|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
The ENVIS Centre Sikkim on Ecotourism is bringing out the 3rd compilation of Abstracts from Research papers on Indian Ecotourism as its Newsletter Volume 7 Number I Jan to April issue 2008.
I hope that the publication will serve the purpose it has been designed to, in helping the interested research workers, scientists, policy planners and the general public in the concerned thematic area.
M.L Arrawatia,IFS,
Secretary,
Department of Science and Technology
Abstract: Each abstract deals with Ecotourism in the context of Indian sub continent under various titles
Author: The title is followed by the name of the author(s) and address.
Source: The source of the abstract wherever available has been given in the form of name of the journal or the url of the source.
TITLE The Study of community dependence of Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary in the Sikkim Himalayas:
AUTHOR(s) Dhakal,-R-D;Ghanashyam-Sharna;Kharga Basnet
SOURCE Journal –of-Hill-Research,2006;19(1):24-33
ABSTRACT Community dependence and resource(firewood,fodder and NTFP’s) utilization by settlements adjoining to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary(MWLS) in the Sikkim Himalaya,India,was studiede during 2001-2003.Total firewood collection was 8343 t/year,80% of which was used at the household and 20% in the Goth.Community used 1.4 times more firewood in winter than in rainy season.Fodder collection from the forest was higher(9508 t/year)than the farm(8333 t/year).Different NTFP’S extracted were used for local handicrafts,construction,and local medicine,for food and for exchange cash.The prestructured questionnaire survey reveals that there is a need to increase agricultural diversification,production systems,agricultural income ,off-farm income ,total household income and the sale of horticultural produce and establish forward and backward linkages of their farm produce.This will reduce the dependence of communities towards the forest and enhance opportunities for better livelihoods.The study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to agroforestry development for improved economic return and sustainability of the communities together with participatory PA management.
*******************************************************************
TITLE Impact assessment on mammals in Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary of the Sikkim Himalayas.
AUTHOR(s) Adhikari,-P-P;Thapa,-T-B;Sharma,-G
SOURCE Journal-of –Hill –Research .2006;19(2):71-75
ABSTRACT This paper assesses the impact of human activities on native mammals by analyzing community composition,species richness and abundances in disturbed and relatively undisturbed habitats of the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary(FWS)in Sikkim,India.Results showed that the tree species richness,density and basal area distribution were higher in undisturbed habitat.A total of 25 mammalian species belonging to 15 families were recorded.Of these,21 (84%) species were recorded in the undisturbed habitat and 10 species were recorded in the disturbed habitat.More than 70% of the recorded species were specific in habitat use.Of the 25 recorded species,60% were restricted to undisturbed habitat contrast with 16% in the disturbed forest habitat.Both the vegetation structure and mammal assemblage were diverse in the FWS.Of the recorded mammals,60% of the species were human disturbance sensitive and 40% were disturbance tolerant.
*******************************************************************
AUTHOR(s) Alka-Jain;Pal,Rai,S-C;Sharma,-E
SOURCE Indian- Journal-of-Forestry,2005;28(4):339-347
ABSTRACT The present study was conducted in a 12 km2 sacred Khecheopalri Lake Watershed in the Sikkim Himalaya,India,to analyse the anthroprogenically induced changes of land use/cover and forest structure/composition of a watershed that has an impact on lake longetivity. The Lake is known for its sanctity ,pristine condition,multi-ethnicity and also as famous tourist destinations of Sikkim.The influx of tourists is high with visible impact of disturbance on the Lake and its watershed.The antrhropogenic pressure has led to land use/cover change of the watershed in the past decade with increase of agricultural land at the expense of forests.The forested vegetation composition in the lake watershed forest has density of 248 trees/ha with sub-canopy species being dominated in the lower diameter class.The local people remove approximately 28% wood from annual biomass increment and the canopy species have reduced considerably because of fuelwood and timber collection resulting in invasion of some opportunistic species in the regeneration stage.The pressure of grazing was also high resulting in removal of 47% of annual primary production of floor phytomass during 1998.Therefore,the anthropogenic pressure on the watershed forest needs to be minimized for minimizing the soil erosion process and thus maintaining the health of the Lake.
*******************************************************************
AUTHOR(s) Nakul-Chettri;Eklabya-Sharma
SOURCE Resources,Energy,-and –Development .2006;3(1):21-34
ABSTRACT In the Himalayas,subsistence largely depends upon resources derived from natural forests due to the free and easy access to these and simplicity in their use.Sikkim(India)has 43% of its total geographical area under forest cover,of which 34% is under dense forests.The burgeoning human population and family fragmentations are exerting a tremendous pressure on the natural resources to meet the requirements of food,fuel,fodder,timber and other human needs.In recent years,tourism has increased in Sikkim,which has been one of the major factors behind the destruction of forests.Irrational use of natural resources has resulted in the lowering of forest quality and shortage of resources.As a result,people have started using less-valued species as firewood and fodder.This study examines the bioresourcesuse pattern by the community and tourism enterprises along a trekking corridor in the Sikkim Himalaya,with special reference to firewood,fodder and timber.
