Article on Positive and Negative impacts of Eco-tourism in India
Eco-tourism refers to ecologically sustainable tourism to areas having ecological and biological diversity or is of environmental interest to ecologically conscious individuals. Generally speaking, the definition of eco-tourism varies. Some deem tourism to ecologically sensitive or interesting areas as eco-tourism, while some define it as responsible tourism which aims to minimise the damage caused to the environment through tourism. In India, eco-tourism is popular in national parks and sanctuaries, amongst others.
Some other characteristics of eco-tourism are as follows:-
- Eco-tourism draws heavily from the local community and their culture, and in many instances results in economic development in the area
- It tries to develop the entire area surrounding the area of ecological interest, so that individuals living there and the tourists also benefit.
- It draws from the local population familiar with the area itself for employment purposes. It also provides alternate livelihood opportunities for the locals
- It is built such that it is compatible with the local environment and their socio-cultural makeup. Tourists can also witness the unique culture of the locals while engaging in eco-tourism
Positive impact of Eco-tourism
It acts as a deterrent to poaching as a steady flow of tourists hampers the secretive activities of poachers, and provides no scope for collusion between forest officials and poachers.
- Creates an interest and awareness among the people about India’s indigenous flora and fauna. It acts as a forum to educate and encourage conservation efforts
- Boosts economic development in areas surrounding reserves through sustainable development
- Increases the revenue derived from tourism
- Preservation of local culture
- Creation of employment opportunities for the locals
- Encourages participation of local community in protecting and conserving the area where they reside
Negative impact of Eco-tourism
The substantial economic benefits that are being derived from eco-tourism has resulted in excessive commercialisation that has resulted in flagrant violation of rules, guidelines etc that have been put in place for protecting the environment and the rights of the people
- Eco-tourism propels only basic conservation of flora and fauna that is sufficient to attract tourists. In reality, it does more harm than good. The tourists arrive in and ride around the parks in vehicles which pollute the environment and scare the animals. The incessant flow of tourist disturbs the animals. Also, tourists leave behind garbage such as plastic bottles etc. which lead to environmental degradation
- To cater to the increasing demand for eco-tourism, land around parks and sanctuaries is being cleared through deforestation, displacement of people etc. to accommodate hotels, resorts etc.
- Mismanagement of eco-tourism sites causes more harm than any little good that eco-tourism brought about
- Eco-tourism takes away livelihoods from the locals, and in return provides them with low-paying subordinate positions in the resorts etc that are established. No viable long-lasting employment opportunities with scope for growth are provided to the locals.
Tourism v. Conservation
This debate is central to the concept of eco-tourism. While tourism has its benefits, it brings with it a set of problems too as highlighted above. This issue rose to prominence when the Court banned tiger tourism because it encroached on the habitat of tigers and adversely affected their very existence. The decision caused an uproar because it reduced state revenues from tourism and the number of tourist who visited the eco-tourism sites. This judgment was, however, reversed by the Supreme Court whereby it partially lifted the ban and 20% of the core habitat of tigers was open to tourists, and no new tourist facilities would be built in the tiger reserves.
