ECO-TOURISM IN KARNATAKA

Nataraja T. C.1
Gundupagi Manjunath2
Venkatesh R.3

ABSTRACT

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed
natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial
(mass) tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological
conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local
communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Even the Karnataka
State Government is wooing the investors to invest in the tourism industry by giving sops and
exempting the taxes, and providing land for the development of tourism. Eco tourism is one of
the fastest growing tourism markets. Eco tourism will provide the opportunities to local
community and remote rural areas in generating income and provides employment opportunities.
Stress is required in giving the guidelines and monitoring body for eco tourism development in
Karnataka. The present paper is basically a conceptual paper where we have studied some of the
gaps, issues and opportunities available for the development of eco tourism in Karnataka. In our
research we have identified some issues like gaps in the policy framework, monitoring,
guidelines and private participation in eco tourism development.

Key Words: Eco tourism, Tourism Development, Conservation and Eco destinations.

Profile of the Authors:

1. Nataraja T. C., Asst. Prof., Department of Tourism, SRN Adarsh College, Bangalore.
Email: nataraja.02tc@gmail.com Mobile: 9844236042

2. Gundupagi Manjunath, Asst. Prof., Dept. of Comm. & Mgmt., SRN Adarsh College,
Bangalore – 18. Email: gundupagimanjunath@gmail.com Mobile: 9590206213

3. Venkatesh R., HOD, Dept. of Tourism, SRN Adarsh College, Bangalore – 18.
Email: venkitourism2010@gmail.com Mobile: 9886376626

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Introduction:

Karnataka is a major destination for tourists in the country. Recently we can observe the wellness
tourism involving yoga, meditation and health is being promoted in a big way. The state is
attracting the rest of the world for major and advanced healing therapies. Apart from that the
districts of the Western Ghats and the Southern districts have popular eco tourism locations.
Some of the popular locations include Kudremukh, Madikeri and Agumbe. Karnataka boasts of
the highest elephant and Gaur bison population (greater than 6000 & 8000 respectively) in India.
Its forests hold some of the largest remaining populations of the endangered tiger and leopard.
Eco-tourism is a very popular activity in the state. Karnataka leads other states in eco-tourism.
Jungle Lodges & Resorts, a state run organization has camping and safari facilities in several
wildlife sanctuaries. Private safari providers have sprung up in several places along the Western
Ghats. Several NGO's (youth groups) are actively involved in birding and other conservation
activities.

Financial support by the state government: To develop and promote tourism in Karnataka
Government has increased budget allocation which was around Rs. 15 crore in 2005-06 has been
increased to more than Rs. 200 crore for the year 2010-11. The budgetary allocation has been
made to improve tourism in the State with an aim to woo more tourists. To improve the tourism
industry in the latest tourism policy Government has given sops and taxation benefits for the
investments made in tourism sector. Government succeeded in wooing the investors through
Global Investor Meet where they have signed Rs. 2, 000 Crores for investment in hospitality,
tourism and transport sector. In an interview Viswanatha Reddy, director, Karnataka Tourism
said, “Karnataka is the pioneer in eco tourism. Wildlife and nature will remain one of our key
focus areas for tourism development.”

Concept of Eco Tourism:

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves visiting natural areas—in the remote wilderness or
rural environments. According to the definition and principles of ecotourism established by The
International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in 1990, ecotourism is "Responsible travel to natural
areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."(TIES, 1990).

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Hector Ceballos-Lascurain popularized (and he would say coined) the term 'ecotourism' in July
1983, when he was performing the dual role of Director General of Standards and Technology of
SEDUE (the Mexican Ministry of Urban Development and Ecology) and founding president of
PRONATURA (an influential Mexican conservationist NGO).

Ecotourism, responsible tourism, jungle tourism, and sustainable development have become
prevalent concepts since the mid-1980s, and ecotourism has experienced arguably the fastest
growth of all sub-sectors in the tourism industry. The popularity represents a change in tourist
perceptions, increased environmental awareness, and a desire to explore natural environments.

