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Environment is a growing concern all over the world. This concern is also widely felt in the domain of tourism. More stress is being given to make tourism eco-friendly with an orientation in perspection and an acceptance of the basic tenets of conservation.
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The ENVIS Centre Sikkim on Eco-tourism was inaugurated by the Governor of Sikkim Shri Kidar Nth Sahani at Gangtok, Sikkim on September27, 2001. This Centre, 25th to have been established in the country so far, would be functioning in close collaboration with the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Sikkim. Environmentally Information System (ENVIS) is a plan programme of the ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. ENVIS is a decentralized system using the distributed network of data bases to ensure integration of national efforts in environmental information compilation, storage, retrieval and dissemination to all concerned including policy planners, decision makers, research workers and the public. The objectives of ENVIS are: <
a) LONG TERM
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The Parliamentary Standing committee for Science and Technology and Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department comprising of 25 members of Parliamentarians visited the State Council of Science and Technology and its newly inaugurated ENVIS Centre on Ecotourism, on Oct. 13, 200 1. |
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The first Advisory and Monitoring Committe Meeting for ENVIS Centre Sikkim on Ecotourism was held at Gangtok on April 28, 2002 under the chairmanship of the Member Secretary, State Council of Science and Technology for Sikkim. Beside other members, the meeting had the participation of Dr. D.Bandhyopadhyay, Director, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. During this meeting, the progress of the project was reviewed and other issues like Environmental Management and Capacity Building (EMCB) project was also discussed. |
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ENVIS Centre Sikkim has launched a website on eco-tourism with the objectives to have a decentralized system using the distributed network of data bases to ensure integration of national efforts in environmental information collection, storage, retrieval and dissemination to all concerned including policy planners, decision makers, research workers and the public. The website covers all the information relating to eco-tourism in India. Such information may be retrieved from the website WWW.sdnp.delhi.nic.in/envisikkim |
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The officials of the State Council of Science and Technology for Sikkim attended the South Asia Regional Conference on Ecotourism organised by Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS) in collaboration with the International Eco-tourism Society (TIES) and The Mountain Institute (TMI) at Gangtok from Jan 21-29, 2002. This was one of the six regional conferences to be held as a run up to the World Ecotourism Summit scheduled on May, 2002 in Quebec, Canada under the auspices of the World Tourism Organisation. |
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Although monetary valuation of natural ecosystem is difficult, such valuation helps to draw attention to their importance, and highlight conservation needs especially in developing countries. Over the last three decades, there has been growing debate on the effects of tourism growth in developing countries. Developmental activities, including the promotion of tourism for socio-economic improvement, have caused noticeable degradation of natural ecosystems where adequate attention has not been given to environmental conservation. Mountaineering and trekking have recently inflicted adverse impacts on environment of high altitude areas. Experience has shown that market forces may conserve too little biological diversity. However 'Conservation' does not mean non-use, but wise use, which contribute to sustainable development (Mc Neely, 1988). Protected areas of biodiversity interest provide a variety of benefits and services, which are essential for the economic development of a region. The economic valuations of protected areas are rarely quantified. However in developed countries, economic valuations of natural resources have been used in conservation and management of protected areas (Pearce et al., 1994). Surface fresh waters provide many diverse goods and services to society including both market goods such as drinking water and non-market goods such as biodiversity. Sikkim, a small state of India covering an area of 7096 kM2 with a population of 5,40,493 is recognized as biodiversity 'Hot Spot' of global significance (Khoshoo, 1992). The Sikkim Himalaya is an area of high biodiversity and cultural heterogenity with distinctive ethnic groups, mountain peaks, sacred lakes and monasteries making it an attractive destination for tourists. Sacred lakes of the Himalayan region attract visitors and pilgrims from all over the world for their aesthetic, cultural and spiritual importance. The Sikkim Himalaya has more than 150 lakes at different altitudes and most are considered sacred (Roy & Thapa 1998). The aesthetic and ecological benefits of lake ecosystems have been recognized for over a century, yet rarely quantified. Recreational and economic values of some sites have been estimated in both developed and developing countries in the last ten years. A detailed research work has been done by the Sikkim Biodiversity and Ecotourism project under the supervision of G.B.Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Sikkim Unit, in areas which are very important for ecotourism i.e., the Yuksam-Dzongri-GoechalLa trekking corridor inside the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), which is the most popular destination for adventure (trekking and mountaineering) and Khecheopalri Lake for pilgrimage and nature tourism in the eastern Himalayan region. In the recent years, KNP and Khecheopalri lake areas have been deteriorating due to very high influx of tourists, deforestation, changes n land-use practices, which cause loss of biodiversity and removal of valuable ecosystem components. The Yuksam-Dzongri-GoechhaLa trekking corridor is a 45 km long trek located in the southwestern part of KNP. KNP was designated as a national park in August 1977, with a total area of 850 km'. In 1996, the area of this national park was extended to 1784 km' (25.14% of the total geographical area of Sikkim) realizing its importance for having diverse habitats, floral and faunal diversity. Many villages surrounding the park depend on the park's natural resources for subsistence living. The State and Central government are working to include more area in this park and to designate it as a biosphere reserve. Most of the areas in the buffer zone of the proposed biosphere have been identified for ecotourism . Tourism on this Yuksam-Dzongri-Goechha La trail started before 1960. The tourist inflow suddenly increased after a relaxation of government rules in 1990 (Rai and Sundriyal, 1997). Around 1300 visitors (both international and domestic) trekked at this site and additional 1379 mountaineering trainees also used this trek in 1997. Besides visitors, local communities from the surrounding areas also exploit the natural resources of this park by grazing livestock and extraction of fuel, fodder and timber. Yuksam is the only settled habitation on the trail, with I I villages, 274 households with a total population of 1572, out of which 110 households were involved in tourism related activities directly or indirectly. The last village, with 9 households is located 16 km. away from Tshoka on the trail with a total population of 59 people. The Khecheopalri Lake is known as a "wish fullfilling lake" and considered to be the most sacred by the Sikkimese people. Folklore and many legends are associated with its formation and shape. The lake water is used for rites and rituals only. A fair at Khecheopalri lake takes place during March every year, when a large number of local pilgrims visit the lake. Fishing or any other recreational activities at the lake are strictly prohibited. A strong belief prevails among the local community that any, disturbance on the Holy Lake may bring calamities and unwelcome events. This lake is situated amidst pristine forest at an altitude of 1700m in the West District of Sikkim. The lake represents the original neve region of ancient hanging glaciers, the depression being formed by the scooping action of glacier (Raina, 1966). The lake is also a resting-place for Trans-Himalayan migratory birds and supports commercial and recreational tourism. The lake is surrounded by a broad-leaved mixed temperate forest, and has a catchment area of 12 kM2 with 72 households and 440 people living in it. The Lepchas are the main ethnic group in the Khecheopalri area. Traditional agriculture is the main livelihood and recently some households have become involved in tourism. The influx of tourists is high with visible impact of disturbance on the lake and its watershed. Beside visitors, communities also exploit the natural resources of the lake watershed by extraction of fuel, fodder and timber and by livestock grazing. Ecotourism promotes conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of an area, and simultaneously improves the living standards of the host regions inhabitants (Boo, 1990; Lindberg and Hawkins, 1993). In this context, the involvement of local communities in ecotourism could provide economic benefits that might ultimately lead to restriction of further deterioration of biodiaiersity in the Yuksam-Dzongri-Goechha La Corridor and surrounding area of Khecheopalri Lake. The main objective of this study was to quantify the sacredness value of the lake and recreational value of the Yuksam-Dzongfi-Goechha La corridor by using Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Travel Cost Method (TCM). To my knowledge, the present study is one of the first valuation exercise in developing country like India, where an attempt was made to document the large non-market social benefits of a temperate sacred lake. However, some noticeable exceptions that analysed ecotourism value of tropical National Parks in India are