CU-BSC.TTM-SEM-IV-Eco & Community Based tourism-Second draft

known as RT Classification based on the principles of Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. At least 30 percent of the classified and approved units located in rural areas will be converted to RT classified units in 10 years. The direct incentives given by the Department will be linked to RT practices. The Kerala Responsible Tourism Task Force will be created at the state level with representatives from Tourism Department, Local Self Government, Tourism industry, Self Help Groups, NGOs, Department of Agriculture & Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries. 7.3.7Active involvement of Local Self Governments In planning and development of tourism in destinations, the local self-governments can play a decisive role. Tourism development programmes will be integrated with other developmental activities of local self-governments. We will encourage and assist local bodies to form Tourism Working Group in places of tourism importance. As most of the tourism attractions in Kerala are based on the bounty of nature, unplanned and haphazard development of tourist destinations is a serious issue affecting tourism growth. As per the Panchayat Raj Act, the sole power for regulating the development activities is vested with the local bodies. Master plans, Detailed Town Planning schemes and Kerala Municipal Building Rules (KMBR) are the tools used for controlling and regulating the development of any area. There is provision in the Town and Country Planning Act for declaring any area with special character as special zones and controlling its development with special guidelines prepared for that particular zone. In this context, Department in association with Town and Country Planning Department and local bodies will identify tourism important areas for its conservation and preservation and prepare and implement special guidelines considering it carrying capacity. We will also associate with Town and Country Planning department for the preparation and implementation of Area Development Plans for the areas of tourism importance. To create enabling environment for investment recognizing the importance of tourism in stimulating the economic development of the state, the Government of Kerala declared tourism as an industry in 1986. Super structure and infrastructure are the most important components of any tourism destination. The success of Kerala Tourism is mainly owed to the synergy between private and public sector. Government act as a catalyst and facilitator to create enabling environment for private investment. Considering the peculiar geographical conditions of the state, we give priority for small and medium level investment. Also, the Government will take steps to encourage private investment in tourism adhering to the principles and practices of sustainability. Conclusion However, tourism continued to develop in an arbitrary manner with various government departments such as the Department of Tourism; Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, Rural Management and Development engaged in tourism development and 77 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

facilitation but working in isolation of each other. Thus, a there was a felt need for a joint and collaborative approach, which would address tourism in a holistic manner through an integrated approach. There was an urgent need, therefore, to consolidate all existing missions and plans, and together with strong participation of the tourism stakeholders develop a Policy for Himachal Pradesh Tourism. In the face of a growing and changing tourism industry, the policy shall provide guidance for bringing sustainability through inclusive growth, enhancing capacities of tourism stakeholders as well as for developing regulatory frameworks, which shall ensure quality experience for visitors to the State. 7.4 SUMMARY  The Government of India and State ecotourism body addresses ecotourism as a priority sector and therefore, the several state Ecotourism bodies majorly states like Sikkim, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand Ecotourism.  The framed Policy has been developed proactively and discussed in this chapter in concern to ensure sustainable livelihood of the local people but to protect the biodiversity as well.  The Union and State organised several international workshops was followed by stakeholders’ meetings. To make the Policy truly participatory, views, suggestions and advice stakeholders were obtaining the needs. This was to ensure that the stakeholders have a common understanding of the concept of ecotourism and that tourism infrastructures are constructed respecting acceptable environmental standards 7.5 KEYWORDS  UNDP - United Nations Development Programme  homestay - a holiday or other period abroad spent staying in the home of a local family  Feasibility - the state or degree of being easily or conveniently done.  Tourism policy - Tourism policy is a set of discourses, decisions, and practices driven by governments, sometimes in collaboration with private or social actors, with the intention to achieve diverse objectives related to tourism.  EDC – Eco Development Committee. 7.6 LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. How does Eco Tourism policy help tourist? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 78 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

2. What do you understand by the term Responsible Tourism? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 7.7 UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Questions Short Questions 1. Name some basic features of Kerala Ecotourism policies 2. What is the strength of Sikkim Ecotourism policies? 3. How does a Sikkim eco-tourism policy help local community? 4. List out the opportunity created by Kerala eco-tourism policy. 5. Bring meaning to the term stakeholders’ involvement in Kerala. Long Questions 1. Elucidate the need for Eco tourism policies of Kerala also explain its important features 2. Explain about the eco-tourism guidelines of Government of India 3. Explicate the need for eco-tourism policies in Sikkim. 4. How does an Eco tourism policy generate income to the local community in Sikkim? 5. What is the strength of Sikkim Ecotourism policies, Explain in detail B. Multiple Choice Questions 1. All tourist facilities within_________ km of any protected area are monitored by local communities to guard its environment and wildlife a. 7 b. 5 c. 10 d. 2 2. As per the eco-tourism guidelines prepared by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, the local communities are empowered to monitor the activities of _____________ a. tourists 79 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

b. travel agents c. tour operators d. visitors 3. The ___________ introduced “Local Conservation Cess” on all privately run tourist facilities a. State Governments b. central government c. municipal government d. third party government 4. Hotels in a five-km radius of the boundary of a reserve must contribute _________ of their turnover to the reserve as per the Tiger Task Force Report in 2005. a. 30% b. 35% c. 20% d. 40% 5. All ______________activities should take place only in delineated ecotourism zo a. Ecotourism b. rural tourism c. sustainable tourism d. alternative tourism Answers 80 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-a, 5-a, 7.8 REFERENCES Textbook references  Weaver, D. (2001), THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ECOTOURISM,  Ecotourism. (2009). United States: CABI. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Wearing, S., Neil, J. (2013). Ecotourism. (n.p.): Taylor & Francis.  Premila Swamy D., D., Sanjay N. Shende, D., Reddy, D. M. (2021). Environmental Protection: Critical Perspectives in Science and Literature. Germany: tradition.  Living on the Edge: Benefit-Sharing from Protected Area Tourism. (2021). United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis. Reference’s book  Addison, L. (1996). An approach to community-based tourism planning in the Baffin Region, Canada’s Far North- A Retrospective. In Harrison, L.C. and Husbands, W. (Eds). Practicingresponsibletourism– International Case Studies in Tourism.  Planning, Policyand Development. NewYork,John Wiley, pp.296-312.  Aronsson, L. (2000).TheDevelopmentofSustainableTourism.Londonand NewYork: Continuum.  Wang, Y. and Wall, G. (2005). Sharing the benefits of tourism: a case study in Hainan, China,EnvironmentsJournal, 33 (1): 41-59.  Weaver, D. (2006). Sustainable Tourism: Theory and Practice, Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford.  Byczek, C. (2011). Blessings for all? Community-based ecotourism in Bali between global,national,andlocal interests– Acasestudy.ASEAS:ÖsterreichischeFestschriftFusedstasienwissenschaften,4(1): 81- 106.  Butler, R. 1998. „Rural recreation and tourism‟ B. Liberty (Ed) The Geography of Rural Change(EssexUK: Longman) 211-232.  Cohen.E.1974.Who is tourist’? Aconceptualclarification. Social.Rev.22(4):527-55.  Cooper, Gillian. 2004. Community based tourism experiences in the Caribbean: Lessons and key consideration. Paper presented at the Caribbean Tourism Organization Sixth Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development: “Keeping the right balance – Land and Sea Encounters.” Havana, Cuba. House.(1997)  Rural Tourism: Evaluation cum impact study, 2012. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.  Saxena R, Marketing Management, Tata McGraw Hill  Transforming B2B Marketing to Meet the Needs of the Modern Buyer, by Carlos  Hidalgo  WWFInternational.2001.GuidelinesforCommunity BasedEcotourismDevelopment.UK: RuffordFoundation. Websites  Goodwin,H.,andSantilli,R.(2009).Community –basedtourism:A success 81 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 http://www.andamandiscoveries.com/press/pressharold-goodwin.pdf.  IstitutoOikos. (2013).  http://www.communitybasedtourism.info/en/who-we-are/who-we-are.asp.  http://www.sikkimforest.gov.in/docs/eco_tourism_white_paper.pdf  https://www.keralatourism.org/tourism-policy-2012-english.pdf  https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/policy-and-guidelines  https://abhimanuias.com/blogs/Important-Issues-DetailedArticle/8047/Ecotourism- Policy--2017-Environment-Himachal-Pradesh-States-civil-services-By-abhimanu 82 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