Martha Honey expands on the TIES definition by describing the seven characteristics of
ecotourism, which are:

Involves travel to natural destinations

Minimizes impact
Builds environmental awareness
Provides direct financial benefits for conservation
Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people
Respects local culture
Supports human rights and democratic movements such as:
a. Conservation of biological diversity and cultural diversity through ecosystem
protection
b. Promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, by providing jobs to local
populations
c. Sharing of socio-economic benefits with local communities and indigenous
peoples by having their informed consent and participation in the management of
ecotourism enterprises
d. Tourism to unspoiled natural resources, with minimal impact on the environment
being a primary concern.
e. Minimization of tourism's own environmental impact
f. Affordability and lack of waste in the form of luxury
g. Local culture, flora and fauna being the main attractions
h. Local people benefit from this form of tourism economically, often more than
mass tourism

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Principles of Eco-tourism

Minimize the negative impacts on nature and culture that can damage a destination.
Bringing awareness and educating the tourist on the importance of conservation and eco
practices.
Stress the importance of sustainable and responsible business to meet the local
requirements and deliver the conservation benefits.
Redirecting the revenues to the protected areas, management of environment and
conservation.
The need for regional tourism zoning and designing the eco destinations.
Guidelines and monitoring programs to access and minimize impacts on eco tourism
destinations.
Maximizing the economic benefit to local business and local community who are living
very near to the protected areas.
Tourism department should not exceed the social and environmental accepted limits.
Depending on the infrastructure that has been developed in harmony with the
environment and blending with the natural and cultural environment.

Improving Sustainability through Eco Tourism

Regulation and accreditation

Because the regulation of ecotourism may be poorly implemented or nonexistent, ecologically

destructive green washed operations like underwater hotels, helicopter tours, and wildlife theme
parks can be categorized as ecotourism along with canoeing, camping, photography, and wildlife
observation. The failure to acknowledge responsible, low-impact ecotourism puts legitimate
ecotourism companies at a competitive disadvantage.

Many environmentalists have argued for a global standard of accreditation, differentiating

ecotourism companies based on their level of environmental commitment. A national or
international regulatory board would enforce accreditation procedures, with representation from
various groups including governments, hotels, tour operators, travel agents, guides, airlines, local
authorities, conservation organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The decisions of

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the board would be sanctioned by governments, so that non-compliant companies would be
legally required to disassociate themselves from the use of the ecotourism brand.

Guidelines and education

An environmental protection strategy must address the issue of ecotourists removed from the
cause-and-effect of their actions on the environment. More initiatives should be carried out to
improve their awareness, sensitize them to environmental issues, and care about the places they
visit.

Small scale, slow growth and local control

The underdevelopment theory of tourism describes a new form of imperialism by multinational

corporations that control ecotourism resources. These corporations finance and profit from the
development of large scale ecotourism that causes excessive environmental degradation, loss of
traditional culture and way of life, and exploitation of local labor.

The lack of sustainability highlights the need for small scale, slow growth, and locally based
ecotourism. Local peoples have a vested interest in the well being of their community, and are
therefore more accountable to environmental protection than multinational corporations. The
lack of control, westernization, adverse impacts to the environment, loss of culture and traditions
outweigh the benefits of establishing large scale ecotourism.

Natural resource management

Natural resource management can be utilized as a specialized tool for the development of
ecotourism. There are several places throughout the world where the amount of natural resources
are abundant. But, with human encroachment and habitats these resources are depleting. Without
knowing the proper utilization of certain resources they are destroyed and floral and faunal
species are becoming extinct. Ecotourism programmes can be introduced for the conservation of
these resources. Several plans and proper management programmes can be introduced so that
these resources remain untouched. Several organizations, NGO's, scientists are working on this
field.

