Ecotourism

responsible travel, preserving natural habitat, endangered species,india ecotourism, kerala, himalayas, northeastern states are the most famous ecotourist destinations in india. Thenmala in Kerala is the first ecotourist destination in India. Valley of flowers under the foot hills of Nanda Devi is being developed as an ecotourism destination.

1. ECOTOURISM Andrew L Myrthong 2014-12-126 Dept. of Pomology and Floriculture 1

2. Ecosystem "An ecosystem is a unit of biological organisation interacting with the physical environment such that the flow of energy and mass leads to a characteristic trophic structure and material cycles." 2

3. Tourism World’s largest industry Fastest growing economic sector Positive and negative impact on people’s lives and environment 3

4. Ecosystem Ecotourism Tourism 4

5. What is ecotourism? "Responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people“ ( The Ecotourism Society) "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well being of the local people and involves interpretation and education“ (The International Ecotourism Society) 5

6. Principles It is Non-consumptive/ Non-extractive Creates an ecological Conscience Holds eco-centric values and Ethics in relation to nature 6

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8. The Concern for Ecotourism Indian tradition – human kind is a part of nature Quest for the material end and economical progress Exploitation of nature in all its appearances Global Warming and Greenhouse Effects 8

9. Ecotourism in India India, the land of varied geography One of the 12-mega bio-diverse countries Rich cultural heritage The Himalayan Region, Kerala, the northeast India , Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep islands Thenmala – First planned ecotourism destination 9

10. Motive Twin goals Biodiversity conservation Sustainable development 10

11. Contribution of different economic sectors to employment Sector Jobs Agriculture 44.7 Manufacturing 12.6 Mining and quarrying 2.6 Railways 0.9 Other transport 13.8 Tourism 47.5 Source: Central Statistical Organisation Enterprise, Ministry o f Tourism, Government of India, 2010 11

12. Foreign tourist arrival in India Source: Tourism Statistics, Govt. Of India 12

13. Domestic tourist visits in India Source: Tourism Statistics, Govt. Of India 13

14. India’s foreign exchange earning from tourism (in crores ) Source: Tourism Statistics, Govt. Of India 14

15. Importance of ecotourism Utilises natural resources (landscapes, mountains, bio-diversity areas, rivers etc ) Not a travel statement – message of our relationship with nature and its inhabitants Focus point: local cultures, wilderness, adventures and environment protection Ecological diversity Popularise secluded parts of the country 15

16. Cont … Based on sustainable/eco-friendly tourism Tourism pressure degraded the ecologically fragile areas of the country Generate revenue without disturbing delicate ecosystem 16

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18. Ecotourism Industry in India Increase foreign exchange Development of infrastructure facilities Balanced regional development Generating employment Maintaining peace and goodwill 18

19. Requirement for ecotourism Control accessibility to an area Hill stations or beaches not categorized as ecotourism destinations National parks and wildlife sanctuaries most amenable 19

20. Major ecotourism destinations 20

21. Kerala-A paradise for tourist God’s own Country Eco-visitors – Green heaven Sandy beaches, tropical dense forests etc. Many animal and plant species 21

22. THENMALA Munnar Vembanad Lake 22

23. Munnar Vembanad Lake 23

24. Sundarban World’s largest natural delta Royal Bengal Tiger Wildlife sanctuary, bird sanctuary, crocodile projects Tidal rivers, water channels, large mangrove trees Deer, antelopes, gaur and wild pigs 24

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26. Goa Natural resource and rich heritage Churches, temples, monuments, forts Beaches, wildlife and national park Carnival and cuisines 26

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28. Himalayas Mountain range of north India Kulu , Manali , Ladak , Dharamshala , Dalhousie etc Sunrise and sunset from different mountain range Trekking and camping 28

29. Kulu Manali Ladak Dalhousie Dharamshala 29

30. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Animals, marine life, plants Fresh and clean environment, well maintained road Dense jungles and thousands of coconut trees 30

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32. Coorg Brahmagiri range Abbey Nagarhole 32