UNIT 8:CASE STUDY OF DIFFERENT STATES -II STRUCTURE 8.0 Learning Objectives 8.1 Case Study on Uttarakhand Ecotourism Policy 8.1.1 Capacity Building 8.1.1 Skill Development 8.1.2 Ecotourism and Wildlife Tourism 8.2 Case Study on Himachal Pradesh Eco Tourism Policy. 8.2.1 Overview 8.2.2 Mission 8.2.3 Vision 8.2.4 Main Objectives 8.2.5 Global Tourism Scenario 8.2.6 Conclusion 8.3 Summary 8.4 Keyword 8.5 Learning Activity 8.6 Unit End Questions 8.7 References 8.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVE After studying this unit, you will be able to:  Learn the eco-tourism policy of Uttarakhand  Understand Himachal Pradesh as a leading Eco-tourism destination  Describe the skill development Mission of Uttarakhand  Analyse the sustable tourism practises in Himachal Pradesh 8.1 CASE STUDY ON UTTARAKHAND ECOTOURISM POLICY Vision 83 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

To create Uttarakhand as a global tourist destination that is safe, sustainable and which includes world class tourism products and services and could unleash true tourism potential of the State. 8.1.1 Capacity Building Conduct capacity building training programmes jointly with Uttarakhand Skill Development Mission (UKSDM) to cater the needs of various tourism service providers like drivers, cooks, guides, cleaners, front office executives etc. The UTDB will also encourage hoteliers/travel operators/ tour agents to induct trained and National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) certified guides/workforce for better absorption in the tourism sector Department of Tourism shall prepare a framework for Hotel Industry to rate hotels in broader categories of Gold, Silver & Bronze basis the level of services provided All efforts shall be made to develop skills required for the tourism sector with help of national level apex institutes like IITTM, IIFM, Culinary Inst. Noida, IHMs& National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) etc. A pool of consultants / experts/ tourism aggregators shall be empanelled to provide necessary training like general etiquettes, English speaking and other languages, cooking, nature guides, heritage guides, resort operations etc. as required. UTDB shall periodically identify interested youths, operators, students, entrepreneurs to provide capacity building and training in the hospitality sector – some of such themes are as follows – Naturalist, Heritage Monument Guides, General Etiquettes/Guest Handling, Guest PR, Cooking, Housekeeping, F&B, Language Proficiency - English / French etc. Certification - UTDB will periodically certify tourism sector workforce and arrange refresher courses for earlier certified guides for standardization and knowledge up-gradation. In addition UTDB shall also recognise and certify already employed Tourism Workforce through Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Feedback and 3rd party skill assessment of trainings provided and trainees after completion of trainings. 8.1.2 Skill Development The Uttarakhand Skill Development Mission has been providing free skill development training programmes to youth over all 13 districts. Special skilling centre shall be established develop concerning the tourism unit area besides, trained youth shall be given priority in Government aided schemes. Incentives and subsidies to private sector shall be given for providing skill development and training in tourism sector. 84 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Convergence with Central Government schemes like Hunar se Rozgar Yojna of Ministry of Tourism and other ministries shall be ensured. UTDB shall reimburse 100% course fee of incumbents / trainees belonging to women, disadvantaged, under-privileged and economic weaker sections of the society in tourism and allied domains. State-level awards shall be given to encourage organizations and individuals working in the field of tourism for appreciation and recognition of Self Employment. 8.1.3 Ecotourism and Wildlife Tourism Figure 8.1 National Parks and Wild life Sanctuaries i. UTDB shall work in close co-ordination with the Ecotourism Board of Department of Forest and provide civic and tourist amenities in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries jointly along with Forest Department to ensure visitor satisfaction. ii. Ecotourism activities shall be developed with the help of Forest Department so that the rich biodiversity of the state. iii. Planning for such destinations will be done by engaging the local communities to ensure equitable distribution of benefits and socio-economic upliftment of the local population may propagate / disseminate. iv. The model of tripartite agreements between department of Tourism, Department of Forest and Communities (ETCs /EDCs) shall be explored to operate forest based ecotourism sites v. Nature Interpretation Centres, Nature Camps, Bird watching, Nature Tour Programs etc. of international standards shall be organized. vi. While encouraging wildlife tourism it shall be ensured that it does not disturb, deteriorate or have any negative impact on the environment. vii. Ecotourism guides and naturalists shall be trained and certified in co-ordination with the Forest Department. 8.2CASE STUDY ON HIMACHALPRADESH ECO TOURISM POLICY. 85 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 8.2 Eco Tourism and Sustainable Tourism in Himachal 8.2.1 Overview Ecotourism is sustainable, nature-based tourism, that is environmentally conservative while maintaining local culture and contributing to the well-being of the host community. The goal is to develop a list of best practices and recommendations for sustainable tourism and ecotourism that are specific to Himachal Pradesh, India. Himachal Pradesh also known as the 'Abode of Gods' the State conjures up visions of ancient temples, with exquisitely carved wooden panels, occupying almost every hilltop and the festivities associated with these religious places. Even a casual glimpse at the traditionally attired local deities being carried in meticulously decorated palanquins, devotees dancing to the rhythmic play of traditional drums and clarions, leaves a lasting imprint on one's mind. This natural and cultural richness of the State coupled with its simple peace-loving people and traditional hospitality makes the State a most favoured tourist 95 destination. Anybody with a zest for life, a spirit of adventure and a love for nature will find all that his heart desires amongst the pristine environs of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh is one of the top five tourist destinations in the country roughly around 90 destinations in the country. Roughly around 90 lakh tourists visit the state every year.  Much of the tourism related activities are concentrated in four major hill stations of Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie.  The bulk of the tourist does not get the bulk of the tourist does not get an opportunity to visit countryside and dense forest areas so to tackle this ecotourism policy is framed in this way to cover the whole in an integrated approach. 86 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Best practices of ecotourism Minimize negative impacts on nature and culture  Use of baseline studies and long-term monitoring programs for market analysis.  environmental impact Educate tourists on environmental conservation and cultural awareness  Stress sustainable business management  Direct revenue to the conservation of natural and protected areas  Maximize economic, environmental, and cultural benefit for the local community  Ensure that tourism development does not exceed the social and environmental  limits Design plans for regional tourism zoning and visitor management  Rely on infrastructure that has been developed in harmony with the environment. This policy aims at bringing the wilderness and virgin ecosystems of Himachal Pradesh closer to the visitors and at the same time ensure adequate safe guards and systems for the protection and conservation of these natural resources. By involving local communities, the policy would help in increased livelihood opportunities as well as their involvement in awareness building, protection and conservation. It also envisages generation of financial returns which can be ploughed back into proper up keep and maintenance of the environment. It shall also promote greater understanding and appreciation for natural and cultural heritage. 8.2.2Mission To make Himachal Pradesh a leading Eco- tourism destination with eco- tourism attracting at least 10% of overall tourists visiting the state by the year 2030. 8.2.3Vision The vision is to preserve and protect the natural (both flora and fauna) and cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, provide opportunities to local people, generate resources for sustainable development and promote greater understanding and appreciation for this heritage through authentic eco-tourism initiatives. The eco- tourism policy would encourage a partnership between civil society (local communities, NGO, eco clubs, academic institutions) as well as private enterprises/ business and the state government department of forest, tourism, fisheries, I and PH, power and PWD. 8.2.4Main Objectives • To provide nature enjoyment & education opportunities to the tourists • To minimize negative impacts of tourism and promote conservation and the socio-economic development of the region. • To enable local communities in managing eco-tourism for optimum economic benefits to them and Involvement of local communities and supporting their livelihood needs by creating 87 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