available (Monoharan, 1998; Chopra, 1997 and Hadker, 1997). Contingent Valuation and Travel Cost Methods were conducted involving local community members, domestic and foreign visitors to estimate the environmental economies of the Khangchendzonga national Park (KNP) and the sacred Khecheopalri lake to elicit their willingnessto-pay (WTP) for its maintenance and conservation. The study was based on a random survey of 545 respondents, consisting of 125 domestic visitors, 325 international visitors and 95 local community members from Yuksam-Dzongri-Goechha La corridor and 360 respondents from Khecheopalri Lake site, consisting of 30 members of the local community, 140 pilgrims (from within Sikkim), 45 domestic and 75 international visitors in 1997-98. Categories of respondents were the foreign tourists termed as international, the Indian tourists as domestic and the people living in the area as local community. Out of the total, only 243 respondents (31 local people, 50 domestic visitors and 162 foreign visitors) in trekking corridor and 180 respondents (20 community member followed by 34 domestic visitors, 51 international visitors and 75 pilgrims) in Khecheopalri Lake showed their willingness-to-pay for conservation and protection of these area, while others refused. Travel costs incurred by Individuals in visiting the lake were estimated using a sample of 140 pilgrims, who completed travel expanse information. The interviews were conducted through a structured questionnaire (Bishop & Heborlein 1992 and Arrow et al. 1993) over a period of six months (March to May and October to December), corresponding with the two peak tourist seasons. Face-to-face interviews (Arrow et al. 1993) were conducted at both the sites and adult visitors, who had a defined source of income, were only interviewed because they were considered to be more realistic in making personal valuations of their recreational/sacredness experience at trekking corridor and lake sites vis-a-vis their budget constraints (Brown & Henry 1989). An ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to analyse WTP and TCM. Statistical analysis was done using Systat version 6.0 (Systat, 1996) considering all the responses including those who were not willing to pay for conservation. Using a random survey the average WTP was US$ 8.84(Rs.336.00) for International visitors per visit, followed by US$ 6.20 (Rs.236.00) per household per year by local community and US$ 1.91 (Rs.73.00) per domestic visitor per visit for improvement in environmental conservation in the Yuksam-Dzongri Goechha La trekking corridor of KNP in the year 1997. Similarly WTP for maintenance and preservation of the lake by all types of visitors ranges from US$ 0.88 (Rs.36.00) for local community members per year, and US$ 2.16(Rs.86.00) for local pilgrims, US$ 2.5 1 (Rs. 103.00) for domestic visitors and US$7.19 (Rs.295.00) for foreign visitors per visit in the year 1998. The Khangchendzonga National Park and Khecheopalri lake showed high recreational /sacredness follows: values that were attributed to conservation of the site for biodiversity and pilgrimage. A large number of protected areas and lakes in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan Region, if properly managed and marketed for ecotourism, can bring economic development that can be linked with conservation. Iyetta Maharana |
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Tourism today represents around 6% of the world trade and almost 13% of the total global consumer spending. It is a fast growing sector and is the third largest generator of foreign exchange in India. It is an industry but unlike most other industries it is essentially based on a good environment and should therefore preserve it. Environment, here, has a holistic meaning, encompassing the tangible as well as intangible, nature as well as culture, artefact as well as animal, building as well as behaviour. In ancient India tourism was mainly religious tourism. But the present scenario is different. Visitors, whether they are from abroad or are our own countrymen, visit places for leisure and pleasure, and basically to have a good time. A tourist prefers to opt for a place, which would mentally distance him from his workplace and the dullness of his daily routine. Sensitive natural sites are in limited supply and disappearing at lighting speed. Thus the conventional tourism is forced to meet tougher environmental requirements and the challenge today is to promote tourism activities in natural areas, while minimizing the negative impacts on them. Eco-tourism as a concept Environmentally responsible tourism is a new concept the world over. This can be defined as travel to relatively undisturbed places for the purpose of enjoying natural surroundings. It is a component of the field of sustainable tourism. It is an approach that creates a variety of quality tourism that is environmentally/ecologically sustainable, economically, socially and psychologically acceptable. It focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It also includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water reuse, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of eco-tourism.
