goes to Ecosphere – an organization that focuses on initiatives for saving the rich bio-reserve, keeping the environment sound, and making lesser-known places more popular. Attractions for eco-travelers in Himachal Pradesh: Great Himalayan National Park, Pin Valley National Park, Chandratal, 3300 plus varieties of flora, the indigenous tribes of the region Eco-friendly stays in Himachal Pradesh: Oakwood Hamlet in Shimla, The Himalayan Village in Kullu, and Homestays in Spiti Valley
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3. Delhi
Good vibes straight from the national capital, New Delhi has seen a commendable effort from organizations like the Ecotourism Society of India that have been encouraging sustainable practices in the capital. From minimizing carbon footprint to creating awareness and further collaborating with like-minded bodies to promote eco-tourism, they have come a long way. Resources have also been fuelled towards identifying new ecotourism destinations and making them popular. For example, Chhawla-Kanganheri – an ecotourism park near the Najafgarh drain has been revamped and recreational activities like boating, camping, paintball, and obstacle course are available for the entertainment of tourists. Farmstays also have a major role in the promotion of ecotourism; a few have come up in the heart of the city, besides many in the outskirts. Attractions for eco-travelers in Delhi: JNU Caves, Yamuna Biodiversity Park, The Ridge, and The Yamuna Eco-friendly stays in Delhi: Surjivan Resort, Thakran Farm, and Uppal’s Orchid
4. Uttarakhand
Cascading from the Garhwal, Himalayas To make travelers aware of the diverse culture and surroundings, several village treks have been initiated by the tourism department of Uttarakhand. These trails give an insight into the lives of Kumaoni villagers. It is a collective effort from the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Garhwal-Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, and the ecotourism division of the state forest department and has seen the successful execution of eco-tours, which has taken adventure tourism to new heights. The organizations also run homestays in the area by providing essentials and required finances to the homeowners to operate efficiently.
State Bird Spring Festival organized by the forest department has experienced tremendous growth over the years and has been a boost to tourism. Communities like Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve – a tiger conservation reserve in Ramnagar has been highly benefitted because of all the eco-friendly initiatives taken at places in Uttarakhand. Attractions for eco-travelers in Uttarakhand: Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Eco-friendly stays in Uttarakhand: Emerald Trail, camps and eco-lodges in Jayalgarh, Auli, and Ghangaria
5. Arunachal Pradesh
Crown of the Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh is one of the prized jewels of Northeast India. It boasts of diverse topography and unexplored terrains, which make it a popular destination for ecotourism in India. Organizations like Future Generations Arunachal and Green Pastures have been focussing on projects to impart awareness on ecotourism and encourage homestays in the region. Also, institutions like Nguni Ziro by Future Generation Arunachal have been contributing towards the cause of preservation of tribal culture and safeguarding the nature around. Apatani Plateau Initiative, Ziro, and Tangsa Community Conservation Reserve Initiative, Changlang Districts have been major initiatives executed by the Association for Conservation and Tourism in the state. They aim at the sole motive of creating a friendly environment for tribals and making conserving the pristine environment. Further, game viewing at wildlife sanctuaries, climbing, trekking and nature walk in the valleys and splendid sightseeing make Arunachal Pradesh an ideal place for ecotourism. Attractions for eco-travelers in Arunachal Pradesh: Namdapha National Park, Tsanga Community Conservation Reserve, and Apatani Platea
6. Meghalaya
Into the abode of clouds, This unexplored paradise in the northeast has a lot of cultural diversity and plenty of secluded wonders. Living Roots Ecotourism Society has unearthed a hidden treasure in the northeast and glorified Nongblai – a lesser-known village in the East Khasi Hills district. The village has record 16 living root bridges. Raid Nongblai – a collective organization of Nongblai, Suthim, and Wahlyngkhat villages have jointly taken up the responsibilities of these living root bridges that are like a god to them.
Regional Workshop on Environmental Service Learning, conservation of Hotspots of Biodiversity and Ecotourism that focusses on biodiversity conservation and ecotourism. Moreover, the exciting village tours and untarnished natural beauty has a raw appeal for every aspiring traveler. Attractions for eco-travelers in Meghalaya: Mawlynnong Village, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, East Khasi Hills, and Jakrem Hot Spring
Eco-friendly stays in Meghalaya: Ecotourism homestays with the Khasi tribe in Mawlynnong, NG Eco Homestay in Cherrapunjee, and Ri Kynjai Eco-resort in Shillong
7. Assam
Of secluded environs and national parks, Remote places, tribes, and their exciting traditions make Assam an exciting destination for ecotourism in India. People, over the years, have shown acceptance of responsible travel and now workshops are conducted at different places. Understanding the need of the hour, the Ecotourism Society of India in partnership with Assam Tourism has been organizing workshops to promote responsible tourism. Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has also been keen on supporting initiatives by setting up eco-camps all managed by deprived youths in the region. These camps, mostly frequented by foreigners and backpackers are a huge boost to tourism.
Attractions for eco-travelers in Assam: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-friendly stay in Assam: The Singpho Eco Lodge at Margherita-Pengari road, Fanning Village at Lekhapani, The Nature Hunt Eco Camp at Kaziranga National Park, and Chandubi Jungle Camp at Chandubi Lake
8. Sikkim
Taking Indian tourism by to another level In the lap of the Himalayas, Sikkim experiences especially honeymooners! People who turn out to be ignorant while making memories end up spilling garbage at random thus affecting nature. To save the beautiful environment of the northeast, sustainable tourism and eco-friendly measures have been devised by the Directorate of Ecotourism in association with the Forest Department of Sikkim. In this region, the promotion of wildlife and nature has remained a prime focus. Attractions for eco-travelers in Sikkim: Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, and Khangchendzonga National Park
Eco-friendly stays in Sikkim: Teen Taley Garden Resorts in Rumtek, Eco Paradise Resort & Spa in Gangtok, and Cherry Village Resort in Pelling.