their direct stake in conservation of local culture, ecology and environment so as to conserve the rich cultural and ecological heritage of the state, so that various benefits from this conservation endeavour, including the benefits by way of tourism, could continue to accrue to generations to follow. • To develop organizational and infrastructure facilities for eco-tourism and build capacity of the eco-tourism managers. • To generate revenue for the state. Institutional arrangement Forest department has created a special purpose vehicle in the form of Himachal Pradesh society (HP ECOSOC) UNDER THE RULE OF SOCIETIES ACT 1860 to assist in delivering the mission and objectives of the policy ECOSOC covers the entire state, it will work with eco-tourism societies at division/ circle level to facilitate PPP initiatives. It will also create awareness and capacity building of the principal stakeholders. Community involvement Community participation – has also led the way in community-based tourism initiatives that showcase good practices of revenue generation and sharing. The state has been a frontrunner in promotion of home stays which ensures tourism benefits directly for communities, and there are various forms of home stay tourism currently in the state. This puts community at the forefront for management of tourism in home stays, wetland restoration, Agrotourism, cultural activities that are prime tourism attractions in the state has also been very successful. Tourism stakeholders are also well organised in Himachal and there are strong private investments in this sector which also bolsters the overall state of tourism. Marketing HPECOSOC shall provide a platform for effective marketing website linkages, which shall provide information for online booking of facilities. Shall be facilitates with organisations / entities/ tour operators/ travel agents/ hoteliers engaged in tourism promotion, print and electronic media should be utilised camps, nature walks, trekking, rest houses should include under ecotourism by enhancing their infrastructure. Eco- clubs An eco-club will be created at the state level for promotion of environment conservation related activities. Any individual interested in the environmental conservation and nature may become the member of the club. Impact assessment studies Environmental Impact assessment is the assessment of the environmental consequences (positive and negative) of a plan, policy, program, or actual projects prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action. Impact assessment studies to evaluate the on-going 88 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

projects shall be carried out immediately. Bases on that fresh project formulation is proposed by following the same process as already specified for new sites. 8.2.5Global Tourism Scenario Global Tourism Scenario Tourism is a socio-cultural and economic phenomenon, which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside of their usual environment for recreational, business, medical, or religious purposes. Tourism also encourages governments to develop and improve local infrastructure, which is equipped to handle tourist influx. Several countries have transformed themselves through tourism and created a global presence in the tourism industry. Tourist movements have spread geographically to reach practically all countries of the globe, becoming for many of them an important economic sector in terms of income generation, foreign exchange earnings and employment creation. As reported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Tourism Highlights 2015 Edition, international tourist arrivals grew to 1.1 billion in 2014 from 25 million in 1950. The UNWTO estimates that approximately 1 in 11 persons in the world are employed by the tourism industry. As of 2014, the global tourism industry generated USD 7.6 trillion, constituting 10% of the global GDP. 8.2.6Conclusion However, tourism continued to develop in an arbitrary manner with various government departments such as the Department of Tourism; Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, Rural Management and Development engaged in tourism development and facilitation but working in isolation of each other. Thus, a there was a felt need for a joint and collaborative approach, which would address tourism in a holistic manner through an integrated approach. There was an urgent need, therefore, to consolidate all existing missions and plans, and together with strong participation of the tourism stakeholders develop a Policy for Himachal Pradesh Tourism. In the face of a growing and changing tourism industry, the policy shall provide guidance for bringing sustainability through inclusive growth, enhancing capacities of tourism stakeholders as well as for developing regulatory frameworks, which shall ensure quality experience for visitors to the State. 8.3 SUMMARY  The Government of India and State ecotourism body addresses ecotourism as a priority sector and therefore, the several state Ecotourism bodies majorly states like Sikkim, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand Ecotourism.  The framed Policy has been developed proactively and discussed in this chapter in concern to ensure sustainable livelihood of the local people but to protect the biodiversity as well.  The Union and State organised several international workshops was followed by stakeholders’ meetings. To make the Policy truly participatory, views, suggestions 89 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

and advice stakeholders were obtaining the needs. This was to ensure that the stakeholders have a common understanding of the concept of ecotourism and that tourism infrastructures are constructed respecting acceptable environmental standards 8.4KEYWORDS  Stakeholders - a stakeholder is a member of \"groups without whose support the organization would cease to exist\", as defined in the first usage of the word in a 1963 internal memorandum at the Stanford Research Institute.  Trekking - Trekking is an outdoor activity of walking for more than a day. It is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. Trekking could be a motive, It could be a commitment, an aim, an objective, a mission, a party, a social gathering.  Biodiversity - Biodiversity is the biological variety and variability of life on Earth. Biodiversity is a measure of variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level. Terrestrial biodiversity is usually greater near the equator, which is the result of the warm climate and high primary productivity.  Heritage sites - a historical site, a building, or an area of the unspoilt natural environment, considered to be important to a country or area's heritage. the problems of managing heritage sites of this type.  Fair-trade manner - an account of the manner in which Fair Trade assists producers. Given that the aim here is to find the correct characterisation of the project 8.5 LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. How does Eco Tourism policy help tourist in Himachal Pradesh? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2. What do you understand by the term Sustainable Tourism in Uttarakhsnd? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 8.6 UNIT END QUESTIONS A. Descriptive Questions 90 Short Questions 1. What is the strength of Uttarakhand Ecotourism policies? 2. List out the opportunity created by Himachal Pradesh eco-tourism policy. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

3. Bring meaning to the term stakeholders’ involvement. 4. What is UKSDM? 5. What is NSQF? Long Questions 1. Elucidate the need for Eco tourism policies Uttarakhand? 2. Explain about the eco-tourism guidelines of Government of India 3. Provide a case study on Himachal Pradesh Eco tourism policies 4. Explicate the need for stakeholder’s involvement in planning Ecotourism 5. How does an Eco tourism policy generate income to the local community? B. Multiple Choice Questions 1. Smaller than 500 sq.km, ___________ of areas may be permitted for regulated ecotourism access a. 15% b. 10% c. 20% d. 5% 2. All tourism facilities located within five kms of a Protected Area must adhere to _________ pollution rules. a. water b. noise c. land d. air 3. All tourist facilities, old and new must aim to generate at least ________ of their total energy and fuel requirements from alternate energy sources a. 55% b. 43% c. 62% d. 50% 91 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

