Thinking Point
Dr Ravinder Pall Saini
The writer is I.F.S. (retd.), PhD. (Forest Entomology), MBA (HRM), Member, Board of Management, Forest Research University, Dehradun
Wholesome natural ecosystems are critical to the ecological well-being of all living entities and especially for the economic security of people. Ecotourism has the potential to enhance wilderness protection and wildlife conservation, while providing nature-compatible livelihoods and greater incomes for many people living around natural ecosystems. This can help to contribute directly to the protection of wildlife or forest areas, while making the local community stakeholders and owners in the process.
What is ecotourism?
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”.
Objectives of ecotourism
*Income generation and creating stakes for the community residing in the areas selected for conservation.
*Generating resources for nature and forest conservation.
*Building environmental and cultural consciousness.
*Building a sustainable environmental and financial tourism model for the government and stakeholders.
*Exhibiting vividly the immense biodiversity and vibrant multifaceted culture of India to the world.
Opportunities for ecotourism in India
*The vast and diverse forest cover is >23%.
*India is among the top 12 mega biodiversity hotspots of the world.
*Varied landscape, forest subtypes, unique fauna and flora.
*100 national parks, 515 wildlife sanctuaries, 44 biosphere reserves.
*The major features are biospheres, mangroves, coral reefs, deserts, mountains, forests, flora, fauna, seas, lakes, rivers, and caves.
Need for ecotourism
Ecotourism, when practised correctly, is an important economic and educational activity. It has the scope to link to a wider constituency and build conservation support while raising awareness about the worth and fragility of such ecosystems among the public at large. It also promotes the non-consumptive use of wilderness areas, for the benefit of local communities living around and dependent on these fragile landscapes.
Principles and guidelines to be adopted for ecotourism
*Adopt low-impact tourism that protects the ecological integrity of wilderness areas, secures wildlife values of the destination and its surrounding areas.
*Highlight the heritage value of forests, wilderness and protected areas.
*Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
*Provide livelihood opportunities to local communities.
*Use indigenous, locally produced and ecologically sustainable materials for tourism activities.
The model dos and don’ts for visitors are to be adopted, along with calculating the carrying capacity of the area under operation. The basis of establishing areas and facilities for ecotourism is to be guided as per the Government of India’s policy and amendments and the Supreme Court guidelines thereafter.
Nature education and awareness
Natural interpretation/education is an educational activity that aims at revealing the meaning and relationships of complex ecosystems. It is better done through experiencing wilderness and or through visual display of such relationships. Mere presentation of facts, figures, data, etc., becomes drab and uninteresting and fails to convince tourists.
A. Development of nature trail: It is desirable to develop some nature trails at suitable places, say near forest rest houses. Self-guided nature trails bring visitors in close contact with nature and give them a sensation of thrill and adventure. A sketch map may be drawn depicting significant natural features along the trail and may be placed at the starting point to help the visitors to orient themselves.
B. Guided ecotourism: Guided tourism is a specialised task to be manned by an experienced and well-trained eco-guide. Initially, it is required to identify target groups like students, school children, groups of nature lovers, JFMCs (Joint Forest Management Committees) members, foreigners, research fellows, etc. They can be taken to various places, properly interpreting various animal signs and calls, biotic influences on the wilderness and the adverse effect of human activity on the reserve, identifying various birds, local cultures, the phenomenon of changing river courses, etc. The eco-guides may be selected from among local JFMCs/ village SHGs, educated youth. They may be trained properly to act as eco-guides. The charges may be fixed appropriately.
C. Signages: Good signages help people to find their way, prevents tedious enquiries and very often provides interesting information to the tourists.
4 different types of signage may be installed:
a) Directional signage: These may show the way to various places like offices, tourist accommodation and facilities, orientation centre, nature interpretation centre, tribal handicrafts & souvenirs’ sale centre, parking site, etc.
b) Cautioning signage: These signages informing the tourist about the acts statutorily prohibited in the spot may be depicted adequately at important locations. These signages may also inform the tourists about their responsibilities in preserving the serenity of North Bengal.
c) Orientation signage: These signages mainly include maps, location sketches, etc., which help in orienting the tourists. A map of the area showing various zones and places of tourist interest may be placed at tourist offices, reservation centres, bus stands and railway stations and other prominent places.
d) Interpretative signage: These may be kept at certain strategic places, like along a nature trail, at scenic viewpoints, at places of historical and religious importance, etc. Brief and impressive interpretive signage may be installed at conspicuous places.
D. Audio-visual programme: Video films and slide shows on forests and wildlife, and other interesting features of the area may be shown to tourists at NIC. Films/Slideshows may also be held at regular intervals in schools, tea gardens and villages in the vicinity of selected areas.
