About ENVIS    

Environmental Information System (ENVIS) is a plan programme of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. ENVIS is 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.

   Objectives:

1. Long-term objectives

·         To build up a repository and dissemination Centre in Environment Science and Engineering;

·         To gear up the modern technologies of information acquisition, processing, storage, retrieval and dissemination of environmental information;

·         To support and promote research, development and innovation in environmental information technology.

2. Short-term objective

·         To provide national environmental information service relevant to present needs and capable of development to meet the future needs of the users, originators, processors and disseminators of information;

·         To build up storage, retrieval and dissemination capabilities, with the ultimate objectives of disseminating information speedily to the users;

·         To promote national and international co-operation and liaison for exchange of environment related information;

·         To promote, support and assist education and personal training programmes designed to enhance environmental information processing and utilization capabilities;

·         To promote exchange of information amongst developing countries.

 

 

The Kerala declaration on responsible tourism

Source: www.responsibletourism2008.org

The Incredible India 2^nd International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations organized by Kerala Tourism and the ICRT India. The 2^nd International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations was attended by 503 delegates from 29 countries. The delegates came with a broad range of experience and expertise from diverse cultures, environments and backgrounds. There were delegates from international organizations, national and local government, local communities, airlines, hoteliers, tour operators, service providers, protected areas, NGOs, academia, architects and planners, the media and consultants.

We came with a wide range of experiences from different environments, cultures and tourism contexts and we have shared and discussed our different experiences and approaches over four days.

We recognise the commitments made by policymakers in Kerala who have committed to Responsible Tourism and pledged to take forward the concept of Responsible Tourism into practice, focusing on local economy, well being, local culture and environment. One of the purposes of responsible tourism is that the benefits of tourism are equitably accessed and distributed.

Recognising that it takes time to achieve change through multi-stakeholder partnerships, particularly if local communities are to be empowered to participate in the process; and that due credit should be given for effort and progress.

We encourage all stakeholders to share our vision for Responsible Tourism, to recognise that the journey is worthwhile and that it is possible to consistently create a better approach to tourism where together, local communities, tourism enterprises, destinations, tourists, and governments can all benefit.

 

 

Understanding Agri-Tourism

Agri Tourism is when a native person or local of the area offers tours to their Agriculture Farm to allow a person to view them growing, harvesting, and processing locally grown foods, such as coconuts, pineapple, sugar cane, corn, or any produce the person would not encounter in their home country. Often the farmers would provide a home-stay opportunity and education

(Source: www.hobotraveller.com)

 

In general, Agri-Tourism is the practice of attracting travelers or visitors to an area or areas used primarily for agricultural purposes.
However, Agri-Tourism is small-scale, low-impact, and, in most cases, education-focused. Many agri-tourism activities require only a small farm crew in order to be successful. For instance, farm tours, bed and breakfasts, tractor / bullock cart rides, grapes, mangoes, and other horticulture farms, by product farms, birds / animal zoos, and many other activities may be operated with little additional investment in labor.

 

(Source:http://www.agritourism.in/about-agritourism.html)

 

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF AGRI – TOURISM

Agri - Tourism should ensure the following three basic principles.

1. Have something for visitors to see - Animals, birds, farms and nature are few

things which agri-tourism could offer to the tourist. Apart from these, culture, dress, festivals and rural games could create enough interest among visitors in Agri-Tourism.

 

2. Have something for visitors to do - Participating in agricultural operations,

swimming, bullock cart riding, camel riding, buffalo riding, cooking and

participating in the rural games are few activities to quote in which tourists

can take part and enjoy.

 

3. Have something for visitors to buy - Rural crafts, dress materials,   fresh agriculture products, processed foods are the few items which tourist can buy as memento for remembrance.

 

 

ADVANTAGES OF AGRI – TOURISM:

1. It brings major primary sector agriculture closer to major service sector

tourism. This convergence is expected to create win-win situation for both the sectors.

 

2. Tourism sector has potential to enlarge.

 

3. Agriculture sector has the capacity to absorb expansion in tourism sector

 

 

SCOPE OF AGRI-TOURISM

Agri-Tourism has great scope in the present context for the following reasons:

1. An inexpensive gateway - The cost of food, accommodation, recreation and travel is least in Agri-Tourism. This widens the tourist base. Present concept of travel and tourism is limited to urban and rich class which constitutes only a small portion of the population. However, the concept of Agri-Tourism takes travel and tourism to the larger population, widening the scope of tourism due to its cost effectiveness.