*******************************************************************
AUTHOR(s) Chettri.-N;Sharma,-E
SOURCE Current-Science.2007;92(12):1744-1747
ABSTRACT Local people’s preference scores for firewood species were studied thropugh pairwise ranking tools of Participatory Rural Appraisal technique from Yuksam-Dzongri trekking trail,Sikkim,India.A wide variety of plant species used as firewood was enlisted .These woody tree species with potential firewood use value were analysed for their Firewood Value Index(FVI)considering energy value ,density ,moisture content and ash content.The local people’s preference scores and the constituent properties were then compared with 17 widely used firewood species using Pearson correlation and multiple regressions.Quercus spp.and Rhododendron spp.were the most desirable firewood according to their high ranks in local preference scores as well as FVI compared to other species.Local people’s preference ranking energy and ash contents were vital constituents for determination of firewood quality.Local knowledge and scientific assessment closely matched to each other emphasizing that highly preferred species by the communities invariably showed better firewood value.However ,there were some disparities when people’s perception in relation to availability of species and convenience was considered.The local knowledge could be a good tool for species selection in forestry programme.
*******************************************************************
TITLE Floristic survey of the Kanchenjunga National Park area in Sikkim.
AUTHOR Chhetri,-D-R
SOURCE Environment –and –Ecology. 1997; 15(2): 258-262
ABSTRACT The flora of the Kenchenjunga National Park (1829-8582 m alt) covering an area of 850 kmsuperscript 2 in N, and W, Sikkim was studies. In the lower zone (1829-2743 m alt.) Quercus and Castanopsis were dominant. In the middle zone (2743-3962 m alt.) mixed coniferous forest was found as well as 11 Rhododendrons species. Above 3962 m alt., vegetation was dominated by dwarf varieties of Rhododendron and Juniperus and 9 Primula spp. were also found. It was concluded that deforestation, mountaineering, cattle grazing and traditional medical practices along with the fragile nature of rock types in this area are a cause of concern.
*******************************************************************
AUTHOR(s) Krishna,-A-P-;Santosh-Chettri;Singh,-K-K
SOURCE Mountain-Research –and-Development.2002;22(4):328-331
ABSTRACT The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve(KBR)in the Sikkim Himalaya(India),which was declared a biosphere reserve(BR) in 2000,offers an opportunity to investigate the implications and possibilities of future conflict prevention at the inception stage.It is suggested that it is important to consider the human dimensions of a BR from the outset and survey stakeholders’ attitudes about conservation in order to take into account the inherent traditional dependence of people on forest-based resources.Potential conflicts need to be addressed through well-thought out strategies and the integration of traditional conflict prevention mechanisms.Experience gained in the KBR may be useful in light of the widely reported conflicts in other BR’s and protected areas around the world.Careful and informed planning may help reduce the likelihood of conflicts arising in newly established BR’s.
*******************************************************************
TITLE Traditional fermented foods and beverages of Darjeeling and Sikkim – a review.
AUTHOR(s) Tamang,-J-P; Sarkar;-P-K; Hesseltine;-C-W
SOURCE Journal-of-the-Science-of-Food-and-Agriculture, 1988; 44 (4); 375-385
ABSTRACT The various ethnic groups of the Darjeeling district of West Bengal and Sikkim, India, eat a variety of fermented foods including Kinema (based on soya beans), gundruk (Brassica campestris leaves), sinki (radish, Raphanus sativus), mesu (bamboo shoots), churpi (milk), shel roti (rice preparation) and Jnards (beers). These have not previously been investigated, and their method of preparation and consumption are reported here, The flora of murcha, the starter culture of jnards, contains mainly Pediococcus, yeasts belonging to the genera Saccharomycopsis, Pichia and Saccharomyces and the moulds Rhizopus and Mucor.
*******************************************************************
TITLE Cultural significance and diversities of ethnic foods of Northeast India.
AUTHOR Anamika-Singh;-R-K;Sureja,-A-K
SOURCE Indian-Journal-of-Traditional-Knowledge.2007;6(1):79-94
.
