Ecotourism: Spreading its roots in India

Ecotourism in India is fast gaining prominence and more attention. All stakeholders of tourism industry are looking to cash in on the opportunities in this niche segment. The Centre and states are also gradually realising the immense potential of ecotourism, as India has all the ingredients required to be a world class eco-tourist destination write Arti Saggi and Lakshmi Vishwanathan

The thought process of today’s tourist has changed as he is aware of the hazards of harming the ecological balance. The ‘Green Laws’ of conservation has made people aware across the globe of how man and environment can live symbiotically for time to come and how ecotourism is the only way to maximise the economic, environmental and social benefits of tourism. Everyone is a stakeholder in the process and we clearly need to avoid our past shortcomings and negative impact that they have had.

In India ecotourism is gaining momentum. The government at the centre is already addressing this issue and is also promoting this concept in the country. Though the concept is new to the Indian travel trade it is catching on fast. In fact, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) India Chapter’s Environment and Ecotourism Committee is currently working on procuring an approval from the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), to mention the organisations which have won national and international awards for good environmental practices or ecotourism on their website, along with links. The primary objective of this move is to encourage eco-friendly practices in the industry. Currently, there are many certified hotels and travel companies in India that practice eco-friendly measures. If this approval comes through, these organisations have a chance of being promoted as recognised eco-friendly promoters on the MoT website, thereby garnering not just Indian, but international exposure.

Commenting on the move, Mandip Singh Soin, Chairman, PATA India Chapter, Environment and Ecotourism committee said, “We have worked closely with MoT, on popularising ecotourism in the country and the Ministry has always supported the cause. If approved, this initiative will help the organisations garner higher visibility, thereby resulting in better business.”

The PATA India Chapter’s environment and ecotourism committee’s long term plans also include facilitating certification of ecotourism operators, lodges, hotels and organisations. Commenting from MoT’s point of view, Sanjay Kothari, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, maintained, “The Ministry has always been actively promoting ecotourism in the country. As far as mentioning the names and links of reputed eco-friendly organisations on the website are concerned, we are yet to take a call on that front.” The India Chapter is hopeful that on grant of this recognition, more travel and hospitality partners would adopt eco-friendly measures

In addition, the centre earlier this year has decided to revise the existing ‘National Ecotourism Policy’. According to a highly placed source in MoT, “We will be soon formulating a new National Ecotourism Policy. Currently, the Ministry of Environment and Forests is working out the new guidelines. Once approved within their Ministry, the new guidelines will be incorporated in the current policy along with a review of the existing guidelines.”

The need to review the National Ecotourism Policy was spelt out by Ambika Soni, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture at a conference where she remarked that the existing National Ecotourism Policy needs to be revived in the light of the ongoing international debate on climate change.

“Often I come across complaints that our bio-diversity is being eroded further on account of adventure, wildlife and ecotourism. There is a genuine concern that adventure tourists are not only polluting the place, but have little regard for conserving the existing natural resources. Last year, when I took up the matter of reviving licenses of adventure tour operators with the Uttarakhand Government, these were the main issues that were highlighted by the Ministry of Environment of Uttarakhand,” said Soni.

Ministry of Environment and Forests is coming up with new forest based eco-tourism guidelines for revising the existing National Ecotourism policy. Currently, the recommendations made by the Tiger Task Force and other divisions within the Ministry of Environment and Forests are awaiting approval from the Ministry. Once approved, they will be sent to the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).

Rajesh Gopal, Inspector General of Forests and Member Secretary of National Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment and Forests, said, “We are working on the guidelines to redefine the National Ecotourism Policy. There will be forest based ecotourism guidelines and recommendations on ecotourism in rural areas, which will help the local and ethnic belts to derive benefits from tourism. Currently, we have just put forth the recommendations. Once approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the guidelines will be presented to the MoT. But, currently, everything is at an initial stage.” He further added, “By making new guidelines, unexplored areas can be brought under the tourism map of the country. If ecotourism practices are followed in restricted areas, then their potential can be harnessed for boosting tourism.”

Various states in the country, including the emerging ones in the toruism arena have made ecotourism as one of their main focus areas. There have been several initiatives ranging from creation of destinations cricuits, policies and Joint Ventures to promote and market this niche segment.