 

2. Curiosity about the farming industry and life style - The urban population having roots in villages always have had the curiosity to learn about sources of food, plants, animals, raw materials like wood, handicrafts, languages, culture, tradition, dresses and rural lifestyle. Agri-Tourism which revolves around farmers, villages and agriculture has the capacity to satisfy the curiosity of this segment of population.

 

3.Strong demand for wholesome family oriented recreational activities-

Villages provide recreational opportunities to all age groups i.e. children, young, middle and old age, male, female, in total to the whole family at a cheaper cost. Rural games, festivals, food, dress and the nature provides variety of entertainment to the entire family.

 

4. Health consciousness of urban population and finding solace with nature friendly means - Modern lifestyle has made life stressful and average life span has comedown. Hence, people are in constant search of pro-nature means to make life more peaceful. Ayurveda which is a pro-nature medical approach has roots in

villages. Indigenous medical knowledge of villagers is respected. Organic foods are in greater demand in urban areas and foreign countries. In total, health conscious urban population is looking towards pro nature villages for solutions.

 

5. Desire for peace and tranquility - Modern life is a product of diversified thinking and diversified activities. Every individual attempts to work more, in different directions to earn more money to enjoy modern comforts. Hence, peace is always out of his system. Tourism is a means for searching peaceful location. Peace and tranquility are inbuilt in Agri-Tourism as it is away from urban areas and close to nature.

 

6. Interest in natural environment - Busy urban population is leaning towards nature because natural environment is always away from busy life. Birds, animals, crops, mountains, water bodies, villages provide totally different atmosphere to urban population in which they can forget their busy urban

life.

 

7. Disillusionment with over crowded resorts and cities - In resorts and cities, over crowded peace seekers disturb each others peace. Hence, peace is beyond cities and resorts. Even though efforts are made to create village atmosphere in the sub urban areas through resorts, farm houses, it looks like a distant replica of the original.

 

8. Nostalgia for their roots on the farm- Cities are growing at the cost of villages. Villagers are migrating to cities in search of jobs and to seek the comforts of modern life. Hence, yesterday’s villagers are today’s urbanites. Deep in the heart of urbanites lies the love and respect for their ancestors and villages. Hence, visit to villages satisfies their desire. This is also

expressed through the hatred of urbanites to flat culture and love for farmhouses located in the outskirts of cities. Any opportunity to visit villages and spend time with family is dream of any urbanite. But, minimum decent facilities are always problem. Agri-Tourism attempts to overcome this problem.

 

9. Rural recreation - Villages provide variety of recreation to urbanites through

festivals and handicrafts. Villager’s (farmer’s) lifestyle, dress, languages, culture / traditions which always add value to the entertainment. Agricultural environment around farmers and the entire production process could create curiosity among urban taught. Places of agricultural importance like highest crop yielding farm, highest animal yielding farm, processing units, farms where innovations tried add attraction to the tourists. Agricultural products like farm gate fresh market, processed foods, organic food could lure the urban tourists. As result of this agri – atmosphere in the villages, there is scope to develop Agri – Tourism products like agri-shopping, culinary tourism, pick and own your tree / plot, bed and breakfast, pick and pay, bullock cart riding, camel riding, boating, fishing, herbal walk, rural games and health (ayurvedic) tourism.

 

10. Educational value of Agri-Tourism – Agri-Tourism could create awareness about rural life and knowledge about agriculture science among urban school children. It provides a best alternative for school picnics which are urban based. It provides opportunity for hands on experience for urban college students in agriculture. It is a means for providing training to future farmers. It would be effectively used as educational and training tool to train agriculture and line department officers. This provides unique opportunity for education through recreation where learning is fun effective and easy. Seeing is believing, doing is learning. This experience based concept is the USP of Agri- Tourism.

 

 

ELEMENTS OF AGRI-TOURISM

 1. Farmer – In majority of the cases, farmers are less educated, less exposed and innocent. For a farmer, any outsider is a guest and is treated wholeheartedly without any commercial motive. Treating guests is pleasure for the villagers than pain. The farmer entertains the guest while entertaining himself in the process. He is not like an exploitative natured businessman which itself facilitate a clean tourism atmosphere.