ABSTRACT The diversity and types of ethnic foods made of local soyabean,bamboo shoot,tree bean,lai patta(leafy mustard) and rai(Brassica juncea)that are consumed by tribal communities in 7 states in Northeast India(Arunachal Pradesh,Mizoram,Nagaland,Tripura,Sikkim,Meghalaya and Manipur)were investigated .The associated social and cultural factors were also explored .Data were collected from 140 tribal women through interviews and focus group discussions.The results showed that the tribal women from this region had a wide range of variability in the processing of the studied ethnic foods.In each state the method for processing of these foods was somewhat different based on culture,variability in materials used,climate and overall knowledge of the processing and preparation.These foods were nutritionally rich and culturally important in various festivals and ceremonies.The ethnic foods prepared and consumed by these women were influenced by many factors such as nutrition,health ,food security,culture,ethics,subsistence economy and ecological sustainability.It is suggested that a policy framework with clear directives on recognition of traditional foods and associated knowledge systems is urgently needed.
*******************************************************************
TITLE Rhododendrons conservation in the Sikkim Himalaya.
AUTHOR(s) Singh,-K-K; Kumar;-S; Rai;-L-K; Krishna;-A-P
SOURCE Current- Science; 2003; 85 (5): 602-606
ABSTRACT Rhododendrons from a major plant group at upper temperate locations having a characteristic slow growth rate and sizable horticultural value. Asia is the homeland for rhododendrons and many species had been hunted out of the region during British rule. About 98% of the Indian species are found in the Himalayan region, among which 72% are found in Sikkim. Due to human interference the natural population of rhododendrons in the entire Himalaya are gradually diminishing. The major threats to rhododendrons are deforestation and unsustainable extraction for firewood and incense by local people. A set of rhododendrons which are classified as rare/endangered may be wiped out from the biota in the near future if proper conservation measurers are not made. The present work incorporates biotechnological and conservation methods to counter the threat on survival of these plants. Studies on in vitro propagation of Rhododendron maddenii from the cotyledonary nodal segments, young leaves and steams, have yielded positive results. The goal of the work is to find out means of conservation through in vitro and ex situ mass propagation and restoration of rhododendron population in the wild.
TITLE Primula kingii Watt(Primulaceae),a threatened plant of Sikkim Himalaya
AUTHOR(s) A.K.Sahoo & A.A. Ansari
Botanical Survey of India,Sikkim Himalayan Circle,Gangtok
ABSTRACT Sikkim,a part of Eastern Himalaya houses the diverse floristic elements of tropical ,subtropical, temperate and alpine vegetation in altitudinal range of 200-5000m.Primula L.(Primulaceae)with ca 500 species in Northern Hemisphere; ca 140 species in India; ca 60 species in Sikkim,is a unique small herb having cluster of leaves at base with a variety of coloured flowers borne on a leafless stem called scape growing at an altitudinal range of 3300-4200 m. During a botanical tour to Meimenchu lake catchment areas of Sherathang, Babamandir & Kupup in East Sikkim in the month of September, Primula kingii Watt was observed in few numbers in comparison to other common primulas (P.calderiana Balfour & Cooper, P glomerata Pax,etc)The colour of flower of Primula kingii being dark wine red is much attractive in nature and most probably is collected by the visitor to the locality for the ornamental purpose. A comparison of locality of present specimen with earlier collected herbarium specimens at BSHC reveals that Primula kingii in wild have been found growing in the specific localities of East Sikkim in comparison to the other regions of the state of same altitudinal range may further conclude about its restricted adaptation and natural habitat. The plant specimen collected from the field is processed, preserved and deposited at BSHC as a reference material.
************************************************************************
TITLE Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Sikkim- a remote sensing approach.
AUTHOR(s) Maity,-D; Taha,-S-O; Maiti,-G-G
SOURCE Indian-Forester. 2006; 132(8): 971-979
ABSTRACT The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (BRS) was notified in 1998, by the Government of India to conserve the genetic diversity of Rhododendron species, situated within the Sikkim Himalayas. This study was conducted to map the geophysical consequences as well as the major floristic components of the BRS through remote sensing and GIS technology. A total of 11 maps and several tables have been used to analyse the forest types, forest density, soil types, altitude, slop aspect, etc, and characterize the sanctuary. This sanctuary is still with maximum coverage of broadleaved forests, but simultaneously soil erosion is moderate to high. BRS is a habitat to 30 % (10 out of 37 species) of Rhododendron species at present known to the Sikkim Himalaya. This study highlights the capability of remote sensing techniques for future planning, conservation and forest management
*******************************************************************
AUTHOR(s) Nakul-Chettri;Deb,-D-C;Eklabya-Sharma;Jackson,-R
SOURCE Mountain-Research –and-Development.2005;25(3):235-243
ABSTRACT To assess the impact of habitat disturbance on birds in the Yuksam-Dzongri trekking corridor in western Sikkim,India,the relationships between bird community attributes-including migratory groups and feeling guilds-and vegetation variables were examined .Birds were observed in 19 100-m-long transects,3 times per season per transect,for 2 seasons from 1997 to 1998 to 1999,in an area where forests are subject to various degrees of pressure from human disturbances.Closed canopy forests with relatively undisturbed habitat showed significant variation in habitat attributes,suggesting complexity of habitat structure.Bird species richness and diversity were significantly related to moderately disturbed habitats represented by Principal Component Analysis(PCA),were vegetation heterogeneity (vertical stratification and species composition)was greater.Analysis by migratory groups did not show an interpretable relationship with the habitats ,except for the seasonal movements of migratory groups when correlated with altitudinal gradient along the corridor.However,feeding guilds showed significant relationships when correlated with different habitat types.Guilds such as insectivores showed a significant positive relationship with relatively undisturbed habitat,whereas nectarivores and granivores were associated with disturbed habitat.Such relationships have the potential to help assess bird communities and their habitat preferences.Long-term monitoring at landscape level is necessary to understand the dynamics of habitat use patterns by bird communities in relation to spatial and temporal changes.