E. Nature camp: The objective of organising a nature camp is to introduce the participants to basic ecological principles through learning by personal experience. It encourages participants to discuss and analyse conservation issues in a constructive and problem-solving manner. Students from schools and colleges, science and nature clubs and NGOs form the main target groups for nature camps. Camp sites may be places of interest - away from sensitive and vulnerable habitat and safe for walking and halting overnight. Camp accommodation may normally be in tents. Permanent camps may not be constructed. For organising nature camps, the help of experienced NGOs may be taken. Camps may be organised from October to March. A nature camp may be of 5 – 10 days duration.
F. Bird watching points: Bird watching points may be developed in the selected area where seasonal and migratory birds are sighted. Guide and field staff may be given training in bird watching. Binoculars, guides and books on bird watching may be provided at large at visitor centres and rest houses.
G. Watch towers and observation stations: These are built at high elevation points providing wide-ranging panoramic views of the landscape around. These towers may also be used for fire monitoring and keeping watch on the illegal movement of people and livestock in the protected area.
Restoration and repair of heritage site buildings
The ancient, historic, and religious buildings need to be cleaned, made safe for visitors, and maintained for tourist visits. These buildings cannot and will not be used for the stay of tourists and may be visited during fixed hours only under the supervision of accredited tourist guides and staff.
Use of media for publicity
Help of the print and electronic media may be taken to promote the tourist potential of the selected area.
Participatory approach
Local villagers, especially youth, may be involved in the management of ecotourism so that they too have a stake in it. Local educated unemployed youth from fringe villages may be engaged as eco-guides after proper training. They may be engaged to run the catering facilities in the tourist lodges. Local vehicles, if available, may be hired for the use of tourists.
Tourist amenities
All tourist amenities may be built around the idea of environmental sustainability and include local architecture using colours and shapes that blend with natural surroundings. Facilities may mandatorily use rainwater harvesting, solar electricity, recycling or composting of garbage, local plant cultivation in lawns and gardens and provide for natural cross ventilation instead of air conditioners. Self-sufficiency in food through growing local vegetables and provisioning of milk and dairy products from the local market may be ensured.
Home/village tourism
There is a demand from some forest villages for allowing them to accommodate visitors to these areas in their homes, which they would be altering accordingly.
Role of tourist operators and private lodges
Recently, some organised tourist operators have formed associations and are working to take tourists to forest areas in a somewhat unorganised manner. This aspect needs intervention, and their role should be limited to contact with area administrators amicably and to seek bookings of accommodations for their clients. Similarly, in areas around forest tourist spots, lots of private lodges are coming up. This aspect must be regulated, keeping in mind the ecologically sensitive zonation of the neighbouring forest areas.
Legal framework
It may be necessary to address legal issues involved in the implementation of ecotourism activities in Protected Areas, including aspects such as permissible activities, health and safety of visitors, health insurance and risk coverage. Conflict with wild animals and other natural risks involved in adventure tourism may be covered by insurance as provided under the law.
Dos and don’ts for visitors
*Choose your travel provider based on eco principles and practices.
*Educate yourself about the destination you are visiting by reading guidebooks and travel articles.
*Be aware of the local history, culture, and customs of the locals before arriving. Learn enough language to be polite.
*Learn about the vital ecosystems before arriving.
*Appreciate the colours and sounds of nature.
*Treat the Protected Area/wilderness area with respect.
*Dress in colours that blend with the natural environment.
*Take pictures, but without disturbing wildlife.
*Observe the sanctity of holy sites, respect local customs.
*Keep a reasonable distance from wild animals and do not provoke them.
*Dispose of waste responsibly: carry back all non-biodegradable litter, and leave.
*Bury the biodegradable materials responsibly in designated sites while in a wildlife area.
*Leave campsites litter-free before departing.
*When in a vehicle, remember wild animals have the right of way.
*Keep to the speed limit, don’t use the horn, and do not startle animals.
*Do not talk loudly or play loud music.
*Do not get out of the vehicle or approach wild animals.
*Do not approach animals closer than 15 m or disturb them while they are resting.
*Do not take away flora and fauna in the form of cuttings, seeds, or roots.
*Do not feed, shout, tease, chase, disturb or molest wild animals.
*Do not light fires or smoke inside protected areas. Accidental forest fires cause irreparable damage.
*Do not pollute a water body.
*Register at the forest/wildlife check post before entering a wildlife area.
*Do not trek and camp outside designated nature trails.
*Engage trekking service providers who possess the certificate of identification.
*Do not deface or damage rocks, tree trunks or government infrastructure or facilities.
*Carrying of guns, firearms, and inflammable materials would be strictly prohibited.
*Do not commit any other act that may be injurious to forests, water bodies, plants, animals, or become a nuisance to fellow trekkers. ([email protected])
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