 

2. Village – Villages, located far from the city lack urban facilities, but are blessed with natural resources. Investments are made by nature in the form of water bodies, fields, forest, mountains, deserts and islands. The community structure is more homogenous and treating guests is part of the culture rather than a professional activity leading to natural environment required for such form of tourism.

 

3. Agriculture – Rich resources in agriculture namely land, water and plants are unique from place to place bringing diversity and creating curiosity. Each field is unique which adds to the attraction of tourists. The way of cultivation and the products are great attraction to the urban population. Indigenous knowledge of rural people is a wealth, which adds to the novelty and the curiosity of urban population. Combination of farmer, village and agriculture creates a wonderful situation which provides unlimited satisfaction to the tourist especially from urban areas.

 

AGRI-TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA

1. Indian tourism industry is growing @10.1% - The World Tourism organization has estimated that the tourism industry is growing at the rate of 4% a year and that by the year 2010 there will be more than one billion tourists visiting various parts of the world. But the Indian tourism industry is growing at the rate of 10% which is 2½ times more that the growth rate at global level. By introducing Agri-Tourism concept, not only present growth rate is sustained but also this value addition contributes to further growth.

 

2. India has entered amongst the top 10 tourist destinations list (Conde Nast Travellor – A leading European Travel Magazine) - India is already established

as one of the top tourist destination in the world. Value addition by introducing novel products like Agri-tourism would only strengthen the competitiveness of Indian tourism industry in global market.

 

3. India has diverse culture and geography which provides ample and unlimited scope for the growth of this business. India has diverse Agro-climatic conditions, diverse crops, people, culture, deserts, mountains, coastal systems and islands which provides scope for promotion of all season, multi location tourism products.

 

4. Increasing number of tourists preferring non-urban tourist spots (financial express). Hence, there is scope for promotion of non-urban tourist spots in interior villages by establishing Agri-tourism centres. But, adequate facilities and publicity are must to promote such centres.

 

5. Government initiatives and policies in X^th five year plan allocation has been increased from 525 crore to 2,900 crores. Increased financial allocation reaffirms the government commitment. The increased financial allocation by six times could be used for capacity building of service providers, creation of infrastructure and publicity.

 

Agri tourism prospects in Sikkim

With Tourism and Agriculture being the two major thrust areas of the State Government it is evident that prospects of Agro-tourism is quite seen in the state. Sikkim lives in the villages as rural life constitute a major chunk of Sikkimese population. Sikkim has today emerged as a major floriculture hotspot and agriculture has been the main source of livelihood for the majority of the people in the state .A state where organic farming has been the major thrust still has conventional practice of cultivation as the irregular terrain and other conditions do not support the use of tractors and other modern equipments. This altogether has still kept intact the raw taste of traditional methods of agriculture through the ages to the present day.

Tourism in the state of Sikkim is not only confined to the urban masses but also has reached the villages. As such the new generation who perhaps has given up the profession of their ancestors and is on a lookout for alternate source of sustenance has tourism as an alternative now. Concepts like ecotourism, homestay, nature walk, cultural tours has been quite popular with the tourists here and evidently agri-tourism can be an indispensable part in the village tourism sector.

 Moreover today as of people coming to the towns in search of a better livelihood it is often seen that their children having given the education of the better schools are confined to the artificial life amidst concrete boundaries of the towns devoid of the tastes of the villages. An excursion or a weekend break to these villages can give them an insight of the village life and an orientation to the   folklores, customs and traditions of the      village thus bridging the probable generation gap.