AUTHOR N. Chettri, E.
Sharma and D. C. Deb
G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Sikkim Unit,
PO Tadong, Sikkim, 737102 India,Department of Zoology, North Bengal
University, Raja Rammohanpur, Darjeeling, India
SOURCE
Biological Conservation
Volume 102, Issue 1, November 2001, Pages 1-16
ABSTRACT Bird community structure was studied in the Yuksam–Dzongri trekking corridor of the Sikkim Himalaya, India. Nineteen transects with a total of 266 samplings were made in the forests along the corridor during June 1997 to June 1999. Human utilised forest (open canopy forest) and relatively unutilised forest (closed canopy forest) were designated for the study at two ecological zones, i.e. lower forest (1780–2350 m a.s.l.) and upper forest (2350–3600 m) depending on the natural resources utilisation pattern by local community living in the area and for tourism purposes. There were visible changes in the open and closed canopy forests in diameters at breast height class distribution of trees leading to distinct variation in the habitat types. Among the 143 species of birds observed during the study, a handful of species were found as habitat specific and about 40% were common to all the four habitat types. Both bird species richness and diversity were higher at the open canopy conditions compared with closed canopy, but the differences were not statistically significant. On the other hand, both the indices showed strong and significant negative relationship with the elevation. These diversity indices were also significantly higher during the summer compared with the winter season. The open canopy conditions exhibited comparatively more species of birds that were perturbated by human settlements than those species found at the closed canopy (mostly forest interior) and vice versa. Though the study could not trace out the effect of patch size brought about by human caused disturbances, the Yuksam–Dzongri trekking corridor possesses diverse habitat types as well as bird species resulted from heterogeneous habitat conditions. It is therefore important to emphasise disturbance study for threshold level assessment so that generalists as well as forest interior species could be managed through conservation efforts.
Keywords: Forest types; Species richness and diversity; Habitat conditions; Seasonality
*******************************************************************
TITLE Folklores of Sacred Khecheopalri Lake in the Sikkim
Himalaya of India- A Plea for Conservation.
AUTHOR(s) Alka Jain,H.Birkumar Singh,S.C. Rai and E.Sharma.
G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development
Sikkim,India
SOURCE Asian Folklore Studies, Volume 63, 2004: 291–302
ABSTRACT Although locals regard all lakes in the Himalayan mountains as sacred, Khecheopalri Lake in the Sikkim Himalaya of India is considered the most sacred. There are many folklores associated with it—it is famous as a “wish fulłlling lake.” The pristine setting of the lake combined with its huge biodiversity attracts a large number of tourists, and it is also a pilgrimage site. However, the lake’s sacredness is limited to the water only and it faces immense anthropogenic and other biotic pressures in the watershed, such as those relating to the collection of firewood, the felling of trees for timber, fodder collection, free livestock grazing, and various agricultural practices. The impact of tourism, with consequent garbage management issues and impact on wildlife, adds another dimension to the lake’s fragile ecosystem. This has led to environmental and cultural changes of the area that all pose a threat to the ecosystem and its surrounding resources, thus raising questions over the lake’s longevity and economic viability.