33. Uttaranchal Snow capped mountains, beautiful meadows, serene lakes, dense forests, wildlife Kumaon Garhwal 33

34. Kodaikanal Kodaikanal Lake Dolphin nose mountains 34

35. Shimla Oak and rhododendron excursion Skiing and ice skaling Toy Train The ridge 35

36. Northeast India Arunachal Pradesh Manipur Tripura Mizoram 36

37. Sikkim Meghalaya Nagaland Assam 37

38. National Parks 38

39. Jim Corbett Kaziranga Bharatpur Gir Crocodile bank 39

40. Ecotourism resources in India 40

41. Biosphere reserves Nilgiri Nanda Devi Nokrek Great Nicobar Gulf of Mannar Manas Sunderbans 41

42. Gulf of Kutch Nilgiri Great Nicobars Sundarbans 5. Nanda Devi 6. Gulf of Mannar 7. Nokrek 1 2 7 6 5 4 3 42

43. Mangroves Northern Andaman and Nicobar Islands Sunderbans (West Bengal) Bhiturkania and Mahanadi delta (Orissa) Coringa , Godavari delta and Krishna estuary (AP) Pichavaram and Point Calimere (TN) Goa Coonapur (Karnataka) Achra and Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) Vembanad (Kerala) 43

44. Coral reef ecosystems Gulf of Mannar Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lakshadweep Islands Gulf of Kutch 44

45. Deserts Mountains and forests Flora and Fauna Sea, lakes and rivers Caves 45

46. Forms of ecotourism in India 46 Wildlife tourism Village tourism Agriculture tourism

47. Promoting ecotourism in India Government, local authorities, operators, visitors and local community Scientific and research institutes Non governmental organisations Landscape architect prepares the management plan Controlled access points, roads, self guided nature trails, transportation options Interpretation centers , signs Adequate but unpretentious lodging and dining facilities Docks, garbage disposal facilities and other utilities 47

48. Recent Initiatives in Eco-Tourism in India Horsely Hill in Chittor district of Andra Pradesh Satkosi in Orissa (Rs.4.25 crore ) Morni-Pinjore Hills and Sultanpur National Park in Haryana Wayanad in Kerala ( Rs.2.01 crore ) Tourist Circuit in Assam ( Rs . 4.97 crores ) Mechuka destination ( Rs.4.41 crores ) in Arunachal Pradesh 48

49. Private initiatives Casino Group of Hotels, Tours India Ltd-adopted 2 tribal villages in Kerala GEF Project-Gulf of Mannar , Tamilnadu Sikkim Biodiversity and Ecotourism Project Corbett- Binsar - Nainital Ecotourism Initiative, Uttarakhand Great Himalayan National Park, HP-Eco Development Project 49

50. Ministry of tourism Uttarakhand - First ecotourism model in valley of flowers 50

51. Major Issues in India Environmental issues Explores wilderness Tourist of prosperous strata Tour operators succumb to demands Artificial landscapes, resorts, luxury hotels and shopping centers 51

52. Social economic issues Ecotourism often owned by outside interests Carrying capacity of the host area is not calculated Breakdown of civil amenities during peak season Impact over locals Tourism monoculture Insincere source of income 52

53. Ecotourism Guidelines for Travellers 1) Prepare for your trip Educate yourself about your destination Learn about local history, customs and culture as well as vital ecosystems Learn the basics of the local language Approach travel with the desire to learn rather than just observe 53

54. 2) Respect local traditions and etiquette Appropriate clothing Be aware of people's sensitivity to being photographed Observe local customs Remember that you are the visitor Different concepts of time, personal space, communication etc. 54

55. 3) Avoid ostentatious display of wealth Extravagant to another culture For example , a camera, jewels or technological gadgets Create barriers and inhibit genuine interactions 4) Be flexible in your expectations Adapt yourself to the situation rather than trying to adapt the situation to you 55

56. 5 ) Conserve resources 6 ) Practice environmental minimum impact 7 ) Choosing a tour operator or guide 8) Support local economies 9 ) Bridging cultural gaps 10) Continued ecotourism 56

57. Conclusion Scope is very high Ecotourism industry flourishing Careful planning and target oriented approach Government schemes and policies Responsible traveller 57

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