ecotourism and its perspects in kerala
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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