4. There shall be a complete__________ on burying, burning or otherwise disposing non- biodegradable or toxic waste in the tourism area. a. ban b. reduction c. increase d. decrease 5. _____________ must not cause disturbance to animals while taking visitors on nature trails a. Tourist facilities/tour operators b. travel agents c. tour guide d. tourist Answers 1-a, 2-b, 3- d, 4-a, 5-a 8.7 REFERENCES Textbook references  Weaver, D. (2001), THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ECOTOURISM,  Ecotourism. (2009). United States: CABI.  Wearing, S., Neil, J. (2013). Ecotourism. (n.p.): Taylor & Francis.  Premila Swamy D., D., Sanjay N. Shende, D., Reddy, D. M. (2021). Environmental Protection: Critical Perspectives in Science and Literature. Germany: tradition.  Living on the Edge: Benefit-Sharing from Protected Area Tourism. (2021). United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis. Reference’s book  Addison, L. (1996). An approach to community-based tourism planning in the Baffin Region, Canada’s Far North- A Retrospective. In Harrison, L.C. and Husbands, W. (Eds). Practicingresponsibletourism– International Case Studies in Tourism.  Planning, Policyand Development. NewYork,John Wiley, pp.296-312.  Aronsson, L. (2000).TheDevelopmentofSustainableTourism.Londonand New York: Continuum. 92 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 Wang, Y. and Wall, G. (2005). Sharing the benefits of tourism: a case study in Hainan, China,EnvironmentsJournal, 33 (1): 41-59.  Weaver, D. (2006). Sustainable Tourism: Theory and Practice, Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford.  Byczek, C. (2011). Blessings for all? Community-based ecotourism in Bali between global,national,andlocal interests– Acasestudy.ASEAS:ÖsterreichischeFestschriftFusedstasienwissenschaften,4(1): 81- 106.  Butler, R. 1998. „Rural recreation and tourism‟ B. Liberty (Ed) The Geography of Rural Change(EssexUK: Longman) 211-232.  Cohen.E.1974.Who is tourist’? Aconceptualclarification. Social.Rev.22(4):527-55.  Cooper, Gillian. 2004. Community based tourism experiences in the Caribbean: Lessons and key consideration. Paper presented at the Caribbean Tourism Organization Sixth Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development: “Keeping the right balance – Land and Sea Encounters.” Havana, Cuba. House.(1997)  Rural Tourism: Evaluation cum impact study, 2012. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.  Saxena R, Marketing Management, Tata McGraw Hill  Transforming B2B Marketing to Meet the Needs of the Modern Buyer, by Carlos  Hidalgo  WWFInternational.2001.GuidelinesforCommunityBasedEcotourismDevelopment.UK :RuffordFoundation. Websites  Goodwin,H.,andSantilli,R.(2009).Community –basedtourism:A success  http://www.andamandiscoveries.com/press/pressharold-goodwin.pdf.  IstitutoOikos. (2013).  http://www.communitybasedtourism.info/en/who-we-are/who-we-are.asp.  http://www.sikkimforest.gov.in/docs/eco_tourism_white_paper.pdf  https://www.keralatourism.org/tourism-policy-2012-english.pdf  https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/policy-and-guidelines  https://abhimanuias.com/blogs/Important-Issues-DetailedArticle/8047/Ecotourism- Policy--2017-Environment-Himachal-Pradesh-States-civil-services-By-abhimanu 93 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

UNIT 9: ECOTOURISM POLICIES STRUCTURE 9.0 Learning Objectives 9.1 Ecotourism Policies 9.1.1 Need For Ecotourism Policy 9.1.2 Concept of Tourism Policy 9.1.3 Concepts Ecotourism policy 9.1.4 Objectives of Ecotourism policy 9.1.5 Process of Ecotourism Policy Formulation tourism policy 9.2 The National Tourism Policy-2002 9.3 Ecotourism Policy Guidelines 9.4 Global Public and Private Protected Areas 9.5 Protected Areas of India 9.6 Ministry Of Environment, Forest And Climate Change Policy For Eco-Tourism In Forest And Wildlife Areas 9.9.1 Goal 9.9.2 Objectives 9.9.3 Guiding Principles for Ecotourism 9.6.4 Implementation Strategy 9.7 Laws, policy of Public and Private Protected Areas in India 9.8 Biosphere reserve 9.9 Indian National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries 9.10 Marine Protected Areas 9.11 RAMSAR Wetland Sites Limitation in Existing Eco tourism spots 9.12 Summary 9.13 Keyword 9.14 Learning activity 9.15 Unit end questions 9.16 References 94 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

9.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this unit, you will be able to:  State the importance of conservation of ecology and environment for ecotourism  Know about the protected areas and their potential for ecotourism.  Explain the management techniques for ecotourism to sustain in the protected areas.  Find the key roles of community and other stakeholders in the management of ecotourism. 9.1 ECO TOURISM POLICY Eco Tourism policy is formulated during five years plan. In this chapter need, significance of formulating ecotourism policy is been discussed. 9.1.1 Need for Ecotourism Policy Ecotourism policy is different in its approach and implementation. This is more closed to the preservation of ecology and environment. Formulation and implementation of ecotourism policy is carried out after comprehensive analysis of socio-economic, cultural, demographic and ecological aspects. Ecotourism is a conservation approach for wildlife and plants to be used for learning and experiencing purposes. Governments promote ecotourism for preservation of indigenous cultural heritage and improvement of economic well-being. All those ecotourism activities are largely based on the natural beauty and participation of local people in varied ecotourism activities. The natural ecosystem in which ecotourism is linked to offer educative and interactive learning. In addition, ecosystem is so perishable that even a small disturbance may cause huge negative effects on the biodiversity. Impact is generally cannot be avoidable and stoppable as some alterations must take place in the process of developing facilities and amenities. No matter what the quantum of the negative impacts is but it may be little or too much. Even the small the impact would be sufficient to make permanent loss to the animal and plant diversities. Thus, Conflicts on the common interest are very much expected as it is interchangeably used as ecotourism, eco-friendly tourism and nature-based tourism to provide holistic development by involving all the key stakeholders. Keeping this fragility and sensitiveness of ecosystem into consideration, a well-defined ecotourism planning and policy document is required to be designed to make ecotourism projects free from conflicts. Thus, both planning and policy are guided by the vision, mission, objectives and principles of ecotourism projects. 9.1.2 Concept of Tourism Policy A tourism policy is a framework that develop tourism to undertake decision for development. A tourism policy explains about the procedures, of eligibility criteria of tourism in given period. The policy includes procedures of land acquisition, taxation types, sources and 95 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

