A policy framework must be put in place to tap the unlimited potential of ecotourism in our country

In the midst of rising tensions in modern materialistic life, most of the people all over the world need to take a break and be with natural Surroundings like forests, wildlife, rivers and lakes. Scientists have proved that a few days of trips to natural surroundings away from the hustle-bustle of urban life make a big impact on the way we think, behave and how to take things in correct perspectives in life.

It influences correctness in taking decisions, relationships and also improves our health and wellbeing. It is because of this reason these days the top corporations take their employees periodically to such nature trips to improve their performance, creativity, analytic power, connect with each other and reduce stress.

European countries generate about 15 to 16 per cent of their GDP through tourism and the United State of America during 2021 received from inbound tourism a whopping $70 billion. Compared to these nations, Indian tourism is around 7 per cent of the GDP and is growing at a very rapid pace.

However, unbridled and haphazard tourism is a big threat to the environment especially in tropical developing countries like India and hence now the emphasis is on promoting sensible ecotourism. The global share of ecotourism in the tourism industry is only 5-6 per cent. In India, with the support of our domestic tourists, ecotourism is growing at the rate of 15 per cent annually as more and more awareness is coming among the organizers and the visitors.

India is a very rich country with a varied landscape and rich flora and fauna. The Karnataka government’s Jungle Lodges Corporation is the first of its kind of a flagship ecotourism destination in the country and is in a unique position for achieving a big success because it has a very big clientele of IT and other professionals from Bangalore. Within a radius of 80 to 100 km from Bangalore there are a few world class nature adventure and wildlife national parks and sanctuaries with beautiful landscapes, forests and rivers. Every successful institution has someone behind it.

The then Chief Minister of Karnataka late Gundu Rao after returning from attending a meet on Tigers in Nepal in 1978 picked up two IFS officers Mr RM Roy and Mr Vinay Luthra and asked them if they could create a world class ecotourism spot in Karnataka as India has a rich variety of flora and fauna like Tigers, Elephants, leopards, Deer Peacock, etc. They took up the challenge and started with Kabini River lodge in the Nagarhole National Park with meticulous planning which opened the flood gate of Ecotourism adventure ably supported by the burgeoning clientele of professionals from Bangalore who were looking for relaxation during weekends.

It was the first in India and that too of unparalleled world class Ecotourism infrastructure matching with the enchanting scenic beauty of landscape. The success of Kabini led to the establishment of 20 such lodges and resorts in different parts of Karnataka. The theme of all these resorts is based on local traditions, geographic features, and culture and linked with local people’s livelihood. Ecotourism in Karnataka is providing employment to lakhs of people directly and indirectly apart from sustainably managing the forests, wildlife and other natural features for the best of both people’s entertainment as well as maintaining stability of the ecosystem.

Bheemeswari Adventures and Nature Camp is one of the best ecotourism adventure sites. It is situated 80 km away from Bangalore in about 40-acre area in the midst of beautifully forested landscape. On the other side is the breathtaking view of crystal clear water of Cauvery River flowing in between the fabulous hills covered with dense forests and chirping sounds of birds. The site has a lot of adventure sports like Zip lining, Kayaking, Sky walking where the tourist can feel their adrenal gland work a bit more. The Coracle ride and Jungle safari are so enjoyable that one gets totally relaxed before returning to their workplace. The 20 log huts and tents are all very clean with ACs and the food is included in the accommodation charges which range for two people from Rs 10,000 to Rs 14,000.

The best part of the management is that only local people (as all 45 employees are locals except the Manager) are employed in all the activities of the resort and is an example how to encash the scenic beauty of the landscape to earn revenue for the government and income for the locals through employment and by using the local products like diary items and local organic vegetables, while fulfilling the objectives of conservation of forest and wildlife. The nature camps are arranged for the school students and children to spread awareness about environmental conservation.

The purpose of bringing this article is to impress upon the planners and policy makers to put up a mechanism to cash in on the country’s stupendous splendour of our varied and unmatched landscape to create millions of jobs in and around 32 million hectare of forested areas where tribal and rural poor reside and earn much needed revenue for the government treasury.

The Karnataka model is an example to be emulated and replicated. For this a separate ecotourism department should be created at the state level to be manned by the trained forestry professionals as well as other Ecotourism experts and form a joint mechanism for management with local people through Joint Forest Management/Eco-development Committees/Panchayats and Community Forest Right Management Committees so as to realize the true potential of Ecotourism as a money spinner for both the government and the people.

At the Government of India level also a separate organization within the forestry wing is needed to oversee the implementation of the scheme through site specific fool proof guidelines/ infrastructure and without violation of the sanctity of forest laws. It is necessary for the Central government to decide that in certain sectors like environment and forest conservation where there is scope for economic gains we need to create posts in new schemes to achieve the goals, hence outside the box thinking and innovative approach are necessary.

Without the support for innovation from the political leaders, the government bureaucracy tends to tread the beaten path only.

(The author is former Director-General, ICFRE, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change)