Keywords: Khecheopalri Lake; biofolklore; Sikkim Himalaya; conservation
*******************************************************************
TITLE Just started and now finished: tourism development in Arunachal Pradesh
AUTHOR: Myra Shackley
Centre for Tourism and Visitor Management Nottingham Business School Nottingham Trent University Burton Street, Nottingham
NG1 4BU, UK
SOURCE
Tourism
Management
Volume
16, Issue 8, December 1995, Pages 623-625
ABSTRACT The remote north-east Indian province of Arunachal Pradesh was briefly opened to visitors from 1993–1995 as part of a general Indian policy promoting wider access to frontier areas. The writer visited Arunachal during 1994 to assess its fledgeling tourism industry, expressing great concern over potential sociocultural impact. During late 1995, despite pressure from tour operators anxious to expand ecotourism in Arunachal's Namdapha National Park and develop joint projects with the Kaziranga and Manas reserves in Assam, it has now become clear that the current Arunachali government feels that the disbenefits of developing tourism outweigh any economic advantages. Tourism to Arunachal is now being actively discouraged and the industry seems likely to atrophy. This short report charts the rise and fall of Arunachal Pradesh as a tourism destination.
*******************************************************************
TITLE Potential for cultural and eco-tourism in North East India: a community-based approach
|
AUTHOR(s) P. Deb Burman, L. Cajee & D. D. Laloo SOURCE http://library.witpress.com/pages/PaperInfo.asp?PaperID=17308
ABSTRACT
The North Eastern Region of India
comprising eight states, including Sikkim, is a relatively unexplored
and unique area, in terms of both geography and cultural diversity as it
provides one with a glimpse of not just a ‘mini India’, but also of S.E
Asia, all within a space of 265,000 sq.km.The indigenous people belong
to mainly the Mongoloid and Tibeto-Burman stock and have preserved their
culture, language and way of life, even in the present century. ******************************************************************** TITLE Jharkhand: Unexplored Heaven for Eco-Tourists
AUTHOR Ravi Bhushan Kumar, Reader, Department of Tourism & Hotel Management, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra.
ABSTRACT Jharkhand is a newly born state of new millennia. It came into existence with several natural gifts and inherited several socio-economic-political problems. The root cause of these problems is hidden in rampant poverty, economic disparity and unemployment. The soil of plateau is not very fertile. The irrigational facilities are not available. The automation of machines has reduced the need of labour in several sectors. In such case tourism may be best solution which can provide good job opportunity to all; literate and illiterate, Jharkhand is bestowed with good combination of natural and cultural tourist attractions. It needs a joint effort of government, private sector and local people to exploits the opportunities.
Key words: Tourist resources; Tribal tourism; Eco-tourism; Economic disparity.
*******************************************************************
TITLE Manali Resort Development Process:- A Case in Tourism Urbanization
AUTHOR Shalini Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1
ABSTRACT Given that remote mountain resorts are constrained for economic opportunities, tourism becomes an expedient function capable of sustaining precious resources. However, tourism growths in the mountains possess the potency to trigger off conflicting contemporaneous processes, primarily urbanization. The resort township of Manali, in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh is a typical example of tourism-induced urbanization. Such a process is not uncommon for many a Himalayan destinations, where urban sprawls threaten the viability of tourism. This paper documents the evolution of a resort from a tourist Mecca to an urban locus. This transformation, having occurred with little planning, has provoked serious problems associated with overgrowth, besides pushing the tourism function further into the periphery. It is contended that recent surges in resort development are questionable, given the purpose and nature of the proposal. The paper concludes with pertinent questions that beg attention.
Key words: Tourism Urbanization; Manali; Resort Development.
******************************************************************* AUTHOR J. C. Kuniyal, A.
P. Jain and A. S. Shannigrahi
SOURCE
Resources, Conservation and Recycling ABSTRACT The Himalayas have always been tranquil, religious and enchanting for meditation, worship and recreation for saints, pilgrims and tourists respectively. But today there is no significant difference between metropolitan towns on the plains to tiny tourist/religious spots in the hills of the Himalayas owing to a high influx of more than 1.16 lakh visitors within a 4-month season in a year. The beautiful treks from Govind Ghat (1928 m) to Hemkund Sahib (4329 m) and the Valley of Flowers National Park have suffered from litter and foul smells due to unattended solid waste. In the first part of the study, the perceptions of participatory groups such as visitors, stall keepers, the host community, the Gurudwara management committee (GMC) and district administration (DA) regarding environmental assessment of solid waste management (SWM) have been taken into account. Since visitors and stall keepers are the major contributory participatory groups in generating and causing primarily solid waste problems, they were studied in detail. The local villagers as a host community by means of participatory interactions and meetings were assessed as an important participatory group along with assessments of their other problems. In addition, the GMC and DA have been assessed as regulatory participatory bodies at local and government levels for ongoing tourism activities and the resultant solid waste problem. Three hundred and fifty one visitors and 40% of the stall keepers were thoroughly interviewed. The second part of the study highlights the estimation of solid waste generation from the essential commodities supplying visitors at halting areas (e.g. Ghangariya) and Hemkund Sikh shrine. Solid waste generation from stalls was measured at >50% of the total waste. Chemical analyses were also conducted for suitable waste. Based on average results, some of the practical but small recovery packages of SWM options such as reuse and recycling were suggested to eliminate the problem completely from the religious–tourist sites in the Himalayas or from other similar mountain regions of the world.Keywords: Public involvement; Perception; Waste generation; Solid waste management; Reuse; Himalayan trails; Valley of Flowers.
