IMPACT AND REGULATION OF

ECO-TOURISM IN PROTECTED AREAS

Dr. R P Saini, Gambhir Singh, Archna Sharma

Satya Bhan, S.M. Abbas, P K Pathak

USA Group -V

Eco-tourism: Definition “Responsible travel to natural areas that

conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”- MoEF

“Tourism that involves traveling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the specified object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects (both of the past or the present) found in these areas”- WTO

Eco-tourism Spots - USA Visit

Why Eco-tourismin PAs ?

An important economic and educational activity.

To link to a wider constituency and build conservation support while raising awareness about the worth and fragility of such ecosystems.

It promotes the non-consumptive use of wilderness areas, for the benefit of local communities living around, and dependent on these fragile landscapes.

Impact of Eco-tourism in PAs Positive

Economic welfare and livelihood of local villagers.

Enables constant surveillance.

Facilitates participatory approach.

Impact of Eco-tourism in PAs (contd.) Negative

Additional burden on PA Managers

Deterioration & Disturbance in PAs

Abetment to Illegal activities

Pollution

Problem Definition Conflict arising between PAs and local population.

Improper or no assessment of carrying capacity.

Lack of accredited tour operators/guides.

Unplanned tourism in Protected Area.

Lack of proper identification of permissible activities in protected areas and health and safety of visitors.

General Principles to be adopted for Regulating Eco-tourism in PAs

Adopt low-impact tourism that protects ecological integrity of wilderness areas.

Secures wildlife values of the destination and its surrounding areas and also build environmental and cultural awareness.

Highlight the environmental value of Protected Areas, wilderness especially among policy makers, judiciary, industry representatives etc.

General Principles to be adopted for Regulating Eco-tourism in PAs (Contd)

Principle of ‘one land- one manager’.

Provide additional livelihood opportunities to local communities.

Use indigenous, locally produced and ecologically sustainable materials for tourism activities.

General Principles to be adopted for Regulating Eco-tourism in PAs (Contd)

Confine to the eco-tourism zone prescribed by the Management Plan for the PAs.

Adhere to the carrying capacity fixed for the eco-tourism site in question.

Compliance to judgments/directives of Hon’ble Supreme Court.

Policy Recommendations Standard operating procedures to be

defined for different activities. Appointment of accredited eco-guides in

sufficient number-participatory approach. Installations of directional signages,

cautioning signages, orientation signages, interpretive signages.

Construction of private lodges in accordance with eco sensitive zonation of the neighboring forest areas.