finance terms, safety and security, communication facilities, environmental practices, and relationship with the local community.  It is flexible, philosophical in nature.  It is a social process as it links wider sets of people.  It resumes a basic framework serves as a systematic guideline  Its approaches are largely short, medium, and long-term in nature. 9.1.3 Concepts Ecotourism policy It is considered to be high mobility; Tourism contributes large income to the local community and other stake holders and acts as a bridge between the environment factor and the economic sustainability of the destination. Maintenance of the environment is considered to be jewel for tourism service providers who have responsibility to follow the policy and principle guidelines to maintain all the resources. It is essential for tourism operators and the community to work in hand as partners as they are mutual benefited through tourism. For example, Manganjodi, Orissa as a Special Tourism Area (STA) brought about socio- economic development of the local community also changed the life of the local community. The government has spent several lakh for development of basic facilities in mangaljodi. Anegundi and Banavasi in North Karnataka are being promoted as model rural tourism sites interestingly they have partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The amount spent for this project is about` 55 lakh for developing tourist information club, transport system, improvement of roads and other infrastructure facilities, radiance of villages, installing signage, construction of amphitheatre and solid waste management are the good practices used out of that cost. For example,Hodka in Gujarat earned` 8 lakh and Raghurajpur in Odisha earned ` 15 lakh. Several immediate measures are taken to minimize the negative impacts on the ecology and environment.  These are some of the following possible direct positive impacts of ecotourism in the host destination.  To generate direct employment opportunity for local community.  To earn foreign exchange from homestay ,  To earn entry fees through sightseeing of foreign visitors  To generate revenue to local economy.  To encourage the budding entrepreneurs especially women to build eco-hotel, resort, restaurants, etc  To promote traditional arts and handicraft  To provide direct employment to guides and Tour facilitators  To support agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture, forest, and dairy products  To improve life style of the host community  To create additional facilities for local community  To preserve, protect and maintain archaeological sites and historical building 96 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

 To practice and promote Solid /Liquid waste management techniques and to follow several R’s of protecting nature  To promote awareness programmes for safeguarding of the environment 9.1.4 Objectives of Ecotourism policy  To make ecotourism destinations more friendly to local community and ecological environment  To empower local community with primary education  To create a positive environment to motivate private investors to invest on ecotourism sites  To encourage young population to focus more ecotourism  To look into several resource and focus on human development through allocation of resource in the destination  To prevent leakages and reduce regional discrepancy  To preserve the historical building and heritage monument  To create minimum facilities with less impacts on ecosystem  To offer incentives to local residents for setting up business ventures  To provide, promote and encourage the traditional handicraft sector and the interest of artisans  To prepare a judicial framework to control tourism trade and industry  To establish effective and efficient linkages with the Department of Forest, Wildlife and Environment 9.1.5 Process of Ecotourism Policy Formulation tourism policy. Following both bottom-up approach and top-down approach Interest of stakeholders: tourists, community, tourism organizations, and NGOs Use of local resources sincerely Employment for local community Conservation of culture, tradition and environment  Association of bottom-up and top-down approach  Study of approaches feasibility  Constitution of task force and collection of reports  Participation in the decision-making process and expression of grievances  Monitoring, review and announcement of policy  Using Delphitechniquesfor interview  Field visit for feasibility study. 9.2 THE NATIONAL TOURISM POLICY-2002 97 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

National Tourism Policy is an important indicator for the Tenth and Eleventh Five-Year Plans in India. Its significant plays an important role in development and code of conduct between investors and operators. One of its major objectives is to minimize the loss of natural resources and maximize the benefits of environmental cost. Government is also properly formulated with the clear vision and mission of ecotourism projects. Ecotourism projects can reduce many negativities and increase more positive impacts. Environment sustainability, economic development and social equity are some of the positive impacts. 9.3 ECOTOURISM POLICY GUIDELINES It is important to involve all stakeholders when ecotourism guidelines are fully implemented. It is however essential to have association and collaboration among the tourism and allied organizations for successfully implementation of ecotourism policy guidelines.  conservation of ecological hotspots with varied landscapes and terrains  Profit made by Local community participation  Sustainable Use of locally produced materials and products.  Education and training on Conservation  Creating positive impact of ecotourism activities and learning about basic bio diversity  Involving local communities in planning, organising, directing, and controlling process.  Know about the three leading international organizations for ecotourism promotion  Know their roles and activities for ecotourism  Understand the commitment towards the preservation of environment Distribution of public and private protected areas, park sanctuaries, biospheres reserves, wetlands, marine parks etc 9.4 GLOBAL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROTECTED AREAS Protected areas Includes areas governed by private people, indigenous and local communities or public body. Protected areas can be managed and owned by individuals or group who sign the agreement on long term lease or who buy it. As with other protected areas, it is expected to be privately protected areas (PPAs) and proceeded to be maintained as permanent conservation areas, even if ownership changes. Currently, only 28 countries had given the report PPAs to the World Database on Protected Areas, although it is witnessed in many other countries. The identification and recognition of PPAs has great potential conserve the wetland and coastal areas that enhance biodiversity and ecological balance. Protected areas 98 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

are common in the USA, Australia and parts of Latin America, Europe and Africa, and are now emerging in other countries. 9.5 PROTECTED AREAS OF INDIA Figure 9.1 Community conservation in India 9.6 MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY FOR ECO-TOURISM IN FOREST AND WILDLIFE AREAS 99 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 9.2 Protected Reserved Forest in India Eco-tourism may be defined as 'responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people' (TIES). Forests and wildlife are elements of nature and inseparable parts of the environment. Because of the intricate nature of interface between nature and human beings, nature conservation must entail participation of' people as a non-negotiable component. The participation in this endeavour includes not only the forest fringe dwellers, but also those who may be living away from the forests. Eco- tourism may be developed in wildlife conservation areas designated as Protected Areas (PAs) — Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves., and also in areas outside designated protected Areas, which may include, forests, mangroves, Sacred Groves, mud flats, wetlands, rivers, etc. Appreciation of the various elements of nature, their direct and indirect impact on our survival and intangible services provided by those are of paramount. Visitation to such pristine Areas would facilitate direct appreciation and understanding of the nature. Ecotourism, when practiced appropriately, besides educating the visitors can also provide livelihood opportunities for the local communities. Hence, there is felt need to develop a model of eco-tourism that is responsible and compatible with sensitivities of the management objectives of the landscapes. However, the objective primarily being for preservation, it is of prime importance that the profile of the natural features is not compromised due to the impact of eco-tourism activities. 9.6.1 Goal Promoting better understanding of' nature and wildlife conservation while generating income and opportunities for the local communities. 9.6.2 Objectives a) Adopting low impact nature tourism which ensures ecological integrity 100 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

b) Promoting biodiversity richness and heritage values of India's wilderness c) Engaging local communities and developing mechanisms with a view of enriching the local economy and promoting sustainable use of indigenous materials d) Establishing partnerships with all stakeholders for developing and promoting nature tourism 9.6.3 Guiding Principles for Ecotourism (i) Eco-tourism Plan: Eco-tourism facilitation within the forest and wildlife areas will be a part of the management/ working plan of the unit. The eco-tourism plan will provide for identified locations/ routes for visitation, permissible activities, permissible time for visit and means of travel. Delineation of inviolate space in the area and seasonal requirements will be specified in the Plan. States may develop benchmarks/ standardized criteria based on site specificity, for adoption of best practices in eco-tourism. (ii) Eco-tourism zone: Demarcation of areas for tourist visitation, whether within core or buffer or both will depend upon the management requirements and shall be decided based on the target species, their behavioural and habitat characteristics. To maintain ecological integrity, protection of breeding areas and other sensitive sites are necessary. Therefore, those should be excluded from eco-tourism activities. Finalisation of tourism packages, identification of tourism routes, etc. will be done by the respective Protected Area Manager/ DFO in consultation with the State Chief Wildlife Warden. Figure 9.3 Showing Community Participation (iii) Community Participation: It is essential that management of eco-tourism facilitates primarily vests on the local communities as the principal stakeholders. Thus, the benefits flowing from the visitation in the area must. Also accrue to the local communities by way of livelihood opportunities arising from eco-tourism. This will reinforce their interface and sense of ownership. 3 Buffer areas, private 101 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