Traditional agriculture festivals that has been revived in many places in the state today could be conceptualized for tourism purposes as a day out in the fields to the tourists. The tourists could indulge in farming activities in traditional village style and share the local meal of the farmers. An evening with ‘tongba’ and local cultural performances or a bon fire perhaps to heal the achy bones and a silent slumber to end the day far from the noise of the city traffic would be an ideal day to crave for. A visit to nurseries, orchards, and farmhouses that many families in the state harness to understand the farming/breeding techniques could be offered as a package by the hotels and travel agencies. The International Florishow 2008 and the Khariff Kisan Mela were an effort of the State Government towards blending tourism with Floriculture/agriculture. Its promotion in future can undoubtedly be a major tourism event of the state. Thus it is evident that through the support from the Government and an interest from among the local entrepreneurs Agri-tourism can prosper in the state to be a perfect stress buster to the urban technocrat to escape from the complexities of a monotonous busy life

 

 

 

 

Lachen the unseen beauty

 Source: T.N. Kazi (D.C, North), T.G. Lachenpa (Pipon, Lachen Dzumsa) & N.T. Bhutia (TMI-Sikkim)

Lachen is a scenic mountain village, home to the Lachenpas, a unique Sikkimese Bhutia community.  Lachen, which literally means “Big Pass” clings to grassy mountain slopes in a magnificent natural setting against a backdrop of imposing snow capped peaks, glaciers and rock cliffs. The village is in a picturesque valley amidst mixed conifer and Rhododendron forests.

Winter at Lachen

Just about 112 km from Gangtok, Lachen is located at an altitude of 8838 ft. Foot trails to the country’s highest mountain peak Mt. Khangchendzonga and  Mt. Sinolchu, the most beautiful peak begin at your doorstep in Lachen.

Seasons unfold timelessly in this high altitude habitat: gaily painted with myriad flowers in the spring and monsoon, bathed in spectacular weather in autumn and snow clad fairy-tale winters.

 

Unlike other places in India, Lachen has a unique form of local self government called the “Dzumsa”. Every household is a member of this traditional administrative system, this institution is in charge of governing and organizing activities within the village.

Lachen valley has almost everything a traveler could wish for: a land of fairs and festivals, snow-clad mountains, lakes, valley of flora, fauna and a vibrant local culture. Visits to the Lachen monastery and the women’s handicraft centre to view weaving of traditional blankets and carpets will provide insights into the local way of life or perhaps a stunning mountain drive can be taken along the Tibetan plateau to Gurudongmar and Tsho Lhamu as a day tour from Lachen. The sacred Gurudongmar lake at a height of 17,100 ft encircled by snowy massifs is something one would not dare to miss on a visit to Sikkim. One can also stay over night at Thangu which is 30 kms away from Lachen. During summer and monsoon the entire place is dotted with flowers of all kinds.

Gurudongmar Lake

Beautiful drives and culture apart, Lachen also provides many opportunities for the avid trekker and adventurer. Zemu or Green Lake Trek is probably the most outstanding and adventurous trek in the region. A two day walk sets you right amidst towering peaks and ‘growling’ Zemu glaciers. The trek route follows the left bank of the Zemu river and initially passes through the dense silver fir and rhododendron forests.

 

The other trek to Muguthang begins from near Thangu village (30 km above Lachen). This spectacular trek, in close proximity to the border with the Tibetan Autonomous Region, China, has only been opened to tourists recently. Summer is the best season; with passes and the Muguthang valley being accessible in the absence of snow.

 

This valley has historically been inhabited by hardy Tibetan yak herders called Dokpas who live in Muguthang throughout the year, even in bitter winters when temperatures fall below zero degrees. Visitors have the opportunity to stay with the Yak herder families and experience their way of life.

 

There are some spectacular short treks as well. Lama Angdang, Laser and Tarum to name a few. Lama Angdang is a peak shadowing over Lachen village, and is a 2 day trek. Laser and Tarum are new treks which pass through valleys of meandering rivers, water falls. The more adventurous hikers can also loop down into the Yumthang valley from Tarum Trek.

 

Apart from the trek an extravagant religious and cultural festivities can be witnessed in Lachen. Traditional Bhutia folk dance Tashi Sabdo and monastic cultural practices are colourful and lively vignettes of local culture.

 

Apart from April – May, the best time to visit Lachen is from October– February when Lachen is draped in few centimeters of snow to greet you,

 

Home stays’ have been developed by the local community where host families provide guests traditional food and homely accommodation. There are about 27 hotels and lodges run by locals to serve visitors through the year.

 

Lachen falls under the Restricted / Protected Area of North district Visitors making a trip to Lachen or nearby places are required to make their arrangement through tour and travel agents in Sikkim. Additionally, foreign nationals are required to travel in groups of two or more.

 

Lachen is one of the 36 Endogenous Tourism Project site in India funded by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, through Rural Tourism Scheme (RTS) and UNDP.