*******************************************************************
AUTHOR Prof S.C Bagri H.N.B Garhwal University Dean & Director Faculty of Management, Tourism and Hoteliering, HNB Garhwal University. Srinagar Garhwal-246174, Uttranchal, India. SOURCE Keynote Abstracts from 2nd National Wildlife Tourism Conference 2006 ABSTRACT Protected areas conservation and wildlife tourism management for visiting tourists is the emerging issue in the Himalayas. Efforts are under way from all stakeholders to make such protected areas sellable among visitors through active participation of local people. Garhwal Himalaya in India offers a large number of protected areas and the villagers living in the surrounding buffer zones are participating in the tourism activities since their openings. The demographic profile of visiting tourists, Incentives and Concessions to Tourism Entrepreneurs and Gov’t policy for tourism promotion are some of the target points that have been considered for the study in the present paper. In view of this the present research paper is designed to know the problems for tourism development in the region, management conflict with the villagers, emergence of wildlife tourism to infuse economic activities, and approximate financial assessment for developing wildlife tourism facilities. The methodology was based on primary survey conducted through structured questionnaires between March to July 2004. The data were cross-checked subsequently in beginning of next tourist’s season in May-June 2005. The universe of the data consists of locals, pilgrims, tourists, and day visitors. The age group of the respondents varies from 20- 60 years. The average size of sampled population was 50 and they were interviewed with the help of structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews and questionnaire surveys were conducted from the same number of service providers consists of hotel owners, taxi operators and adventure tour operators. Further enumeration method was adopted for physical interpretation of the existing facilities. Keywords: Himalaya, Garhwal, tourist, park, sanctuary, local community, planning ******************************************************************* TITLE A social anthropology of tourism in Ladakh, India. AUTHOR Jean Michaud ABSTRACT Who does tourism benefit when it reaches a small Third-World community that was, until then, mostly cut off from the world market? This article proposes elements for an answer by inquiring into the social effects of tourism on the emergence of enterprises in Ladakh, India. In this case, the article deduces touristic entrepreneurs profit from their activities and how they organize to protect their interests. The relevance of the formal/informal economic sectors approach is questioned, and some broadening of the analysis is proposed on grounds of cultural and political economy.Keywords: tourism; Third World; social anthropology; economics of tourism; local politics; India. ******************************************************************* TITLE Mountain expeditions: minimising the impact AUTHOR(s) Jagdish C. Kuniyal email: jckuniyal@hotmail.com; email: jckuniyal@gbpiku.nic.in G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Himachal Unit, Mohal-Kullu (H.P.), Pin. 175 126, India SOURCE
Environmental Impact Assessment Review
ABSTRACT Mountains of the world are the prime sources of glaciers and scenic beauty. However, for the last two decades biotic pressure due to expeditions, trekking, tourism and transhumance practices by the shepherds is continuously increasing in these areas. Practices like indiscriminate throwing of wastes, leaving behind self generated wastes and emission of poisonous gases from unattended wastes, cutting of trees like Rhododendron spp. (for fuelwood), introduction of hybrid sheep to replace indigenous ones, extraction of invaluable and endangered medicinal plants, reduction in wildlife because of illegal hunting and poaching (for meat, skin and medicine) adversely affect the expedition areas. The study conducted in one of the expeditions to the Pindari Valley of Indian Himalayas shows that 60.68% nonbiodegradable waste problem can be resolved by reuse (39.34%) and recycling (21.34%). But all the wastes need to be brought back by the visitors from expedition/trekking areas to the road heads for easy transportation to places where it can be re-used, recycled or new products discovered with innovative recovery initiatives. Also, public involvement in minimising the adverse eco-impacts is a must. Under such high biotic pressure, problem of solid waste, high melting rate of glaciers, a rational use of scarce local resources is urgently needed.Keywords: Mountain expeditions; Eco-impacts; Mitigating measures ******************************************************************* TITLE Community impact of the camel safari industry in Jaisalmar, Rajasthan
AUTHOR Myra Shackley
SOURCE
Tourism Management ABSTRACT The isolated desert city of Jaisalmar (Rajasthan, north-west India) now receives over 200 000 visitors per year, mainly as the result of the promotion of camel safaris to the Thar desert. Jaisalmar has a camel surplus because of mechanized farming, with animals redeployed into the safari business. Considerable profits are generated for camel owners and safari operators but these are directly returned to the local community either to finance a larger family or to buy more camels. This industry now controls the Jaisalmar economy but poor regulation threatens its sustainability with worrying implications for employment and environmental management. *******************************************************************
