International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development

Kathmandu, Nepal

Transboundary Eco-tourism in Indo-

Bhutan Region: A case of Sikkim and

Bhutan Transboundary Eco-tourism in Indo-Bhutan

Region: A case of Sikkim and Bhutan

Dr. Nakul Chettri & Basudev Upadhyay

Presentation Outline

Indo Bhutan Outline

Tourism in Bhutan

Tourism in Sikkim

Eco-tourism Potential of

Indo Bhutan Region

Regional Cooperation in

Transboundary Tourism

Indo Bhutan Outline

State wise length of the

borders with Bhutan1. Sikkim 32 Km

2. WB 183 Km

3. Assam 267 Km

4. Arunachal Pradesh 217 Km

-----------------------------------------------

Total 699 Km

Biodiversity• The Royal Botanical Garden of Edinburg recorded 5,603 species of

angiosperms and gymnosperms. 369 species of orchids

46 species of rhododendrons - 105 species endemic to Bhutan

About 80 species of agricultural crops

• The National Biodiversity Centre has recorded 410 species of pteridophytes

(ferns and fern allies)

14 globally threatened bird species and ten restricted range bird

• 50 freshwater fish species

• 200 species of mammals

• 800 to 900 species of butterfly

Tourism in Bhutan

Tourism in Bhutan…

Cultural diversity

• Bhutan is rich in cultural diversity and this richness is further

enhanced by the variety of festivals that is being observed (eg.

Tshechu).

• Tourism is also highly regulated with respect to conserving local

culture, including dress codes and rules for Dzongs,

monasteries.

Tourism in Bhutan….

• The green valleys, snow capped peaks cold climate

and attractive heritage and culture are the symbols

of Bhutan.

• The valleys and temples Handicraft emporiums

Chukha Hydel Project monasteries are some of the

majortourist places among others.

• Bhutan Tourism To Have Wellness Services in

order to achieve the target of 100,000 tourists in

2012.

Tourism in Bhutan…

Tourist arrivals in the last two years in

Bhutan

Tourism in Sikkim

Biodiversity in Sikkim

• Sikkim's orchids are world-famous as the state has more than 450 species

of them.

• 36 species of rhododendrons in Sikkim found at heights of 10,000 ft.

• more than 600 species of Butterflies many of them rare and endangered.``

• more than 5000 species of avifauna

Tourism in Sikkim..

Cultural Diversity in Sikkim

• Sikkim has a mixed culture of Nepalese,

Lepchas and Bhatias, each of this

community has its own language, culture

and dances..

• Archery-popular sport of the Sikkimese, is

traditionally, played after the harvests.

Tourism in Sikkim…

Tourists arrivals in Sikkim

Tourism in Sikkim…

Eco-tourism Potential of Indo Bhutan Region

Eco-tourism Potential of Indo-Bhutan

Region…

• India shares a 699 Km long border with

Bhutan along Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam

and Arunachal Pradesh.

Eco-tourism Potential of Indo Bhutan

Region…

Ecotourism Strategy for

Sustainable Development in the

Indo Bhutan Region should

consider the following aspects-

• Accommodation

• Transportation

• Water supply and sewerage

• Energy

• Finance

• Controls

Eco-tourism Potential of Indo Bhutan

Region…

Role of Institutions

• Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation

Program

• Quality Tourism Project

• Sikkim Biodiversity and Ecotourism Project

• Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and

Forest Management Project (JICA-2010

March)

Eco-tourism Potential of Indo

Bhutan Region

Regional Co-operation in

Transboundary Tourism

• Transboundary Landscape Conservation in the Eastern Himalaya, an

ICIMOD’s initiative for the regional cooperation.

• Need of bilateral mechanism to look after the border management and

security issues.

• visa policies, infrastructural developments and networking capacities among

the stakeholders.

Conclusions

• Ecotourism - an important activity in the Himalayan

region

• Gaps –

Data base of tourist visits

Tourism development and promotion activities not

sufficient.

Country specific policies – Need to focus on cross border

region.

• Local initiatives, national efforts, regional collaboration

and support from donors are needed in order to achieve

sustainable development goal through nature based

tourism.

Conclusions…

Ecotourism planning should have the following

consideration during Planning• Sustainable development of ecotourism requires the balance between three elements the tourists, the place

and the host community". Therefore, at management level Government should involve local people along with

NGO and private organization

•

To maintain visitor satisfaction in crowded locales and protection of natural features, and to maintain high

quality of service there is need to assess the carrying capacity of the potential site at planning level.

•

Generally the ecotourism destination is developed in eco-fragile area, which has time specific attraction. The

duration of visit and activity pattern of the tourist should be decided by implementing authorities to maintain

natural harmony.

•

Proper ecotourism legislation and environmental measures should be framed and along with this strict

enforcement measures should be imposed at eco-destination.

•

Along with this there is also need for publicity and advertisement of ecotourism destinations, Environmental

group accreditation (tour operator) and adequate funding to maintain the environmental quality of the potential

ecotourism destinations.

Thank you