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Mr. Hector
Cebellos-Luscurain-
A Mexican Architect, environmentalist ornithologist has coined the term
"ECOTOURISM" in - 1983. |
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According to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), "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" is defined as ecotourism.
Ecotourism Resources of India:
The Geographical diversity of India has given a wealth of
eco-systems which are well protected and preserved. These eco-systems have
become the major resources for ecotourism in India. These consist of:
Biosphere Reserves; National Parks, Sanctuaries
Mangroves
Corals and coral Reefs
Deserts
Mountains and Forests
Flora and Fauna and
Sea, Lake and Rivers
CHARACTERISTICS OF ECOTOURISM:
It promotes positive environmental ethics and fosters
"preferred" behaviour in its participants.
It does not degrade the resource.
It concentrates on intrinsic rather
than extrinsic values.
It is oriented around the environment
in question and not around man.
It must benefit the wildlife and
environment.
It provides a first hand encounter with
the natural environment.
It actively involves the local
communities in the tourism process.
Its level of gratification is measured
in terms of education and/or appreciation.
It involves considerable preparation
and in-depth knowledge on the part of both leaders and participants.
EXAMPLE FROM USA:
Menden hall Glacier one of the many "rivers of ice" in
south east Alaska has been developed as a great tourist attraction. Strict
environmental guidelines are being enforced. They have achieved the required
cohesiveness between tourism and ecology. The US Forest Service is the
key coordinator and regulating agency. Mendenhall Glacier has metamorphosed
from an inaccessible, icy Monolith into a tourist friendly, prosperous
terrain.
ECOTOURISM COMPLEXES:
OBJECTIVES / PURPOSE / FUNCTIONS
- To provide eco-friendly infrastructure preferably
on the fringes of Wild Life protected areas which takes care of minimum
lodging and boarding facilities in pucca houses, huts, machans
and tents as per the requirements of the tourists:
- To provide mini-libraries to enable
visitors to spend their time usefully and elicit support for protection of
wildlife.
- To earn revenue for the state Govt.
- To provide income to Local People by
employing them as guides, watchers etc.
- To facilitate sale of locally made
crafts to tourists.
- Lastly, to facilitate all round
development.
ANTICIPATED EFFECTS ON CONSERVATION STATUS:
- Eco-tourism complexes if managed
properly can become an integral part of the protected area system. Increases
public support for protection of the sanctuary.
- The activities of the illegal operators would be nutralised.
- Increased exposure of local people to
the concepts of conservation.
- Increased income of local people.
- Increase in sale of local handicrafts.
- Reduction in unemployed youth number.
- Involvement of local people in new
occupations like transportations of tourists etc.
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS OF ECOTOURISM:
- Over exploitation of Forest Wealth.
- Overflow of tourists.
TYPES OF TOURISTS:
- Industrial
Tourists
- Hedonistic Tourists
- Modern age Tourists
- Foreign Tourists
ECOTOURISM - IT'S MISSION STATEMENT:
If you have come to Goa only for the beaches then you are
missing the other half what this little nature's paradise has to offer "It's
beautiful Forests and Wildlife". Don't leave your visit half done. Don't miss
the beauty of our forests.
When you visit any Protected Area (National Park or Sanctuary)
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Please Remember:
Be silent. Hear the animal's
talking.
Merge with the surrounding. Wear dull colours. You
will notice the animal before they notice you.
Do not pluck and eat Ber fruits. You will be fined
by the Management.
Do not walk/trek in the Park. This is
not your area. It's the animals territory!
Do not take car/closed vehicle on kaccha (earthen)
track.
While passing on the road, wait and
let the animal cross. It is his first right.
Do not feed animals. They have better
food in Nature and can look for their own.
Keep a safe distance from animals.
Respect their privacy and you will be rewarded with good viewing.
Smoking, drinking in strictly
prohibited and animals don't like them too. Do not take bath in the park.
Do not blow horns and drive within
the prescribed speed limit of 30 km/hr.
Do not play music in your vehicle.
Nature has better melody to offer here. Listen to it.
Carrying and throwing plastic inside
the Park is strictly prohibited. It might kill an animal.
Be sensitive towards your fellows
visitors. Enjoy your visit and let them enjoy.
Don't be in the park before sunrise
and after sunset.
Please abide by the rules and
regulations of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, inside the Park.
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