3. Eco-tourism: Definition
“Re spo nsible trave lto naturalare as that
co nse rve s the e nviro nm e nt and im pro ve s the
we ll-be ing o f lo calpe o ple ”- MoEF
“To urism that invo lve s trave ling to re lative ly
undisturbe d naturalare as with the spe cifie d
o bje ct o f studying , adm iring and e njo ying the
sce ne ry and its wild plants and anim als, as we ll
as any e xisting culturalaspe cts (bo th o f the past
o r the pre se nt) fo und in the se are as ”- WTO
6. Why Eco-tourism
in 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.
7. Impact of Eco-tourism in PAs
Positive
Economic welfare and livelihood of local
villagers.
Enables constant surveillance.
Facilitates participatory approach.
8. Impact of Eco-tourism in PAs
(contd.)
Negative
Additional burden on PA Managers
Deterioration & Disturbance
in PAs
Abetment to Illegal activities
Pollution
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
