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.
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."
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3. Tourism
• World’s largest industry
• Fastest growing economic sector
• Positive and negative impact on people’s lives
and environment
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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)
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6. Principles
• It is Non-consumptive/ Non-extractive
• Creates an ecological Conscience
• Holds eco-centric values and Ethics in relation
to nature
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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
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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
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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 of Tourism,
Government of India, 2010
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14. India’s foreign exchange earning from
tourism (in crores)
Source: Tourism Statistics, Govt. Of India
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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
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16. Cont…
• Based on sustainable/eco-friendly tourism
• Tourism pressure degraded the ecologically fragile areas of
the country
• Generate revenue without disturbing delicate ecosystem
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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30. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Animals, marine life, plants
• Fresh and clean environment, well maintained
road
• Dense jungles and thousands of coconut trees
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42. 1. Gulf of Kutch
2. Nilgiri
3. Great Nicobars
4. Sundarbans
5. Nanda Devi
6. Gulf of Mannar
7. Nokrek
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2
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6
5
4
3
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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)
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44. Coral reef ecosystems
• Gulf of Mannar
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Lakshadweep Islands
• Gulf of Kutch
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45. • Deserts
• Mountains and forests
• Flora and Fauna
• Sea, lakes and rivers
• Caves
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46. Forms of ecotourism in India
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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57. Conclusion
• Scope is very high
• Ecotourism industry flourishing
• Careful planning and target oriented approach
• Government schemes and policies
• Responsible traveller
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TIES hopes this gives clarity to those activities that are considered CONSUMPTIVE / EXTRACTIVE and which cause behavioral and psychological impacts on nonhuman species.
TIES considers nonconsumptive and nonextractive use of resources for and by tourists and minimized impact to the environment and people as major characteristics of authentic ecotourism.
The Himalayan Region, Kerala, the 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- first planned ecotourism destination in India created to cater to the Ecotourists
and nature lovers.
Kanha, Ranthambore, Kaziranga, Corbett and Suderbans.
Special officers have been designated to coordinate activities regarding
ecotourism. The Forest and Tourism Departments of the states like Karnataka,
Kerala, Sikkim, Rajasthan and Andra Pradesh have specifically announced a
policy for the development of ecotourism laying special emphasis to the
involvement of the local communities.
look out for news and current events about the area
A simple hello, please or thank you goes a long way
Wear clothing that is accepted by the local culture
Be aware of people's sensitivity to being photographed; always ask first and consider sending photos back to the local people through your tour operator or other means.
Different concepts of time, personal space, communication etc. which are not wrong or inferior, just different. Act as an example for other travellers who may be less informed than you.
Be perceptive of your own cultural values and how they affect your judgment of others.
What may not seem a display of wealth in your culture may be considered extravagant by another culture.
Consider tucking these items away when visiting rural communities.
Leave unnecessary valuables at home as they can create barriers and inhibit genuine interactions
5) Be flexible in your expectations
4) Approach your adventure with an open mind and you won't be disappointed. Sometimes plans change and an opportunity for more indepth
learning or a unique cultural experience presents itself. Adapt yourself to the situation rather than trying to adapt the situation to you.
