UNIT 9 ECOTOURISM REVISION NOTES

Introduction to Ecotourism

Meaning and Definitions

• Ecotourism: Tourism that involves visiting natural areas in a way that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people, and involves interpretation and education (TIES, 1990).

• Concepts of Ecotourism:

  • Conservation: Protecting natural and cultural resources.
  • Sustainability: Ensuring long-term benefits to local communities and minimal impact on the environment.
  • Education: Enhancing visitor awareness and understanding of local cultures and conservation issues.

Importance of Ecotourism

• Legacy and Sustainability: Providing opportunities for future generations to enjoy and benefit from natural and cultural heritages.
• Responsible Tourism: Promoting responsible behavior among tourists towards the environment and local communities.

Case Studies from the Indian Sub-continent

1. Periyar National Park, Kerala

• Location: Western Ghats, Kerala, India.
• Ecotourism Initiatives:
  • Guided nature walks and boat cruises.
  • Interpretation centers to educate visitors about wildlife conservation.
• Benefits:
  • Economic opportunities for local communities through eco-friendly tourism.
  • Conservation of endangered species like tigers and elephants.

2. Kaziranga National Park, Assam

• Location: Assam, India.
• Ecotourism Initiatives:
  • Jeep safaris and elephant rides for wildlife viewing.
  • Community-based tourism initiatives benefiting local tribes.
• Benefits:
  • Preservation of one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife species.
  • Cultural exchanges between tourists and local communities.

3. Sunderbans National Park, West Bengal

• Location: West Bengal, India.
• Ecotourism Initiatives:
  • Boat cruises to explore mangrove forests and spot wildlife.
  • Eco-friendly accommodations and nature trails.
• Benefits:
  • Conservation of Bengal tigers and rare bird species.
  • Economic opportunities for local boatmen and guides.

4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Location: Bay of Bengal, India.
• Ecotourism Initiatives:
  • Scuba diving and snorkeling to explore coral reefs.
  • Turtle nesting sites conservation programs.
• Benefits:
• Preservation of marine biodiversity.
• Sustainable livelihoods for local communities through eco-tourism activities.

Defining Ecotourism

Formal Definition by Hector Ceballos-Lascurain (1996)

• Ecotourism: Environmentally responsible travel to relatively undisturbed natural areas, appreciating nature and cultural features, promoting conservation, minimizing visitor impact, and benefiting local populations.

Key Criteria of Ecotourism

• Environmental Conservation: Involves meaningful community participation in conservation efforts.
• Beneficial to Local Communities: Generates economic benefits and promotes socio-economic involvement.
• Self-Sustaining: Ensures the sustainability of both environmental and community resources.

Growth and Perception

• Fastest Growing Sector: Carrier (2005) notes ecotourism as a rapidly expanding segment of tourism.
• Alternative Tourism: Often referred to as an alternative form of tourism, focusing on natural and cultural values.

Cultural and Anthropological Perspectives

• Anthropological Interest: Anthropologists study ecotourism, cultural tourism, and community-based tourism as forms of alternative tourism.
• Role of Anthropologists: Anthropologists contribute to planning and implementing tourism projects by understanding local needs and cultural elements.

Challenges and Concerns

• Cultural Disruption: Remote, less developed areas sought by ecotourists are vulnerable to cultural disruption.
• Environmental Degradation: Increased tourist activities in wilderness areas pose risks of environmental degradation.

Anthropological Insight into Ecotourism

• Tourist vs. Anthropologist Perspective: Tourists seek exotic experiences superficially, while anthropologists engage deeply with local cultures.
• Impact on Communities: Tourist influx can affect local communities negatively unless managed responsibly.

Contemporary Trends in Ecotourism

• Demand and Expansion: Rising demand due to saturation of traditional tourist destinations and the quest for new experiences.
• Concerns: Balancing tourism growth with environmental and cultural preservation remains a critical challenge.

Conclusion

Ecotourism, defined as environmentally responsible travel that benefits local communities and promotes conservation, is gaining prominence globally. It presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring careful management to ensure sustainability and minimize negative impacts on natural and cultural heritage. Anthropologists play a crucial role in understanding and mitigating these impacts through their study and engagement with local communities and cultures.

Empowerment and Disempowerment in Ecotourism

Benefits of Ecotourism

• Local Economic Benefits: Ecotourists prefer services and accommodations owned by locals, boosting the local economy.
• Objectives of Ecotourism:
  • Protecting the environment.
  • Conserving local cultural heritage.
  • Enhancing the local economy.
  • Empowering local communities.