History of eco-tourism The term eco-tourism was coined by Hector Ceballos-Lascurain in 1983, and was initially used to describe nature-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education. The concept has, however, developed to a scientifically based approach to the planning, management and development of sustainable tourism products and activities. Its formal enunciation emanates from the 1989 Hague Declaration on Tourism, which advocates rational management of tourism so that it contributes to the protection and preservation of the natural and cultural environment. At the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the issue of sustainable tourism was discussed within the context of overall sustainable development. The First World Conference on Sustainable Tourism took place in Lanzerote Island in 1995. The conference was attended by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Then came the Berlin Declaration on Biological Diversity and Sustainable Tourism 1997. World Eco-tour '97 Conference was held in Brazil. The first ever-international eco-tourism conference and workshop was held in Kenya in 1997. Recognizing its global importance, the United Nations designated the year 2002 as the International Year of Eco-tourism (IYE), and its Commission on Sustainable Development requested international agencies, governments and the private sector to undertake supportive activities. The WTO and the UNEP have joined forces to take the leading role in the preparation and co-ordination of activities to be undertaken at the international level during the IYE. A number of initiatives have been introduced by international organizations and the tourism industry. One of the most recent is a joint study on implementing Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry by the WTO, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and the Earth Council. The Agenda 21 action plan sets out a systematic framework to make the tourism industry more environmentally responsible. It urges governments to work with local authorities and the private sector wherever possible to develop an environmental program for management decisions regarding the industry and tourism destinations. Eco-tourism in Sikkim Sikkim has a culture and a tradition of holding every form of life in esteem. Indeed, even the nonliving aspects of nature, the rivers and the lakes, the mountains and the forests, are imbued with divine significance. From life to the very end of the individual existence, we have customs, which teach us to give back unto nature whatever we have taken from it, in one form or another. The people of Sikkim are rooted in a tradition, which has always been in harmony with nature. The tradition and sustainable modes of life have nourished the life of our people for long. Sikkim experiences tremendous annual inflow of tourists. A growing number of tourists, both international and domestic, are attracted to the Khangchendzonga National Park and various Wildlife Sanctuaries, which afford them glimpses of wildlife, mountains, jungle, rivers and lakes and also allow them for 'adventure tourism'. It certainly deserves to be encouraged. Since quite apart from the income generated by tourism, it also increases public awareness about nature and all natural beauties floral as well as faunal. A greater awareness and sensitivity to the charms of nature is in itself a boost for conservation. Used bottles, empty tins, plastic wrappers and bags not only bar the visual beauty of a place but are also threats to animals. Damage caused by the tourists inadvertently, though not acceptable, is at least understandable. But deliberate vandalism by souvenir hunters is despicable. Our monasteries and other historical monuments have borne the brunt of this crassness. The artists did not think it fit to even sign the beautiful monasteries but many a modem visitors attempt to scratch their names or make graffiti across the art of centuries. More than just the efforts of the government, it is the tourist activities that must blend into the surroundings. Overcrowding and indiscriminate construction not only create ugly blot on the landscape but also give rise to problems of solid waste disposal. Availability of water is also a problem at places. Another crucial issue is that of energy consumption. Tourist facilities should be so designed as to be energy efficient, taking advantage of the sun to reduce heating requirements to the bare minimum. Natural light should be preferred to artificial lighting, solar heating to geysers as far as possible. Waste should be controlled and re-cycling and multiple usages, particularly of water, should be adopted. Non-conventional sources of energy and water conservation should be the hallmark. In every case, it is necessary to do a detailed study about the 'carrying capacity' of any tourist location. A carrying capacity study entails determining the maximum number of people that a location could tolerate without beginning to deteriorate. It further determines the optimum number of people required so as to sustain it both economically as well as environmentally. Sikkim should adopt a model of development that suits the need of its people and is compatible with its socio-cultural milieu. We may set the following broad guidelines for the development of eco-tourism in Sikkim. Assess the possible environmental degradation and carrying capacity. Establish an inventory of existing ecological resources and baseline environmental status.
The effort should be to integrate tourism development into the overall development plans of the area. Environment-friendly tourism should aim at merging with the eco-system, natural as well as social; it should put back into the system, in terms of quantities, as much as it takes out of it, if not more. Tourism, if it is to be a vehicle of culture, prosperity and peace, must conserve without damaging, protect without plundering, and create without destroying. Ms Bharati Mohanti, IFS, Addl. Dir, DST |
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YEAR INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC 1980 1,572 12,862 1981 2,739 19,115 1982 2,880 18,347 1983 2,084 16,906 1984 2,153 16,906 1985 1,670 39,342 1986 2,001 33,218 1987 1,833 29,589 1988 1,911 37,180 1989 2,787 44,378 1990 4,719 56,706 1991 6,187 61,360 1992 6,761 68,146 1993 7,132 75,091 1994 6,888 92,435 1995 5,866 98,555 1996 8,642 1,45,256 1997 8,068 1,16,500 1998 6,111 1,33,158 1999 8,563 1,39,085 2000 8,794 1,44,203 2001 7,757 1,46,923 Total 10,81,18 15,57,823 Source : Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim. List of ENVIS Centres in India |