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Overview of Tourism in Karnataka:

In India Karnataka is eighth largest state in terms of area and population which is situated in the
southern part of India. The origin of the name Karnataka has come from ‘Kari-Nadu’ which
means land of black soil. Some others hold that Karunadu means beautiful country. Karnataka
has been flourishing dramatically as a tourist destination over the years. The state abounds in
magnificent destinations with a 300 km coastline, several splendid heritage towns, lush forests
and diverse wildlife, serene hill stations and its fast growing metropolis - Bangalore. Karnataka’s
attractions include 5 national parks, 21 sanctuaries, 4 tiger reserves, and one biosphere reserve.
The other tourism destinations like hill stations, beaches, rivers, waterfalls, wild life, world
heritage sites, sandal wood forests, coffee estates, trekking, adventures, health tourism and eco
tourism destinations are available in India.

Karnataka attracts tourists from all over India and overseas all year long. In a recently conducted
survey, Bangalore and Mysore ranked 7th and 20th respectively in the “TripAdvisor Travellers
Choice Awards”- 2013. With encouraging prospects in the tourism industry, the time is now to
venture into Karnataka.

Eco Tourism Destinations in Karnataka:

The popular eco tourism destinations in Karnataka:

Hill stations: Aagumbe, Agumbe, Biligiriranga Hills, Chikmagalur, Chikkamagalur

Chikkamagaluru, Coorg, Horanadu , Kemmangundi, Kudremukh, Madikeri & Nandi Hills.

Waterfalls: Magod falls, Lalgulli falls, Sathodi falls, Unchalli falls, Lushington falls,
Shivaganga falls, Ulavi falls, Iruppu falls, Sivasamudram Falls, Balmuri falls, Gokak falls,
Abbey Falls, Achakanya Falls, Chunchanakatte Falls, Hebbe falls, Kallathigiri falls, Varapoha
Falls, Sogal falls, Godchinamalaki falls etc.

Wildlife Sanctuaries: Attiveri Bird Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Bankapura Peacock
Sanctuary, Bannerghatta National Park, Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary, Bheemeshwari, B R Hills,
Biligirirangan Hills, Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary, Dandeli & Anshi National Park, Dandeli
Sanctuary, Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Deva Raya Wildlife Sanctuary, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary,
Kabini Wildlife sanctuary, Kudremukh National Park, Mandegadde Bird Sanctuary, Nagarhole
National Park, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranebennur Blackbuck sanctuary, Rangantittu
Bird Sanctuary & Sharavati Sanctuary.

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Sanctuaries: Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary , Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary , Attiveri
Bird Sanctuary , BRT Wildlife Sanctuary , Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary , Brahmagiri Wildlife
Sanctuary , Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary , Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary , Doraji Bear Sanctuary ,
Ghataprabha Wildlife Sanctuary , Gudavi Bird, Sanctuary , Melukote Wildlife Sanctuary ,
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary , Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary , Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary ,
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary , Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary , Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary
, Shettihalla Wildlife Sanctuary , Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary , Thalakaveri Wildlife
Sanctuary & Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Summary of Karnataka Tourism Policy

Karnataka State possesses attractive spots of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Karnataka
In view of the necessity of developing the tourism comprehensively in the state the tourism
policy has been published from time to time so as to apply for a period of 5 years. Earlier
Karnataka Tourism Policy 2002-07 was published vide G.O no ITKC 296 TTT 2000, dated 20-1-
03. The said policy has closed by May 2007. Having felt the necessity of framing and publishing
Tourism policy for further period, the department of Tourism submitted the proposal to the
Government vide letters referred at (1) and (2) above and requested to prepare draft policy and
publish the same with the concurrence of the Departments connected with tourism policy.

In order to include “Athithi Karnataka Home stay” scheme implemented through the G. O No
kaSamVaPra 32 PraVaE 2007, dated 12-7-2007 in the tourism policy and to effectively include
the said scheme with prescribed minimum eligibility and criteria by considering the willing
owners and the rooms available in their guest house of the same will be classified as per the
criteria framed for this scheme. This scheme facilitates local people, foreign tourists and foreign
tourist agencies. The order of this scheme is enclosed with the present policy. Apart from this,
the Department of Forest, ecology and Environment as per G. O No FEE 60 FAP 2003, dated 28-
8-2004 has adopted the wild life tourism policy introduced in the limits of protected / reserved
forest areas in the State as a supplement to the current tourism policy and enclosed with the same
to current policy. In order to take up tourism infrastructure projects in all tourist spots in the state
and to take up projects in view of tourism development in these spots, this field has been divided
into four zones in Tourism Policy. Along with capital investment, equipping human resources
divided accommodation for tourists and security aspects, certain concession and incentives have
been included in the field of tourism. After taking the opinion of Finance Department, Public

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Works Department, Ports and Inland Water Transport department, Home Department, Revenue
Department, C and I Department, the approval of the cabinet has been obtained to the proposal.