Empowerment Strategies

• Local Control: Locals should have control over ecotourism initiatives to ensure they benefit.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local voices in decision-making about tourism facilities and conservation programs.
• Stakeholder Participation: All community stakeholders should participate in decision-making regardless of age, sex, or class.
• Representation: Ensuring marginalized groups within communities also benefit from ecotourism.

Political Empowerment

• Community Voice: Local communities should guide ecotourism projects from inception to implementation.
• Inclusive Decision-Making: Decision-making powers should be decentralized to community levels.
• Representation: All community interest groups should have representation in decision-making bodies.
• Equitable Benefits: Ensure benefits reach even the most marginalized groups within communities.

Social Empowerment

• Definition: Strengthening community cohesion through collective activities that distribute benefits among members.
• Indicators of Social Empowerment:
  • Strong community groups (e.g., youth and women's groups).
  • Use of tourism profits for community development projects like water supply and health clinics.

Disadvantages of Ecotourism

• Social Disempowerment:
  • Issues such as crime, begging, overcrowding, displacement, loss of cultural authenticity, and prostitution may arise.
  • Inequitable distribution of economic benefits leading to jealousy and conflict within communities.

Psychological Impact

• Psychological Strength:

  • Communities feel positive about the future, have faith in their abilities, and take pride in their traditions and culture.
  • Sensitivity and respect in ecotourism can enhance local empowerment.

• Psychological Disempowerment:

  • Interference with cultural norms (e.g., land-use changes) can lead to demoralization.
  • Example: Yagua Indians' relocation for tourism led to dependency, health issues, and psychological distress.

Economic Empowerment

• Access to Resources:
  • Ecotourism may restrict access to agricultural lands and hunting grounds.
  • Protection of wildlife may harm crops and livestock, affecting local livelihoods.

Community-Based Ecotourism

• Definition: Emphasizes local control over ecotourism activities for sustainable development.
• Objectives:
  • Enhance quality of life.
  • Preserve traditions while providing economic opportunities.
• Approach: Integrates social, environmental, and economic goals for sustainable development.
• Training: Essential for local community members to manage and benefit from ecotourism initiatives.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Development

Definition of Sustainable Development

• Brundtland Report (1987):
  • Defines sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
  • Focuses on environmental preservation and poverty eradication.

Importance of Sustainable Development

• Increasing Awareness:
  • Transnational organizations and NGOs prioritize sustainable development due to environmental preservation awareness (Grieves et al., 2014).

Ecotourism as a Tool for Sustainable Development

• Role of Ecotourism:

  • Also known as sustainable tourism, ecotourism aims to sustain natural resources in indigenous communities.
  • Emphasizes local community participation and control over development efforts.

• Benefits Distribution:

  • Ecotourism endeavors should ensure benefits primarily benefit local communities over external agencies (Grieves et al., 2014).
  • Challenges include conflicts and power imbalances in partnerships between indigenous communities and external agencies.

Role of Ecotourism in India

• Subramaniam's Perspective (2008):

  • Ecotourism is pivotal in India for sustainable development, particularly in integrating non-urban and marginalized communities.
  • Calls for a shift in approach:
    • From regulation to empowerment.
    • From patronage to partnership.
    • From linear government-led structures to diverse stakeholder alliances.

• Inclusive Development:

• Emphasizes improving the well-being of all non-urban communities through ecotourism ventures.
• Advocates for comprehensive inclusion of marginalized communities in national ecotourism agendas (Subramaniam, 2008: 246).

Ecotourism in India

Nagaland: Community Participation

• Community-Based Decision Making:

  • Naga society relies on collective decision-making for cultivation and forest conservation.
  • Nagaland Communitisation Act (2002) empowers local communities in managing public utilities and services.

• Ecotourism Initiatives in Khonoma Village:

  • Successful ecotourism due to community-led initiatives.
  • Conservation Focus: Ban on logging and hunting for environmental preservation.
  • Local Ownership: High community involvement due to local land ownership (Kinny and Lanusosang, 1996:158).

• Amur Falcon Conservation:

  • Significant stopover for migratory Amur Falcons.
  • Conservation Efforts: Prohibition of hunting supported by local NGOs and village councils.
  • Tourism Impact: Attracts tourists and scientists, benefiting local economy and conservation efforts.

• Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries:

  • Key Sanctuaries: Intanki National Park, Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Ghosu Bird Sanctuary.
  • Tourism Potential: Rich biodiversity attracts ecotourists, supporting local economies.

• Challenges: Insurgency issues affecting peace and security. Infrastructure limitations and entry formalities hinder tourism development.

Kerala: Ecological Sustainable Tourism

• Natural Assets: Known for backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Western Ghats: Protected areas include two National Parks and 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Ecotourism Activities: Trekking, bird watching, and wildlife tours.
• Community Involvement: Local communities participate in ecotourism ventures, benefiting economically.
• Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: Managed by local tribes, offers eco-meditation, wildlife tours, and sustainable souvenir production.
• Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: Community-based ecotourism focusing on butterfly migration and nature camps.