Photo credit: Lachen Dzumsa, R.C. Lachenpa & N.T. Bhutia

Email; info@explorelachensikkim.com

Website: www.explorelachensikkim.com

 

Yambong Singalila - A Community Based Ecotourism

Mr. Nima Tashi Bhutia, The Mountain Institute (T.M.I)- Sikkim

Yambong Singalila is a treasure mountain in Singalila range. A moderate 14 day round trek with entry from Nambu and exit at Yuksam,this trek starts from 1,800 m and goes up to a height of 5,100 m at the Dafey bheer also called ‘devil pass’. A 5,100 m view point gives a scenic beauty of the world’s highest mountain ranges of Mt Everest and Mt Khangchendzonga and also the far ranges of north Sikkim. This view point is also surrounded by six lakes at the base thus making this trek extremely pleasant for nature lovers.

The Yambong Singalila Trek

The Yambong Ecotourism Committee formed in early September 2005 with representatives from the local communities of Nambu, Rimbi, Sindrabong, Topung and Singpheng have put in a joint effort to bring tourism throughout the Yambong Singalila Trek.

 

“Chongri” or “Yak” at a distance of 8 km (5 hours walk) uphill from Nambu in West Sikkim is the remotest village in Sindrabong along the Rimbi River village and  lies at the doorstep of the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR). The advent of tourism in the area has transformed the village not only in the livelihood aspect but also has brought changes in the attitude of the people living there. People have changed themselves from so called the Rakshesh to Rakshaks (destroyers to protectors) with some ex-herders having enrolled themselves as Himal Rakshaks (Honorary Mountain Guardian) With the upcoming of CBT (Community

Based Tourism) they have also had different changes in the social system. The community that practiced herding for centuries has seen a shift in their profession with the younger ones taking up tourism as a source of sustenance. Although initially as of untimely heavy snow fall the flow of tourist was not much but within a span of time the area has generated fair revenue. Around 15 lakh income has already gone directly to the local community.

Local Youth on a tourism profession.

The Government of Sikkim’s priority on ecotourism sector has been a very big motivation for the local youths of the area. Eco-development Committees (E.D.C) and Joint Forest Management Committee under Forest Development Agency Scheme (FDA) under 11^th five year plan has also been formed in the area.. Moreover other line departments and the NGO’S of the state have contributed equally in promoting tourism in the area. Support has also  been flowing in through the agencies like  India Development Marketplace 2007 and World Bank as of which  Sindrabong Khangchendzonga Eco-friendly Society has also setup two local biodiversity stations in the valley.  Yambong and Sindrabong have both received one set computer and a digital camera each under this scheme.  These developments in the area have thus promised to conserve Yambong and make it an ultimate eco-tourism destination in the years to come.

 

Eco-Tourism News clippings

CNBC award for Hee-Bermiok village tourism

Source: Sikkim Express

Gangtok, Thursday, 03 July 2008

 

GANGTOK, July 02: Hee-Bermiok Tourism Development and Heritage Conservation Society (HBTDHCS), West Sikkim has been selected for the Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) TV award for the year 2008 under the category “Best Village Tourism and Best Community Participation.” The award will be given away in a glittering ceremony in Mumbai tomorrow.NK Subba, the area MLA, Hee-Bermiok has already left for Mumbai. While talking with SIKKIM EXPRESS over the phone today, TN Sharma, the president of HBTDHCS said, “It is a happy moment for all the people of Sikkim for Hee Bermiok conservation society to be conferred with such a prestigious award.”
“We have always strived for better in terms of village tourism and had earmarked our presence globally with the annual village tourist festival,” he said.
Hee Bermiok Tourism Development Committee was formed in the year 2005

with the main motive to promote rural tourism in the State.
Since its inception, HBTDHCS organizes tourism festival every year under the Kalej Valley Heritage and Tourism Festivals Conservation Society with the help of local organizations, NGOs and various Government Departments. This is the major annual summer event and also a platform for the people of Hee Bermiok to showcase cultural wealth of the area.
Hee Bermiok is the newest name on Sikkim’s impressive list of tourist destinations. Bounded by Kalej Khola on the North, Hee Khola in the West, Rangit and Rangsang river in the East and Samdong reserve forest in the South, it offers the tourist, a trek or a bike-ride through the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary with the breathtaking Khangchendzonga looming large over the horizon.
An enchanting treat in the Limboo traditional houses and campfire in the hush green mountains with the rooster birds providing the background score are some of the unforgettable moments one gets to savour

 

India - Now north Kerala lures tourists with homestays

Source: http://www.aussieindolanka.com/news/?newsid=36334

Updated - 27/8/2008 - IANS.