In this direction the Director, Tourism Department in the letter referred at (3) above has
reclassified the Taluks in the state of Karnataka. He has informed that in the said classification,
the backward Taluks as reported in Nanjundappa report have been classified in to D and E group
and after preparing the final classification list of other Taluks classified as ABC on the basis of
their development he has submitted the details for further action to include in the Tourism
Policy.

The following are some of the highlights of Karnataka Tourism Policy 2009-14

1. Eco Tourism will be developed and promoted as a core activity and could also be done
through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in close collaboration with the Forest
Department.
2. An Eco-tourism zone stretching from Coorg to Karwar will be declared and a chain of
nature camps will be established and branded as Jungle Trails.
3. Locations suitable for development will be identified and mapped, including excess land
available with the Government.
4. Private sector players will be invited to develop themed projects that will have minimal
impact on the environment and on projects that will help nurture the existing
environment.
5. A limited number of nature camps with basic facilities may be established to serve the
student community and the general public to enable them to get the feel of the forest.
6. Some of the existing forest Rest Houses may be thrown open in a limited manner to
wilderness enthusiasts.
7. The wilderness areas should continue to sustain themselves in pristine state. Therefore,
the entry of the number of tourists permissible shall be kept within limits. The Wilderness
Tourism Policy of 2004, issued by the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment,
Government of Karnataka
8. Wilderness tourism may be operated through the agencies like Jungle Lodges & Resorts
Ltd.

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Budget Allocation for the Development of Tourism

To develop new infrastructure works, an amount of Rs.50 crore will be provided during
2011-12.
In 2010-11, Tourism Department took up eco tourism project at Jogimatti in Chitradurga
district, beautification of Sadanakeri at Dharwad and creation of tourist facilities at
Malpe, Marawante, St. Mary’s Island and Gokarna.
A theme park is proposed to be set up in Hampi to commemorate 500 years of
coronation of Sri Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagar Empire and to revive glory of
Vijayanagar Empire. An amount of Rs.100 crore will be provided for this purpose. Apart
from this, an amount of Rs.10 crores will be provided for the development of the city of
Hampi.
An allocation of Rs.250 Crore will be made during the year 2011-12 for Tourism.

Negative Impacts of Eco Tourism on Destination

Local resources may be destroyed to make room for ecotourism.

Exploitation of local community.
Using local residents for cheap labor.
Eco tourism service providers may destroy rare species and natural resources to attract
tourists.
Damaging the environment and nature for manmade establishments to attract tourists.
Using wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, and natural attractions as tourist attractions
to generate revenue for the economy and not to preserve them.

Steps to be taken to promote and develop eco tourism in Karnataka:

i. In 2003 Karnataka Government introduced Wilderness Tourism policy with an objective

to open up forest areas for eco tourism. There is a conflict between tourism and eco
tourism. In Karnataka tourism policy 2009-14 initiatives are there for the development of
the infrastructure and destinations but the eco tourism objective is to minimize the new
infrastructure and comply with environment regulations. A new eco tourism policy has to
be implemented.