AUTHOR Nagothu Udaya
Sekhar
SOURCE
Journal of Environmental Management ABSTRACT Conservationists in the recent years view local peoples' support for protected areas management as an important element of biodiversity conservation. This is often linked to the direct benefits, which local communities get from the protected areas. These benefits could be in the form of biomass resources, park funds diverted to local villages by state agencies and revenue from wildlife tourism. There are a very few studies which have attempted to study the direct relationship between benefits from wildlife tourism and local support for conservation. In India, wildlife tourism is restricted, and mostly controlled by state and private agencies. Wildlife conservation policy does not view tourism in protected areas as a source of revenue for the local communities. The present study examines the local people's attitudes towards wildlife tourism and the impact of benefits from tourism on the local support for Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), India. STR is a flagship for tourism where protected areas are increasingly being visited and where local support for wildlife tourism has not been studied adequately. Results indicate that two-thirds of the respondents were positive towards tourism and support for conservation. The respondents were aware that more tourism benefits are possible from a well-conserved protected area. There appears to be correlation between benefits obtained by local people from wildlife tourism and other sources, and support for protected area existence, suggesting that benefits impact people's attitudes towards conservation. Some of the main problems are the unequal distribution of tourism benefits, lack of locals' involvement in tourism and development. There is a need to clearly address these issues, so that protected areas may get the support of local people, which may lead to sustainable development. Keywords: Wildlife tourism; Conservation; Local people; Benefits; Parks; India
************************************************************************
TITLE Tourism and Environmental Quality: Perspectives in the Indian Context
AUTHOR(s) Gopal Sami Poyyamoli, Reader, Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Pondicherry University Babu P George, Lecturer, Tourism Studies, School of management, Pondicherry University
ABSTRACT Tourism and the environment are intricately and inseparably interlinked, with many positive relationships as well as several irreversible negative impacts. Destinations of higher environmental quality attract tourists and in that process are also transmuted, either positively or negatively. Drawing evidences largely from the Indian context, the present paper analyzes the root causes of tourism related degradation in environmental quality and suggests alternatives that synergizes tourism and environment. Two case studies are presented: one to show how tourism produces inferior environmental quality and the other to suggest a practical means to overcome the apparent contradiction between conservation and development. It is concluded that the paradigm of eco-cultural tourism and the praxis of community based ecotourism could provide useful global frameworks with reference to which locally informed quality-tourism initiatives could be formulated and customized.
Key words. Environmental quality; tourism impacts; eco-labelling; eco-cultural tourism.
*******************************************************************
TITLE Successful Eco-Tourism Practices: Role of Stakeholders
AUTHOR(s) Dr. S.P. Bansal, Reader, Institute of Vocational Studies, Himachal University, Shimla Dr. S.K. Garg, Reader, Department of economics, ICDEOL, H.P. University, Shimla Dr. Prashant Kumar Gautam, Lecturer, Institute of Vocational Studies, Himachal University, Shimla
ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to find factors for successful eco-tourism development. Tourism is the world’s largest industry that promotes increased interaction of political and economic forces within a society. It may be regarded as consisting of tourists, a business, and an environment or community in which it operates thereby tourism phenomenon affects all these elements. This paper deals with the study of various stakeholders in tourism development. As suggested by various authors’, management people, locals, tourism trade people and NGO’s are main stakeholders in tourism. All the information presented in this paper, if not otherwise cited is based on observations and discussions with the personnel of the NGO’s, locals and the tourists. To strengthen the theoretical ideas, three case-destinations in Indian Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh, were selected. viz. Sangla Valley in district Kinnaur, Pongdam wetland in Kangra district and Ananda Project in Kullu District. The Sangla Valley is situated in Himachal Pradesh, an Indian state in northwest Himalayas. Foreign tourist started visiting this valley in 1995. Since then, the number of tourists has considerably increased. This has resulted in development of many accommodation units. It is obvious that the valley holds an enormous tourism potential for domestic as