lands, revenue lands and Reserve Forests around PAs that have good wildlife habitat will be developed for eco-tourism to reduce pressure on sensitive \"core\" areas and to enhance local benefits. (iv) Infrastructure development: Natural profile and ecological integrity of forest and wildlife areas, along with their wildlife/ biodiversity values shall be maintained. Infrastructure for eco-tourism will be so designed that those merge with the ambient environment. These will utilise local resources and avoid use of cement concrete as far as possible. The activities will be eco-friendly and no permanent structures will be established in violation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Considering that the local livelihood improvement is one of the expected outcomes of eco-tourism. Homestead based hospitality enterprises will be encouraged. Construction works like permanent buildings for camps, camping complexes with lodging/ boarding structures, helipads, new roads, tourist bungalows/ commercial lodges etc for eco-tourism purpose shall not be allowed without clearance under Forest (Conservation) Act. Infrastructure outside Protected Areas will also be developed in eco-friendly manner so that those merge with the surroundings. The extent of infrastructure those will be developed will be limited to the carrying capacity of the area. 9.6.4 Implementation Strategy The following are the broad framework for implementation of the [co-tourism policy: Strategy i: Identification of potential sites: Each State may identify areas for eco-tourism within the Protected Areas, in pristine areas rich in biodiversity or of aesthetic significance through a participatory 'Process involving stakeholders, particularly the local communities. Strategy ii: Assessment of Carrying Capacity: Carrying capacities of visitors and vehicles those may be allowed to enter inside the identified area will be assessed and ceiling on number of visitors/vehicles those may allowed to enter the area at any given time, will be fixed. Carrying capacity assessment will cover:  Number of Persons visiting the PA at different points of time • Number of Vehicles/boats, etc. entering the PA  Infrastructure  Duration of the visits  Duration of exposure of the PA to [co-tourism activities An illustrative calculation of carrying capacity, as worked out in the 'Guidelines for tourism in Tiger Reserves' is at A. Capacity building: 102 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Field functionaries will be imparted specialized training on Eco-tourism activities. Capacities of local communities will be built to act as nature guides and to provide hospitality management services. This may include training to discharge specialized tasks such as tourist guides, natural science interpreters, patrol partners for protection work, entrepreneurs for small scale homestead-based hospitality industry, small business operators (like souvenir shops, equipment’s for hire, photography etc). The State Governments may charge a conservation fee for overall eco-development. The conservation fee may be decided based on the number of persons visiting the facility, the duration of operation of the facility (seasonal or year round) and on a luxury classification system such as home stay to high-end. The rate of conservation fee and tourist facility strata will be determined by the State Government and the funds, so collected will be 5 earmarked to address local livelihood development issues, human wildlife conflict management and conservation through eco-development. Strategy B. Sharing of Revenue benefits: Considering that eco-tourism is an economic activity. it is important that the eco-tourism plan incorporates a feasible revenue sharing mechanism for the stakeholders. Provision will be made for establishment of foundations, either for each of the identified area or an umbrella Foundation to cover multiple areas. The funds accrued from eco-tourism activities in the Foundations will be utilised for community development, and running of eco-tourism facilities. An indicative model for sharing of revenue is as under: • 40% for payment of remuneration to local community directly involved in running eco- tourism facilities; • 40% for maintenance of the Eco-tourism facilities • 10% as incentive to local Eco Development Committee (EDC) or Village Level Forest Management Committee • 10% as revenue to Government Strategy C. Monitoring Eco-tourism plans will invariably include a dynamic monitoring mechanism, covering number of tourists visiting and the pattern, their level of satisfaction, involvement of local people, scope for improvement, etc. This will facilitate prediction of growth and preparation for management of the growth of eco-tourism in terms of visitation management, growth of hospitality facilities in neighbourhood, need for security arrangements for the area and so on. Strategy D. Education and interpretation: For effective use of the eco-tourism potential of the area, the management has to work on an effective education and interpretation plan. The visitors must be sensitized on the significance of conservation and expected behavioural requirements while they are within the pristine area. For this purpose an effective communication plan is essential which must include 103 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

providing crucial information to the tourists to appreciate the eco-system services and intangible benefits 6 provided by the area. It will be a good idea to put in place electronic visual tools, well equipped interpretation centre, appropriate signage,audio visual presentation centres, interactive learning tools, and safety protocol and information material on the area for the visitors. Strategy vii: Interface with District/ State Administration: Within National Parks, Sanctuaries and Reserved or Protected Forests: Collaboration and coordination amongst the Central and State Government Departments, EDCs, forest dwellers, local communities and civil society institutions will bring about synergy for effective eco- tourism management. States/ District/ Protected Area Steering Committees may be set up.  Protected Areas of India can be classified into National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves.  Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Defines these forms of protected area with considering the definitions of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - the global authority on natural world and its protection.  Practice of Sacred grove have been witnessed in many communities including India where the local community protect the patches of forests dedicated to deities considered to be their ancestral practice for protection of exotic and endangered species and medicinal plants. These areas are also associated with several myths and taboos for sustain rich biodiversity.  The Joint Forest Management (JFM) model provides financial assistances and non- financial assistance to maintain their forests. 9.7 LAWS, POLICY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROTECTED AREAS IN INDIA 104 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 9.4 Wildlife Protection Acts 1972 India legal system does not formally formulate the protected areas. Private forests is about 3% of the total forest lands in India, where as half the ratio is owned by corporate bodies or local communities, and the other half owned by individuals (ICFRA 1996). Figure 9.5 Indian Forest Acts 1927 The Indian Forest Act, 1927 from Section 35 to Section 38 gives approval to the State Governments to control forests and lands which are not government property. Majorly to 105 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

protect private forests for special purposes State Private Forest Acts were ratified in several Indian states, to control excessive tree fall and other destruction made in the forest to conserve private forests in the interest of future generations. Most of the states govern the use and management of private forests, either under State Private Forest Acts, or State Forest Acts or Rules. States of India such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa Daman and Diu, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Someforestare termed as ‘private protected forest’ (in Bihar), ‘controlled forest’ (in Himachal Pradesh) and ‘vested forest’ (in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal). Under laws dealing with private forests, owners are required to obtain permission in order to cut trees, or do any act that affects the forest. In some states, transfer of land by sale or lease, is restricted, such thing happen in states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Orissa. The High Court of Maharashtra (2018) declared that “mangrove forest areas” on government owned lands in Maharashtra will be declared/notified as “protected forests”. Likewise, mangrove areas on privately owned lands, identified during the court ruling, will be declared/notified as “forests. India’s Ministry of Tourism identifies that ecotourism generally takes place in pristine areas – mostly in protected areas, and therefore it is important to develop tourism in an ecologically sustainable manner. The National Biodiversity Action Plan 2008 aims to promote ecologically sensitive tourism by adopting best sustainablepractices (Action 15); and encourage the creation and implementation of stakeholders- Public PrivatePartnerships for afforestation to derive environmental and eco-tourism benefits (Action 16). Protected Areas of India from 2000 to 2020 (As of December, 2020) Area Area Area Area Total No. of Under No. of Under No. of Under No. of Under No. of Area Ye Natio Natio Wild Wild Commu Commu Conserva Conserva Protec under ar nal nal Life Life nity nity tion tion ted Protect Parks Parks Sanctua Sanctua Reserve Reserve Reserves Reserves Areas ed (km2) ries ries s s (km2) (km2) Areas (km2) (km2) 200 37803. 108862. 146665. 0 89 10 485 50 - - - - 574 60 200 38392. 111229. 0.31 4 42.87 149664. 6 96 12 503 48 1 604 78 200 98 38428. 507 111529. 5 21 7 94.82 617 150073. 106 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