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 ii. There is no proper nodal agency in the state and district level. Government has to set up
nodal agency for the development of the eco tourism destinations.
iii. In Karnataka forest department has taken proactive role in the development of the eco
tourism. A proper co ordination is required between the Government and other
stakeholders for the development of eco tourism.
iv. Other than self imposed regulations there is no proper guidelines and monitoring body to
monitor the impact on environment. A separate nodal agency has to be set up for giving
guidelines and acting as monitoring body in Karnataka.
v. Lack of local community involvement is very less due to the lack of eco tourism
education. In tourism education eco tourism has to be included in the curriculum and
proper training has to be provided for the aspirants.
vi. There is a slight difference between eco friendly practices and eco tourism practices.
Bringing the awareness and education on eco tourism practices will contribute to the
development of eco tourism in Karnataka.
vii. A comprehensive policy should be framed, which achieves the objectives of
conservation, promotion, cultivation & sustainable utilization of medicinal plant
resources by making Karnataka Medicinal Plant Authority as the nodal agency.
viii. Required a new eco tourism policy which has to be integrated with the existing tourism
policy.
ix. Forest department should protect and develop the plantations for the development of the
eco tourism.
x. Developing tourist facilities which are in harmony of with the local eco system.
xi. Eco tourism destinations have to be made an integral part of the tourism product.
xii. Road shows, Events, Seminars, promotional films to showcase the potential of eco
tourism in Karnataka.
xiii. Environment education should be included in the curriculum of schools and colleges with
a special component of Eco tourism to make an eco sensitive population.
xiv. Creating autonomous village institutions where local community has taken initiative to
protect the nature and environment.

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xv. Government has to create a corpus fund for developing wild life corridor, parks and
sanctuaries. Government must have funds to maintain and keep hunters and poachers out
of them.

Ecotourism in Kerala: A model for Eco tourism Promotion

Ecotourism is gaining popularity all over the world today, especially with the emergence of the
alert, independent traveller in search of experiential holidays. Renowned as God's Own
Country, Kerala is a tourism destination that focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly
development of tourism. A rich biodiversity and unmatched natural attractions make the State a
unique ecotourism hotspot, of which the world is largely unaware. To explore the ecotourism
possibilities in Kerala, a host of products have been developed with the active support and
involvement of the local community.
Unique Backwaters in Kerala: All most all States in India have beaches, hills and forests are
found but the backwater of Kerala is unique. Kerala Government is focusing on the backwaters
with houseboat concept which is purely based on the Kerala tradition. The backwaters is
considered as unique tourism product and Kerala Government is encouraging investment in
development of the houseboat terminals and taking measures to protect this unique tourism
product. The measures have been taken like connecting the canals with backwaters, clean and
deep backwaters, and eco friendly practices by houseboat owners, integrated development of
backwaters and construction of backwater complexes.

Conclusion:

Karnataka is a prominent destination in south India. Tourism industry is growing year by year. The State
Government is also wooing the investors for the investment in the tourism industry. Karnataka is very
rich in natural resources like hill stations, lakes, waterfalls, forests and heritage sites these enable
Karnataka to find many opportunities for the development of eco tourism. The gaps in the policy
framework are hampering the growth of the eco tourism in Karnataka. To develop the eco tourism in
Karnataka state should come up with effective eco tourism policy, more investment in the ecotourism
infrastructure, sustainable development of tourism resources and public private partnership projects will
be more effective in developing eco tourism destination. Through our research we suggest the Govt. of
Karnataka to set up nodal agency for monitoring eco tourism activities, developing ecotourism

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destinations and bringing the awareness among the rural eco tourism centres which helps development of
ecotourism in Karnataka.

References:

 Anant Hegde Ashisar, “Major Interim Recommendations of Western Ghats Task Force”,
Dept. of Forest & Environment, Bangalore, 28 September 2010.
 Budget 2011-12, Part II General, Government of Karnataka, Pg. No. 43.
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Research Paper, American University, May 2010.
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Development”, Environmental Economics Series, Paper No. 55, The World Bank,
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 Ormsby, A & Mannle, K, “Ecotourism Benefits and the Role of Local Guides at Masoala
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2006.
 Policy Brochure, Karnataka Tourism Policy 2009-14, Department of Tourism,
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2012), Planning Commission, Government of India.
 Seema P, Jojo T.D, Freeda M.S, Santosh B, Sheetal P, Gladwin J, Suman R,
 Samuel T, Sidharth K, “White Paper on Eco-Tourism Policy”, Center for Conservation
Governance and Policy, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment
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 Sharath S. Srivatsa, “Tapping the State's tourism potential”, The Hindu, June 25, 2010.

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