well as foreign tourist. Because of the growing popularity among tourists and the interest of inhabitants to use the tourist potential of this valley, the region will face a considerable boom in tourism in the next few years that may become a challenge for tourism development in a sustainable manner. A group of villagers decided to form a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) named as “Sangla Valley Sustainable Development Society” mainly for the cause of sustainable tourism development in the valley. The second case study is a story of tradition, awareness, science, community participation, non governmental organizations, receptive administration and individual initiative combining to boost development, promote eco-tourism and conserve environment in a small village of Himalayas in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Mr. Satinder Singh Guleria, who has set up the Institute for Environment Studies and the Science Awareness Trust, along with other dedicated people, who realized that action is better than just complaining, and all this in a place which most people, even in India, may not be able to identify on the map. Mr. Guleria’s area of work is in Sanauran village in Kangra district of HP, where the Pong Dam and the Ramsar Wetland expanse have received the attention of the organization. Third case study is of Ananda Project in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The purpose of the project is to “help local communities regain their self-reliance and return to a sustainable way of life” and the main focus is to “introduce cultivation techniques at the community level in order to help the villagers generate a sustainable source of income and to conserve endangered species of medicinal plants being over harvested from the wild”. *******************************************************************
AUTHOR
Kevin Hannam
SOURCE Current Issues in Tourism Volume: 8 Number: 2&3 Page: 165–180 ABSTRACT This paper analyses contemporary tourism management issues in India’s national parks. It begins by setting India’s national parks in the context of national parks globally, before examining the historical development of national parks in India itself. Based upon the author’s extensive qualitative research, the paper then discusses in general terms the tourism conflicts that have recently emerged in India’s national parks. It goes on to examine in detail the tourism management issues as they apply to a specific case study, namely the Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarahole) National Park located in the state of Karnataka. It is concluded that the voices of indigenous communities needs to be recognised in the management of the park and in terms of tourism development efforts Keywords: India, national parks, tourism management, indigenous communities, Nagarahole ******************************************************************* TITLE Ecotourism potential of Ratnagiri coast with special reference to Bhatye estuary AUTHOR (s) S. A. Apate, S. N. Kumbhar, S. S. Terdalkar, A. S. Kulkarni ABSTRACT The paradise of Maharashtra, Ratnagiri is known for its scenic beauty and land of sun and sand and off course traveler’s delight. Being a coastal district, Ratnagiri enjoys a unique combination of nature’s endowment, a significant component of which is the diversity of its coastal habitats characterized by a variety of landforms like beaches, estuaries and islands etc. The entire range of coastal and estuarine environment offers an important natural resource for “ecotourism”. The present paper reviews the potential and prospects of estuarine ecotourism in Ratnagiri with special emphasis on mangrove ecosystem. An attempt has been made here to present the overall analysis of the mangrove related ecotourism enterprise such as mangrove biodiversity, back water safaris, paragliding, bird watching and fishing etc. The implicit assumption in the ecotourism concept is that the local communities should be benefited. However, due to several social and legal hurdles the goals have not been achieved so far as in case of neighboring Goa State. The paper further throws light on mangrove flora and avian fauna. The paper is, thus, a balance sheet of “green consumerism” in the tourism sector. *****************************************************************************
Authors Index
Alka-Jain; Pal, Rai, S-C; Sharma,-E-4 Alka Jain,H.Birkumar Singh,S.C.Rai and E Sharma-12 Adhikari,-P-P;Thapa,-T-B;Sharma,-G-3 Anamika-Singh;-R-K;Sureja,-A-K-7 A.K Sahoo & A.A.Ansari-9 Chhetri,-D-R-6 Dhakal,-R-D;Ghanashyam-Sharna;Kharga Basnet-3 Gopal Sami Poyyamoli, Babu P George-23 J. C. Kuniyal, A. P. Jain and A. S. Shannigrahi-15 Jagdish C. Kuniyal-18 Jean Michaud-17 Krishna,-A-P-;Santosh-Chettri;Singh,-K-K-6 Kunal Sharma,Samita Vasudevan and Pratim Roy-22 Kevin Hannam-25 Myra Shackley-13,18 Maity,-D; Taha,-S-O; Maiti,-10 M. S. Reddy and N. V. V. Char-20 Nakul-Chettri;Deb,-D-C;Eklabya-Sharma;Jackson,-R-10 Nakul-Chettri;Eklabya-Sharma-5 N. Chettri, E. Sharma and D. C. Deb-11 Nagothu Udaya Sekhar-19 P. Deb Burman, L. Cajee & D. D. Laloo-13 Prafulla Chandra Mohapatra-21 Ravi Bhushan Kumar-14 Rimi Mutsuddi,Indranil Mutsuddi-22 Singh,-K-K; Kumar;-S; Rai;-L-K; Krishna;-A-P-8 Shalini Singh-14 S.C Bagri-16 S.P. Bansal, Dr. S.K. Garg, Dr. Prashant Kumar Gautam-24 S. A. Apate, S. N. Kumbhar, S. S. Terdalkar, A. S. Kulkarni-25 Tamang,-J-P; Sarkar;-P-K; Hesseltine;-C-W-7
|