7 88 04 74 200 39441. 113123. 21 45 153845. 8 99 74 510 35 5 1259.84 659 93 200 39441. 113395. 21 45 154117. 9 99 74 512 36 5 1259.84 661 94 201 40283. 113842. 21 47 155529. 0 102 62 516 87 5 1382.28 670 77 201 40283. 113998. 21 52 156104. 1 102 62 518 75 5 1801.29 677 66 201 40500. 114933. 21 59 157467. 2 103 13 526 44 5 2012.93 693 50 201 40500. 117123. 30.94 64 159887. 3 102 13 532 63 19 2232.61 717 31 201 40500. 118290. 58.22 64 161081. 4 103 13 535 66 43 2232.61 745 62 201 40500. 118866. 59.51 71 161974. 5 103 13 541 44 44 2548.82 759 90 201 40500. 118917. 59.66 72 162043. 6 103 13 543 71 45 2566.20 763 70 201 40500. 118931. 72.61 76 162092. 7 103 13 544 80 46 2587.95 769 49 201 40501. 118931. 72.61 77 162099. 8 104 13 544 80 46 2594.03 771 47 201 40,564 119,756. 833.34 86 1,65,01 9 101 .03 553 97 163 3,858.25 903 2.59 202 1,22,420 214 1,302 97 4,483 1,71,92 0 104 43,716 566 981 1 Source: National Wildlife Database, Wildlife Institute of India and Envis. 107 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

9.8 BIOSPHERE RESERVE Figure 9.6 Biosphere Reserves in India Biosphere reserves are protected area that conserves flora fauna and human habitat on the socio-ecological sites. UNESCO introduced Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts. It was started in the year 1971. The purpose of the formation of the biosphere reserve is to conserve and protect natural ecosystems. The first biosphere reserve in the world was established in 1979. Today, biosphere reserves have increased to 631 in 119 countries across the world. (Read more at http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological- sciences/biosphere-reserves/). S. Date of Area (in km2) Location (State) Name Notification No. 1 Nilgiris 01.09.1986 5520 Part of Wayanad, Nagar (Core 1240 hole, Bandipore and Buffer 4280) Madagali, Nilambur, Silent & Valley and Siruvani hills (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka). 5860.69 Part of Chamoli, 2 Nanda Devi 18.01.1988 (Core 712.12, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar Buffer 5,148.570) & districts (Uttarakhand). T. 546.34) 108 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

820 (Core 47.48 & Part of Garo hills 3 Nokrek 01.09.1988 Buffer 227.92, (Meghalaya). 4 Great Nicobar 5 Gulf of Mannar Transition Zone 6 Manas 7 Sundarbans 544.60) 8 Simlipal 9 Dibru-Saikhowa 06.01.1989 Southern most islands of 10 Dehang-Dibang 885 (Core 705 & 11 Pachmarhi Andaman And Nicobar Buffer 180) (A&N Islands). 10,500 km2 Indian part of Gulf of 18.02.1989 Total Gulf area Mannar between India and (area of Sri Lanka (Tamil Nadu). Islands 5.55 km2) 2837 Part of Kokrajhar, (Core 391 & Buffer 14.03.1989 2,446) Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamprup and Darang districts (Assam) 9630 Part of delta of Ganges and 29.03.1989 (Core 1700 Brahmaputra River system &Buffer 7900) (West Bengal). 21.06.1994 4374 (Core 845, Buffer Part of Mayurbhanj district 2129 & Transition (Orissa). 1400 28.07.1997 765 Part of Dibrugarh and (Core 340 & Buffer Tinsukia Districts (Assam) 425) 5111.50 Part of Siang and Dibang 02.09.1998 (Core 4094.80 Valley in Arunachal &Buffer 1016.70) Pradesh. Parts of Betul, 03.03.1999 4926 Hoshangabad and Chindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. 109 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

2619.92 Parts of Khangchendzonga 12 Khangchendzonga 07.02.2000 (Core 1819.34 & hills and Sikkim. Buffer 835.92) Neyyar, Peppara and 13 AgasthyaMalai 12.11.2001 1828 Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala. Covers parts of Anupur and Achanakamar - 3835.51 Dindori districts of M.P. 14 30.3.2005 (Core 551.55 and parts of Bilaspur Amarkantak &Buffer 3283.86) districts of Chhattisgarh State. 15 Kachchh 29.01.2008 12,454 km2 Part of Kachchh, Rajkot, Surendra Nagar and Patan Civil Districts of Gujarat State 16 Cold Desert 28.08.2009 7770 Pin Valley National Park and surroundings; Chandra Tal and Sarchu&Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh 17 Seshachalam Hills 20.09.2010 4755.997 Seshachalam Hill Ranges covering parts of Chittoor and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh 18 Panna 25.08.2011 2998.98 Part of Panna and Chhatarpur districts in Madhya Pradesh Source: Wildlife Institute of India 9.9 INDIAN NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES National Park and wildlife sanctuaries are part of protected areas that includes ecological, geomorphological, or zoological areas that are undisturbed by human interaction purpose of protecting, maintain and developing these national park and wildlife sanctuaries is to protect 110 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

the environment and exotic species. human activities are generally restricted inside the national park and wildlife sanctuaries. Figure 9.7 Exotic species in India There are 101 existing national parks in India covering an area of 40,564.00 km2, which is 1.23% of the geographical region of the country S. No Name of State Name of Protected Year of Area (in km2) Area Notification 1 Andhra Pradesh Papikonda 2008 1012.8588 2 Rajiv Gandhi 2005 2.3952 (Rameswaram) 3 Sri Venkateswara 1989 353.62 4 Arunachal Pradesh Mouling 1986 483 5 Namdapha 1983 1807.82 6 Assam Dibru-Saikhowa 1999 340 7 Kaziranga 1974 858.98 8 Manas 1990 500 9 Nameri 1998 200 111 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

10 Rajiv Gandhi 1999 78.81 (Orang) 335.65 1440.71 11 Bihar Valmiki 1989 1258.37 12 Chhattisgarh Guru Ghasidas 1981 200 107 (Sanjay) 34.53 13 Indravati (Kutru) 1982 258.71 162.89 14 Kanger Valley 1982 23.99 15 Goa Mollem 1992 46.82 1.43 16 Gujarat Blackbuck 1976 754.4 (Velavadar) 94 705 17 Gir 1975 675 27.88 18 Marine (Gulf of 1982 Kachchh) 226.33 417.34 19 Vansda 1979 872.24 20 Haryana Kalesar 2003 112 21 Sultanpur 1989 22 Himachal Pradesh Great Himalayan 1984 23 Inderkilla 2010 24 Khirganga 2010 25 Pin Valley 1987 26 Col. 2010 SherjungSimbalbara 27 Jharkhand Betla 1986 28 Karnataka Anshi 1987 29 Bandipur 1974 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

