ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND TOURISM Tourism, the "smokeless industry”
Learning outcomes understand how tourism can become a partner to skewed development processes which changes land use patterns and contributes to displacement of people. understand with the specific example of eco tourism as to how the carrying capacity of an eco-system can be violated, thereby decimating the eco-system itself. understand the unresolved problems of eco-tourism which contribute to environmental degradation. understand how ways can be devised to overcome these problems.
Introduction The unplanned and unchecked. developmental activities in tourist destinations are the major cause of environmental degradation. Tourism though beneficial for country's economy harms nature when it is not planned properly. Pollution caused by Tourists Degradation Caused by Infrastructure Unfair trade practices, child labour & human rights
RESISTANCE Voluntary groups and individuals have played an important role in pointing to the hidden dangers of mainstream development. As a consequence of the development debate, the public awareness of national, state and local level developments are often against the best interest of a community. Struggles of the Narmada and Chipko movements are well known.
RESISTANCE
ANALYSIS OF TOURISM IMPACTS
WHY TOURISM ? Tourism is vital for the success of many economies around the world. There are several benefits of tourism on host destinations. Tourism boosts the revenue of the economy , creates thousands of jobs, develops the infrastructures of a country, and plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens
What is eco tourism Ecotourism is the concept of combining the thrill of travel with the conscious effort of support and conservation of those places. It’s about supporting local cultures and minimizing the negative impacts of the tourism industry. Ecotourism pairs sustainable tourism with environmental conservation in order to provide a low-impact travel experience. Ecotourism is all about balancing the need for profits (to sustain operations) with long term sustainability. The focus, of course, is more on the latter. The overarching goal of ecotourism is to create experiences that benefit everyone equally, not just the tourist and stakeholders. This means protecting the local ecosystem and natural resources. It also involves giving local people a living wage while helping them preserve their communities and culture.
What is impact of eco tourism development It polluted lakes and oceans, water bodies. Overuse of valuable fresh water resources. Increase more chances of global warming. Destroy natural habitat. It reduces biological of natural environment. Violation of principle of carrying capacity of the destination due to over tourism. Create market for more use of drugs and increase crime rates. Image shows how over crowding in mountains effecting the ecosystem of mountains.
Problems and solutions Challenges Facing Ecotourism Threats to Indigenous Cultures Degradation of the Ecosystem May Still Occur irrespective of ecosystem ideology Travel Could Disrupt the Environment Possible Relocation of Locals as Ecotourism Inevitably Leads to Development Growing Number of Ecotourism Organizations Working For Profit How many visitors to be allowed at one time. How to use control mechanisms like hours of daylight, opening hours and time limits; rainy season and flooding periods; erosion; disturbance due to noise vehicles, speech, dress codes etc. The ability to implement control mechanisms The need for the protection of seclusion, natural beauty and cultural identity Possible Solutions Eco-travellers, Research More Before Engaging Ecotourism Agencies or Organizations Reduce Impacts on the Environment When choosing Ecotourism Adventures Eco-tourists and Travellers all Together Should Choose Organizations and Programs That Educate and Primarily Aim to Enhance the Environment Be Part of the Solution Sustainable Accommodations Women Empowerment Boycotting Riding and Petting of Wild Animals Sustainable Volunteering as a part of Ecotourism Green Accommodation Recycle and reuse
CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT Ecotourism addresses both social and environmental goals, and it can benefit biodiversity conservation in four direct and indirect ways. support for wildlife and protected areas, diversified livelihoods, environmental interpretation and ethics, and strengthened resource management institutions.
Framework for rigorous analysis of ecotourism
Alternative Approach A good alternative approach can be based on: assessing the situation developing a negotiating strategy designing a forum getting the parties to the table using a mediator considering the impact of change to judge its acceptability defining the quality to be retained after use of the area monitoring mechanism to initiate remedial action
Example of Wildlife Tourism Guidelines The users code is worked out by professionals, who look at the environment in any location as a global resource and legitimize their exclusion of users, the travel trade and the local population from determining the codes to be enforced. Avoid Places Where You Can Touch Animals Be Wary of Places that ALWAYS Have Babies Avoid Places that Feed Wild Animals Give Animals Their Space Look for Rules.
Example of Wildlife Tourism Guidelines TIGER show in Kanha and Bandhavagarh (M.P) A tiger task force constituted in 2005 to review the management of tiger reserves had recommended that “tourism activities should not be allowed in the core of the national parks and the tiger reserves," and that wildlife tourism need to be regulated. Tourism in tiger reserves needs to be extremely well managed to ensure that the direct impact on the habitats due to tourism is mitigated. The chain of command as well as the management of tourism in tiger reserves has suffered from multiple governing institutions as well as confusion in policy and regulations so far. If its done badly, it can lead to further stress on the tiger’s habitat
Van MuKhiya T he Panchayat is to nominate a Van Mukhiya to undertake village level conservation activities. This scheme is to replace the joint forest management scheme under implementation in many notified areas. The Van Mukhiya will earn 10% of the proceeds from the marketing of forest produce, above his share in the joint management scheme.
To sum up People equate the quality of life with a sustainable environment that provides clear air, drinking water and the security of loved ones. Living conditions in our cities are becoming more slum like every day. Transport and garbage disposal have become two important hazards leading to stress and disease. The Himalayas are in tatters, the Shivaliks beyond repair. The ghats are threatened by mega projects some of which are destructive forms of tourism. Green belts are turning into wastelands. These are the consequences of the planned development of the past 50 years. The development debate is one step in the direction of stemming the rot. It attempts to listen to the voice of people rather than depending on vested interests. It is by understanding this debate that we can perhaps make out the nature of environmental degradation by tourism as well as on tourism products.