9. Karnataka – Of rainforest, wildlife, nature, and adventure
There couldn’t be anything more exciting than taking up eco-trails, walking through the valley, and spending moments camping in the dense rainforests of Western Ghats. The vastness of nature in the Ghats has treasured ecological diversity, which needs to be explored and brought into the people’s knowledge. Jungle lodges, heritage sites, and resorts make Karnataka a popular ecotourism destination in the country. For all the rush and visitors that come down to visit the city, Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board (KEDB) and National Tiger Conservation authority have collectively rolled out policies aimed at attracting more investment, creating more awareness at the tourist hotspots, and facilitating ambitious activities to attract tourists. Attractions for eco-travelers in Karnataka: Bisle Rainforest, Nagarhole, Kabini Backwaters, Hassan, Chikmagalur, and Devbagh near Karwar
Eco-friendly stays in Karnataka: Jhari Ecostay, Silver Oak Resort, and Chukki Mane
10. Kerala – There in the foothills of Western Ghats
From being the first place to execute planned ecotourism in India to treat the visitors with warmth, Kerala – in the heart of the Western Ghats, is a popular sojourn for nature lovers. The Ghats are counted among the top 18 biodiversity hotspots in the world and boast of quite a few endangered wildlife species.
Hill stations, plantations, backwaters, and the unique biological settings of Kerala make it a perfect ecotourism destination. The infinite gardens and tea estates are perfect for nature walks and treks. Thenmala Ecotourism Project is a prominent development in South India that works towards the development of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary Reservoir and Deer Rehabilitation Center. The sanctuary offers a number of leisure and adventure zone for tourists. Center for Ecotourism of Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies has been promoting sustainable tourism by organizing seminars and community service in the area. Attractions for eco-travelers in Kerala: Thenmala, Konni, Parambikulam, Aralam, Silent Valley National Park, and Periyar Tiger Reserve Eco-friendly stays in Kerala: Wild Elephant Eco-Friendly Resort, Ela Ecoland, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary Reservoir, and Hinterland Village
ECOTOURISM: THE POTENTIALS
Ecotourism is a large and rapidly growing industry, accounting for US$ 2 billion globally in 1996. For example, in a national park of Ontario, bird watchers, during peak season of birding season, spent $ 3.8 million within 24 days in a month, out of which 2.1 million was spent locally. In Southeast Asian countries, ecotourism is increasingly being made a flagship project to attract hard currency for economic recovery and to help communities ride out of the debt crisis. Though the tourist volume is small, ecotourism can generate sufficient revenue, especially from foreign tourists. For instance, data of 1993 shows that Madagascar earned $ 275 to 360 per trip to see lemurs; Belize earned $ 350 per trip for coral reef diving; ACAP Nepal generated additional fees of Rs. 121 per person (80,000 trekkers/year generated Rs. 97,00,000 per year). Interestingly, most ecotourists are from North America and Europe, while most ecotourism destinations are in developing countries. Such destinations have areas of great natural beauty but are worst hit by poverty, inadequate local participation, and unregulated tourism growth. For instance, South Africa has witnessed a 108% growth rate in ecotourism. Many of the relatively undisturbed and biologically/culturally restored/conserved richest areas are in the developing world, offering themselves as ecotourism destinations. Tourism here has been increasing annually by 6% as compared to 3.5% in developed countries. Ecotourism is increasing by 20-34% per annum globally, or some six times the growth rate of standard tourism (Herbig and O’Hara, 1997). This can facilitate increased investments in protected areas and reserves, conservation of cultural heritage, a reduction in poaching, an increase in the non-consumptive value of wildlife through viewing, and opportunities for rural/coastal/mountain communities to diversify/enhance their livelihoods through tourism-related jobs, revenue-sharing arrangements, and co-management of natural/biocultural heritage resources. All these should be incorporated into the national policy on ecotourism. Almost all ecotourism destination areas in India (including small islands, coasts, mountains, wetlands, grasslands, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems and habitats) are ecologically/culturally vulnerable, but are of outstanding beauty and rich biological/ cultural/heritage diversity. Hence, only ecotourism can be promoted in such areas (if acceptable to the native communities) by adapting the following appropriate environmental/socio-economic strategies:
• Site improvement is of utmost essential. The destination areas should be provided with sustainable sanitation. Ecosan toilet (urine-diverting dry toilet – UDDT), for example, is a closed system that does not need water and, hence, it is ideal where water is scarce or where the water table is high with the risk of groundwater contamination. The toilet is based on the principle of recovery and recycling of nutrients from excreta (both urine and feces) to create valuable manure. Other infrastructure may include biogas, solar photovoltaic panels, aero generators, etc.
• Adoption of ecological land/water use planning and eco-technologies based on 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) is an inevitable option. Other measures may include: developing culturally appropriate facilities (e.g. boardwalks, trails interpretation centers, etc.), the establishment of controls on a collection of live specimens, regulation of dumping of untreated mixed solid/liquid wastes, the prohibition of mining of beach/river sand, regulated use of boat anchors in coral bottom bays, ban on cutting of trees in camping and trekking areas, restriction on the feeding of wild animals, and so on.
• Conserving the vitality and diversity of life by supporting water/nutrient cycles.
• Controlling the human numbers/activities/impacts within the regular absorbing/ carrying capacities and sustainabilities, so that stability, resilience, and diversity of the ecosystem are not irreversibly affected.• Managing visitor behavior through host control over visitor numbers, activities, and impacts.
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