THE IMPORTANCE OF RESTORATION OF ECO SYSTEM:
AN INSIGHT ON ECO-TOURISM
Rupsha Chakraborty
1ST year Student
Department of Management
Institute of Engineering and Management, Kolkata
rupshac2010@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
Ecosystem degradation has emerged as one of the
biggest ultimatums around the world over the last
few decades. Almost all our ecosystems stand
degraded to varying degrees due to a mix of
stressors such as developmental pressures,
population growth, over-exploitation, climate
changes etc. Restoration adopts an integrated
approach focused on all elements of an ecosystem.
This helps build flexibility and regenerative ability
of the ecosystem. Eco-Tourism has emerged as one
of a major step in ecological restoration.
Ecotourism helps protect natural habitats and
pristine environments.
Keywords: Ecological Restoration, Environmental
Degradations, Ecotourism.
Research objective: To highlight the importance
of Ecotourism as a step towards ecological
restoration.
1.INTRODUCTION:
Human impacts are now changing all of Earth's
natural ecosystems. We are in a situation where
conservation alone is no longer enough. Ecological
restoration focuses on repairing the damage human
activities have caused to natural ecosystems and
seeks to return them to a state that is closely related
to one unaltered by human activities. The wealth of
developing and under developed countries is often
tied up in natural resources like forests, minerals
and land that could be used for agriculture.
Exploiting these resources often means altering or
destroying wildlife habitats and beautiful natural
landscapes. Ecotourism allows countries and
communities to build their economies without
harming the environment, where local wildlife can
thrive and visitors can enjoy untouched
destinations.
2.ECO SYSTEM AND ECOLOGICAL
DEGRADATION:
An ecosystem consists of all the organisms living
in a community, as well as the abiotic factors with
which they interact. When any ecosystem is under
threat as a result of natural or man-made disaster, it
is termed as “degraded ecosystem”. Degradation
may arise due to pollution, overpopulation,
tourism, deforestation, natural calamities and the
like. The impact of degradation is vast and scary.
3.ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION:
Ecological restoration has a growing role in
minimizing the widespread effects of
environmental degradation. It includes activities to
assist the recovery of ecosystem and function.
The key benefits of Ecological Restoration
are:
• Native plant species have had time
over centuries to adapt to a region,
whereas non-native species do not
• preservation of the original habitat
and species
• Faster habitat recovery
• Beneficial to wildlife, retention of
naturally occurring food sources
• helps mitigate climate change and
threatened or endangered species
4.WHAT IS ECO TOURISIM AND HOW IT
HELPS IN ECOLOGICAL RESTORTION:
Tourism is a widespread and fast-growing industry,
contributes significantly to the world GDP.
According to a report published by the World
Travel and Tourism Council in 2017, the industry
accounted for 10.2% of the global GDP.
As defined by the International Ecotourism
Society, ecotourism refers to “responsible travel
that conserves the environment and improves the
well-being of local people”. The objective is to
minimize the impact brought about by tourism on
the environment. Tourism, as a whole, has
adversely affected the natural beauty of certain
places. This is a consequence of commercializing
tourist destinations in order to suit the tourism
standards.
There are some major characteristics that should be
the main areas of concern in terms of ecotourism.
✓ Traveling in ecologically sensitive zones
✓ Create environmental awareness to help
people realize the importance of the
environment and natural products
✓ Conserving the biological diversity area
along with cultural zones, under
ecosystem protection.
✓ From a socio-cultural standpoint, eco-
tourism helps in building awareness
around political and social issues in
developing countries
It is also an inevitable truth that with proper eco
travel services, the adverse impact on the
environment is going to lessen, as the people are
going to look for different ways to a safe
environment.
Source:
https://sites.google.com/site/globalecotouris
m1/public-perceptions-of-ecotourism
Source: https://ecotourism.org/news/responses-to-
the-international-ecotourism-societys-september-
2019-survey/
5.ECO TOURISM IN INDIA
India is the home of one of the world’s oldest
civilizations and a land of diverse culture but still
has a common thread of emotion connecting the
nation with its population. India, with a wealth of
cultural heritages of great antiquity and as a mega-
biodiversity country in the world, has immense
potential for ecotourism.
The majestic Himalayan range feeds and preserves
life throughout the north. Mountains provide an
effective arena for the conduct of ecotourism
activities. The unique ecosystem of the mountains,
their grandeur and the awe-inspiring scenic beauty
are a source of perennial attraction.
Forests form an integral component of Indian
culture, religion and folklore. The total forest cover
of India (as per 2003 assessment of Forest Survey
of India, Dehradun) is 6, 78,333 km2. With this
vast forest cover area there is a lot of scope for the
development of ecotourism destinations. India has
88 National Parks and 490 Wildlife Sanctuaries,
these under protected category assure prospects for
ecotourism.
There are 2,175 natural wetlands and 65,254 man-
made lakes in India. Wetlands are an integral part
of ecotourism. The central point of ecotourism in
wetland areas is to educate and create awareness of
the importance of such natural ecosystems for the
social and economic well-being of people who
depend on them for their livelihood.
6.RECOMMENDATIONS:
The challenge is maintaining balance between
growing the sector and preventing damage to the
environment. Sikkim’s success in turning tourism
into a key industry, while preserving the integrity
of its natural offers solution to restoration of the
ecosystem. Sustainable use of biodiversity in
general and renewable resources and common
property resource in particular should be the focus.
Another consideration can be proper maintenance
of tourist vehicle for energy conservation and
pollution control by using electric cars and vehicles
wherever feasible. A steady check should be kept
on implementation and compliance of ecotourism
policy by Ministry of Tourism, Government of
India.
7.CONCLUSION:
Every year, billions of people travel internationally
to the point where popular tourist destinations have
started to suffer from the effects of over tourism.
Ecotourism helps preserve and foster respect for
some of the most beautiful environments on Earth.
It encourages travellers to help protect the
environment and contribute to local communities
on a much deeper level than the tourists just
passing through. Ecotourism is about using tourism
to actively protect the environment and local
communities.

Name: Rupsha Chakraborty

Address: Muchipara, Hatpukur, GIP colony, Ramrajatala, Howrah 711112
College Name: Institute of Engineering and Management (IEM)
Contact: 9836719367
Email: rupshac2010@gmail.com