Gujarat: Development of Ecotourism Circuit

• Wildlife Diversity: Home to Asiatic lions, Indian wild ass, and rare bird species.
• Ecotourism Sites: Managed amidst dense jungles by the Forest Department.
• Unique Attractions: Dinosaur nesting sites, Indus Valley Civilization remains.
• Great Rann of Kutch: Unique natural history with fossil parks and bird migrations.
• Gir Forest National Park: Sole habitat of Asiatic Lions, significant biodiversity hotspot.
• Dang District: Tribal-dominated, rich in forests, waterfalls, and tribal culture.
• Ecotourism Initiatives: Promotes Saputara as a wildlife and cultural hub with local museum showcasing tribal heritage (Vnasiya & Mahida, 2012).

Conclusion

Ecotourism in India, spanning Nagaland, Kerala, and Gujarat, highlights diverse community-driven initiatives aimed at sustainable development. These efforts leverage local resources and cultures, promoting economic growth while conserving natural environments. However, challenges such as insurgency, infrastructure limitations, and bureaucratic hurdles necessitate collaborative efforts for sustainable tourism growth across regions.

Ecotourism Potential in Assam

Key Ecotourism Destinations

• Kaziranga National Park

  • Known for diverse terrain: hills, marshes, plains, and water bodies.
  • Wildlife: Home to the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros and various species of flora and fauna.
  • Adventure Activities: Offers thrilling experiences like adventure sports.

• Manas National Park

  • Location: Situated on the banks of the Manas river.
  • Heritage Site: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Flora and Fauna: Rich in endangered species, including tigers.
  • Attractions: Highland savanna, moist deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen trees.

• Nameri National Park

  • Location: Foothills of the eastern Himalayas.
  • Activities: Bird watching, trekking, and angling (fishing) on the Jiabharali river.
  • Angling Tradition: Known for angling the golden mahseer under regulated 'catch-record and release' rules.

• Majuli

  • Historical Significance: Largest river island on the Brahmaputra, now endangered due to erosion.
  • Cultural Hub: Melting pot of ethnic communities with rich cultural heritage.
  • Satras: Ancient monasteries serving as centers of learning for over 500 years.
  • Crafts: Known for pottery resembling ancient Harrappan civilization, mask-making, and boat craftsmanship.
  • Biodiversity: Wetland habitat hosting rare and migratory bird species.
  • Festivals: Ali-ai-ligang, Paal Naam, Raas Leela festivals adding cultural vibrancy.

Other Potential Ecotourism Sites

• Haflong, Maibang, Umrangso, Panimoor: Diverse natural landscapes offering potential for ecotourism.
• Chandubi Lake: Scenic lake attracting nature enthusiasts.
• Rani Reserved Forest, Hajo, Darranga: Rich biodiversity and cultural sites.
• Mayong: Known as the 'Land of Black Magic', offers mystic experiences.
• Bardowa, Bordowa: Historical and cultural significance contributing to ecotourism potential.

Impact of Ecotourism

Economic Benefits

• Household Income: Ecotourism significantly boosts household budgets in local communities.

  • Das and Hussain (2016) indicate that ecotourism generates substantial economic welfare, replacing less profitable traditional livelihoods.
  • In Kaziranga National Park (KNP), Assam, ecotourism offers viable economic opportunities amidst poverty and agricultural challenges.

• Diversified Employment: Various avenues for employment arise from ecotourism.

  • Opportunities include restaurants, handicrafts, local food production, cultural events, souvenir sales, eco-lodges, home stays, transportation services, and tour guiding.
  • These roles provide sustainable income streams beyond agriculture, which is often limited by land size, animal raids, and environmental factors.

Social and Cultural Impacts

• Community Participation: Ecotourism success often hinges on community involvement.

  • Naga villages in Nagaland exemplify community-based decision-making for sustainable practices.
  • Khonoma village’s shift to eco-conservation practices (e.g., banning hunting, forest logging) highlights community-led initiatives supported by government assistance.

• Cultural Preservation: Ecotourism supports the preservation of local cultures and traditions.

  • Communities showcase their heritage through cultural programs, handicrafts, and traditional practices, attracting tourists interested in authentic experiences.

Intangible Values

• Social Well-being: Protected areas like those in Gujarat provide intangible benefits.
  • Values such as recreational, therapeutic, spiritual, and cultural experiences enhance visitors' and residents' quality of life.
  • These areas also serve as educational hubs and centers for scientific research, contributing to environmental awareness and conservation efforts.