Eco Tourism III

There are many number of definitions of Ecotourism, each highlighting
different aspects. It is to be noted that different parameters emerged in
common to all eco tourism developmental initiatives.

Eco Tourism may be defined as that

Which is based on Nature
Where interpretation and education are important components
Which is sustainable ecologically
Which benefits the local people.

If any of these components are not satisfied, such a venture cannot be
classified as an Eco Tourism venture !

Tourism, without well thought out plans and managed programs, can mean the
destruction of the natural habitat. Also the cultural shock concomitant with
interaction with various cultures can also put the locals in danger.
Stipulation of certain standarss and awareness campaigns amongst tour
operators and travel agents reduces considerably this impact. Eco Tourism,
therefore, is considered as a solution to tourism related environmental
problems.

The region of the Western Ghats of Kerala, with its tropical forest
ecocystem, provides the natural advantage for this division of International
Tourism. In order to develop the immense potential of Kerala Tourism, our
tourism products diversification is essential. Hence Western Ghats can be
projected as the Eco Tourism Zone of Kerala. Eco Tourism adumbrates the
concept of sustainability in Tourism. Future generatoins are protected, as
the needs of the now a day visitor is transformed with Green Education !


The Present Situation

The major tourism destinations can be classified as beaches, wild life
sanctuaries, backwaters, hill stations, and festivals which represent
culture. Kerala will have to upgrade its products and provide
infrastructural
facilities. There is no system at present through which the public can see
the
forest and have a lasting,quality experience. The visits to sanctuary, which
i
s widely practised now, cannot be called as ecotourism. It is only mass
tourism
to a sanctuary. A more concentrated stratedy, which is small group oriented
and supply driven, is the need of the hour.

Those in charge should provide education and provision for learning process
for the tourists, as Tourism needs close monitoring in an ecologically
sensitive area.It is imperative that Tourism be ecologically sustainable.
The
economic benefit should benefit the locals to ensure sustainability.