30 Bannerghatta 1974 260.51 31 600.57 32 Kudremukh 1987 643.39 33 Kerala Nagarahole (Rajiv 1988 7.5 34 Gandhi) 97 35 12.82 36 Anamudi Shola 2003 1.32 37 350 38 Eravikulam 1978 89.52 39 Madhya Pradesh 448.842 40 Mathikettan Shola 2003 0.897 41 0.27 42 Pambadum Shola 2003 292.857 43 941.793 44 Periyar 1982 748.761 45 375.23 46 Silent Valley 1984 542.66 47 464.643 48 Bandhavgarh 1968 528.729 49 4.452 50 Maharashtra Dinosaur Fossils 2011 317.67 51 361.28 Fossil 1983 113 Pench 1975 Kanha 1955 Kuno 2018 Madhav 1959 Panna 1981 Sanjay 1981 Satpura 1981 Van Vihar 1979 Chandoli 2004 Gugamal 1975 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

52 Nawegaon 1975 133.88 53 257.26 Pench (Jawaharlal 1975 54 Nehru) 86.96 55 Sanjay Gandhi 1983 116.55 56 Manipur 40 57 (Borivilli) 100 58 Meghalaya 220 59 Tadoba 1955 47.48 60 Mizoram 100 61 Keibul-Lamjao 1977 50 62 Nagaland Shiroi 1982 202.02 63 Odisha 145 64 Balphakram 1986 845.7 65 Rajasthan 3162 66 Nokrek Ridge 1997 28.73 67 200.54 68 Murlen 1991 282 69 273.8 70 Sikkim Phawngpui (Blue 1992 1784 71 Tamil Nadu Mountain) 2.7057 72 526.02 Intanki 1993 114 Bhitarkanika 1988 Simlipal 1980 Desert 1992 Keoladeo Ghana 1981 Mukundra Hills 2006 Ranthambhore 1980 Sariska 1992 Khangchendzonga 1977 Guindy 1976 Gulf of Mannar 1980 Marine CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

73 Indira Gandhi 1989 117.1 74 (Annamalai) 103.23 75 78.46 76 Telangana Mudumalai 1990 1.425 77 Mukurthi 1990 14.59 78 KasuBrahmananda 1994 3.6 79 Tripura Reddy 5.08 80 31.63 81 Uttar Pradesh Mahaveer 1994 490 82 Uttarakhand HarinaVanasthali 520.82 83 2390.02 84 Mrugavani 1994 472.08 85 624.6 86 Clouded Leopard 2007 820 87 87.5 88 West Bengal Bison (Rajbari) 2007 117.1 89 79.45 90 Dudhwa 1977 216.34 91 159.8917 92 Corbett 1936 78.6 93 1330.1 Gangotri 1989 115 Govind 1990 Nanda Devi 1982 Rajaji 1983 Valley of Flowers 1982 Buxa 1992 Gorumara 1992 Jaldapara 2014 Neora Valley 1986 Singalila 1986 Sunderban 1984 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

94 Andaman & Nicobar Campbell Bay 1992 426.23 Islands 95 Galathea Bay 1992 110 96 Mahatama Gandhi 1983 281.5 Marine (Wandoor) 97 Mount Harriett 1987 46.62 98 Rani Jhansi Marine 1996 320.06 99 Saddle Peak 1987 32.54 100 Jammu & Kashmir City Forest (Salim 1992 9.07 Ali) 101 Dachigam 1981 141 102 Kazinag 2000 90.88 103 Kishtwar High 1981 2191.5 Altitute 104 Ladakh Hemis 1981 3350 Source: National Wildlife Database, Wildlife Institute of India • Most of the National parks are famous for its tigers and elephants. In addition500 species of mammals including leopard, the rare one-horned rhino, 2000 bird species can be witnessed the famous National parks are 116 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 9.8 Tiger Reserves in India 117  Jim Corbett National Park  Nagarhole National Park  Keoladeo Ghana (Bharatpur) National Park  Nameri National Park  Kanha National Park  Kaziranga National Park  Bandhavgarh National Park  Gir National Park  Ranthambore National Park  Singalilla National Park  Sundarbans National Park  Periyar National Park (Thekkady National Park)  Gorumara National Park  Dibru-Saikhowa National Park  Jaldapara National Park  Manas National Park CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 9.9 Jim Corbett National Park Jim Corbett National Park • Located in Uttaranchal • Area - 201 square mile park • First tiger reserves of India. Announced in the year 1973 • Shelter to several rare tree species.50 species of mammal, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species • four deer species, wild boar, the leopard cat, jungle cat and fishing cat, dhole (wild dog) gharial crocodile and the mugger crocodile are also found. Keoladeo Ghana National Park 118 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 9.10 Keoladeo Ghana National Park • Located in Bharatpur • Area - 11 square miles of shallow lakes and woodland • 350 species of birds are found, four species of cormorants, eight species of egrets, three species of ibises, 17 species of duck and geese, and two species of crane, huge rock pythons, sambal deer and blue bull are found in this region. • Siberian Crane is one of the rarest species in the world is found here Kanha National Park Figure 9.11 Kanha National Park • Located in Mandla district of MP • Area - 2000 square km • Adjacent areas Mekal Hills and Surpan River runs • 175 varieties of birds, gray langur, porcupine, mongoose and wild pig, tiger are found. Bandhavgarh National Park 119 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 9.12 Bandhavgarh National Park • Located in Vindhyan mountains • declared as National Park in the year 1968 • highest density of tiger Sundarbans National Park Figure 9.13 Sunder ban National Park 120 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

• part of the largest delta in the world formed where Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna • largest National Park of India • more than 250 Bengal tigers are present. Ranthambore National Park Figure 9.14 Ranthambore National Park • Location - Eastern Rajasthan • Aravalli Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau meet • Chambal in the South and Banas in the North bound the Ranthambore National Park. • 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles and amphibians- including the marsh crocodile - and 30 mammals. Jaldapara National Park 121 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 9.15Jaldapara National Park, India • Location - Foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Jalpaiguri district • formed in 1943 for the protection of wildlife, in particular the one-horned rhino, bisected by the River Torsha Nameri National Park Figure 9.16 Nameri National Park • Location - foothills of the eastern Himalayas and is a haven for many endangered animals, in particular the Bengal tiger • Consists of hilly deciduous forests flanking the Jia Bhoroli River. Nagarhole National Park 122 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 9.17 Nagarhole National Park • Located near toBandipur National Park andKabini river. • the Park was extended to include the Mysore Forests in 1974. Gorumara National Park Figure 9.18Gorumara National Park • located on the flood plains of the Murti and Jaldhaka rivers in the Dooars (rolling hill slopes) region of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal • Asiatic one-horned rhino 123 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Kaziranga National Park Figure 9.19 Kaziranga National Park • One horned rhinoceros Gir National Park Figure 9.20 Asiatic Lion in, Gir National Park India. • Asiatic lion is incredibly rare and is the most endangered large cat species in the world. Sasangir (Gir) National Park in Gujarat is the only place where they can be found in the wild and only approximately 300 remain Periyar National Park 124 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Figure 9.21 Periyar National Park  (Thekkady National Park), in the Western Ghats  100 species of butterfly and at least 240 varieties of bird NilgiriTahr, gaur (Indian bison). Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Figure 9.22 Boating at Dibru- National Park 125 • biggest National Park in Assam CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

• one of the 19 biodiversity hotspots in the world Manas National Park Figure 9.23 Manas national Park • along the Assam-Bhutan border • World Heritage Site • Bengal florican and the Giant hornbill Dachigam National Park Figure 9.24 Dachigam National Park 126 CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)