ECO TOURISM

MEANING

• ECOTOURISM is traveling to relatively undisturbed or

uncondaminated natural areas with specific objective of
studying, admiring and enjoying the scenary it’s wild
plants and animals as well as any existing cultural
manifastration found in this areas.
 DEFINITION

• According to the UNWTO’s definition, ecotourism refers to

All nature-based forms of tourism in which the main
motivation of the tourists is the observation and
appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures
prevailing in natural areas.
ECOTOURISM IN INDIA

• India, the land of varied geography

• One Of the 12- mega bio- diverse countries
• Rich cultural heritage
• The Himalayan Region, Kerala, the northeast India,
Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep islands.
• Thenmala – First planned ecotourism destination
TWIN GOALS

• 1. Biodiversity conservation
• 2. Sustainable Development
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

• Biodiversity conservation means protection, conservation and

management of biodiversity in order to obtain sustainable benefits
for future generations.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

• Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of

the present without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs.
IMPORTANCE OF ECO TOURISM
• Utilises natural resources (landscapes, mountains, bio-
diversity areas, rivers etc.)
• Not a travel statement – message of our relationship
with nature and its inhabitants
• Focus point: local cultures, wilderness, adventures and
environment protection
IMPORTANCE OF ECO TOURISM
• Ecological diversity
• Popularise secluded parts of the country
• Based on sustainable/eco-friendly tourism
• Tourism pressure degraded the ecologically fragile areas of
the country
• Generate revenue without disturbing delicate ecosystem
 PRINCIPLES OF ECO TOURISM

• Minimize the impact.

• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
PRINCIPLES OF ECO TOURISM

• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.

• Raise sensitivity to political, environmental and social climate
of the host country.
• Support international human rights and labour agreements.
INDIAN ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES
• Biosphere Reserves
• Mangroves
• Coral Reefs
• Deserts Mountains and Forests
• Flora and Fauna
• Seas, Lakes and Rivers
• Caves
 BIOSPHERE RESERVES

• Biosphere reserves are the protected areas meant for the

conservation of plants and animals.
• Examples are Sunderbans in West Bengal and Nilgiris in Tamilnadu.
• There are 18 biosphere reserves in India.
MANGROVES

• Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that live in the coastal
intertidal zone.
• There are 10 mangrove forests in India spread across Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
Odisha, and West Bengal states of India.
• Examples are Sundarbans in West Bengal,Godavari-Krishna Mangroves
in Andhra Pradesh
 CORAL REEFS
• A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building
corals. Reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium
carbonate.
• India has four coral reef areas: Gulf of Mannar, Andaman and Nicobar
Islands, Lakshadweep islands and the Gulf of Kutch.
DESERTS

• A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation

occurs and, consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and
animal life.
• The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert is the
largest desert in India.
 MOUNTAINS

A mountain is a large natural rise of the Earth’s surface that usually has a
“summit” (the name for a mountain’s top, which can also be called a peak).
The Kanchenjunga is the highest peak of the Himalayas in India and it is
the third highest summit in the world. The highest peak in India is
Kanchenjunga which is 8586 m.
 FLORA AND FAUNA
• Flora refers to all plant life and fauna refers to all animal life.
• Elephants, Royal Bengal Tiger, rhinos, bison, lions are some common
fauna found in the country. India also contains a variety of flora that
includes the Alpines, temperate forests, deciduous forests, evergreen
forests, oaks, rhododendrons, pine, spruce, deodar, laurels, maples,
bamboos and tall grasses.
CAVES

A cave is a large hole in the side of a cliff or hill, or one that is

under the ground.
Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves.
ECO TOURISM ACTIVITIES
• Bird watching
• Hiking
• Downhill skiing
• Camping
• Sightseeing
• Swimming in natural water
• Wildlife photography
• White river rafting
ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

• 1. Thenmala, Kerala
• It is the first ecotourism destination created in India, located in Kollam district.
• . The Thenmala dam is an ecotourist destination in Kerala. Other beautiful things
that one can do in Thenmala are boating on the lake, trekking, mountaineering,
biking and a musical fountain.
• The waterfall called Palaruvi is another beautiful attractions also there is nearby
deer rehabilitation.
BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK, KARNATAKA

• Bandipur National Park is one of the oldest parks in the Bandipur

Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in Karnataka
• It is among the biggest wildlife reserves of India.
• Green lodges here support sustainability of environment using
methods like energy reduction and water conservation.
 SUNDERBANS NATIONAL PARK, WEST BENGAL

• Sunderbans is one of the most alluring natural reserves in the entire world.
• There are two Nature Interpretation Centers located at Sajnekhali and
Bhagabatpore, and one Eco museum at Sudarikati.
• Bengal Tiger is the flag ship species of this unique mangrove Forest.
GAVI, KERALA

• Gavi’s evergreen forest is filled with numerous flora and fauna like
tigers, deers, elephants, leopards, bears, mouse deers, lion-tailed
macaque.
• Tourist activities are Boating to Kochupamba, Trekking, Camping,
living in Cottage tents, Jungle camping etcTourist activities are
Boating to Kochupamba, Trekking, Camping, living in Cottage
tents, Jungle camping etc.
CHILIKA LAKE, ODISHA

• This lake covers the Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts of Odisha.
• This Brackish water lagoon is a home for numerous migratory birds.
• Major attractions are Nalaetc Island within the core of the lagoon.
Ecotourism includes Rambha bay, Somalo and Dhumkudi Islands,
Bird’s Island, Satapada village etc.
NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK, KARNATAKA

• This national park is located in Mysore, Karnataka.

• It is one of India’s top tiger reserves along with Bandipur and
Wayanad wildlife sanctuaries.
• It has rich forests, beautiful hills, valleys and waterfalls. Important
wildlife is the Bengal tigers, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bears, striped
hyena etc
CHAIL, HIMACHAL PRADESH

• Chail is a hill station located in Himachal Pradesh.

• Many eco camps are located here.
• Tourist attractions here are Chail Sanctuary, Chail Gurudwara,
Lover’s point, Stone Kumbd, and Sadupul, a small village with a
river restaurant.
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK, ASSAM

• This is a national park in the Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon

districts of the state of Assam, India.
• This sanctuary hosts world’s one-third of the Rhinoceros population.
• Park houses more than 500 species of orchids, sour fruits, leafy
vegetables, large varieties of cane, local fishes. The park has greater
white horned rhinos, deers, elephants, wild Asiatic water buffalo.
KHANGCHENDZONGA, SIKKIM

• Known as Kanchenjunga biosphere reserve. It is a national park

and biosphere located in the Sikkim state of India.
• Flora includes plenty of oak trees, fir, maple, birch, willow. Shrubs
and other medicinal herbs. Fauna includes Snow Leopard,
Himalayan Black bear, red panda, musk deer, sloth bear, rat
snake, Russell’s viper, Himalayan blue sheep one etc.
LADAKH

• Ladakh is a union territory part of Kashmir and is sandwiched

between the region of Karakoram to the North and Himalayan
mountains to the south.
• Major tourist interest places are Leh, Drass valley, Kargil, Razi
Khar, Suru Valley, Salt Valley, Markha Valley, Ladakh monasteries.