ECOTOURISM THE KERALA EXPERIENCE

AJMAL M AAssit. Professor and Head

Department of HistorySir Syed College. Taliparamba

The term Ecotourism was coined in 1983 by ‘Hector Ceballos-Lascurian, a Mexican environmentalist

Definition of Ecotourism

“It is a responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.“

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

CHARACTERISTICS

Involves travel to natural destinations. Minimises 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. Helps conservation of biological diversity

Protects cultural diversity through

Ecosystem protection promotes sustainable use of biodiversity, by

providing jobs to local populations ensures sharing of socio-economic benefits

with local communities

Principles of Ecotourism

Minimise the impact. Build environmental and cultural awareness and

respect. Provide positive experiences for both visitors and

hosts. Provide direct financial benefits for conservation. Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local

people. Raise sensitivity to host countries' political,

environmental, and social climate

MERITS

It is the best form of income generating activity that is completely ecological.

Reduction of pressures on the natural resources,

Improves the living standards of local people Co-operation among regions and countries, Acceleration of information

Low impact upon protected areas; Involvement of stakeholders (individuals,

communities, ecotourists, tour operators and government institutes) in the planning, development, implementation and monitoring phases;

Respect towards local culture and tradition; Generation of sustainable and equitable income for

local communities and other stakeholders, including private tour operators

DEMERITS

Negative impacts of tourism Direct environmental impacts Displacement of people Threats to indigenous cultures Threats to biodiversity Green washing Problems of Mismanagement

GOD’S OWN COUNTRY

The national geographic traveler has labeled Kerala as one of the 10 paradises in the world

The first state which announce tourism as an industry

Choice for all…

‘Unique Kerala’

Endless serene beaches Emerald backwaters Pristine valleys and

mountains Exotic species of rare

flora and fauna Wild life sanctuaries and

national parks

Enchanting art forms Magical festivals cultural monuments Historical remines Healthcare Pilgrim centers Accessibility Etc…

ECOTOURISM IN KERALA

THENMALA ECOTOURISM

• India’s first planned Ecotourism destination

• in the foothills of Western Ghats in Kollam District

• inaugurated in January 2001

THENMALA

• CULTUREZONE

• LEISURE ZONE

• ADVENTURE ZONE

• OTHER ATRACTIONS

CULTURE ZONE

• musical dancing • fountain

• Cultural Program • amphitheater

• shop • Courts, etc

LEISURE ZONE

• a sculpture garden with the theme of man and nature

ADVENTURE ZONE

elevated walkway nature trail Trucking

river crossing rock climbing mountain Biking, etc

OTHER

• one hour boating in the Shenduruney wildlife sanctuary reservoir

• rehabilitation center with a children’s ecopark

SOME OTHER ECOTOURISM SPOTS IDENTIFIED IN THE FORESTS OF KERALA

• 1. Agastyarvanam • 2. Neyyar • 3. Peppara • 4. Ponmudi • 5. Thenmala • 6. Palaruvi • 7. Purakkad • 8. Kumarakom • 9. Peerumedu • 10. Kuttikkanam • 11. Thekkady • 12. Munnar • 13. Rajamala / Eravikulam

• 14. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary • 15. Athirapally • 16. Peechi • 17. Nelliyampathy • 18. Silent Valley • 19. Parambikulam • 20. Malampuzha • 21. Muthanga • 22. Kuruva Islands • 23. Thirunelli • 24. Pythalmala • 25. Aralam • 26. Ranipuram ….

WAYANAD

AJMAL KODIYATHR

Head of the Dept. of HistorySir Syed College, Taliparamba