 

Beaches, rivers, mountains, forests, ayurveda - though north Kerala has everything that brought 515,808 foreign tourists to this state last year, it received

only six percent of them. But that is changing, thanks to the start given by Wayanad district.

The state’s six northernmost districts - Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram and Palakkad - have a basic problem, lack of infrastructure for tourists. In the hill district of Wayanad, individual entrepreneurs are putting up homestays - a perennial favourite with tourists.

"The district now has around 40 homestays. Most of them have come up in the last three years," says K.V. Biju, the secretary of the Wayanad district tourism promotion council (DTPC).

Fifteen of the 40 have already got classification certificates from the Kerala Tourism Department.

"We come to know about these homestays largely when we process their application under the classification scheme," Biju says. "There may be many others, but we have no way of knowing about them."

The homestay option in Wayanad is still not widely known abroad. "Most of the tourists coming to Wayanad at present are IT (information technology) professionals from Bangalore. Only five percent of total tourists (who visited the district last year) are foreigners," says Biju.

Wayanad district still needs around 600 more rooms to meet the demand at the peak tourist season.

"In Wayanad there is a shortage of rooms. We need around 1,000 rooms; but we have only 400 now," says Biju.

K. Ravindran, general secretary of Malabar Tourism Organization, says: "I think there are around 60 homestays in Wayanad. But we have to see how many of them offer quality service to tourists." Most of the homestays have come in the last two years, he adds.

Hills and forests are by no means the only attractions on offer in the Malabar region - as north Kerala is known.

In Kozhikode, Perincheri Mani along with 10 others is tapping the potential of river tourism. Mani takes tourists on a cruise up and down the picturesque Chaliyar river. "We get foreign customers," Mani says. "Many of them are Arabs who come to the nearby resorts. We offer them a cruise on our 12-seat boat." A 10-kilometre cruise costs Rs.600.

Suhas N. and his friends started his tour operating venture Green Hunters last year. He has arranged about 30 package tours by now. "We have tie-ups with around 50 homestays and resorts in various parts of the state. Many of them are located in Wayanad," he says.

"We also had a few corporate customers, who wanted to organise their get-togethers at resorts."

The potential of beach tourism remains largely untapped, despite the presence of famous historic spots such as Bekal in Kasaragod district, which has a resort nearby.

"Only a small number of tourists visit the beaches here. The numbers are very small compared to tourists visiting beaches like Kovalam. Foreign tourists are not visiting our beaches here because we lack good infrastructure and proper marketing," says U.S. Prasad, assistant manager of Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC).

The BRDC was set up in 1995 to develop an integrated beach destination in Bekal village of Kasaragod district.

Prasad did not think that beach tourism suffers because tourists don’t like being stared at. "People here are not worried much about skimpily clad tourists sunbathing on beaches. The tourists, on their part, are aware of the culture here. We also mention this in the leaflets provided to them. They usually take care to dress in a way that it won’t hurt the sentiments of the people."

On second thoughts, Prasad added: "This kind of cultural problems could be affecting tourist inflow here. But it is not a major problem." According to K. Sajeevan, an official at the district tourism promotion council in Kannur district, the attitude of the locals towards tourists has changed in a big way in north Kerala. "Nowadays, not many people stare at tourists. About 10 years ago this was not the case.

 

Himachal to be eco-tourism destination in India

Sep 08, 08 | 12:34 pm

Source: travelvideo.tv

Reporting by M.M.Khanna, Travel Journalist C/O indianewscalling.com

Shimla, 08 September 2008, Himachal Pradesh is poised to emerge as the eco-tourism destination of the country in coming few years. This was revealed by Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, while interacting with a high level delegation of DDA Group of Companies, Pune, headed by Commander Dipak D.Naik (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director who called on him here today,Chief Minister said that the state government was taking extra care to preserve the environment of the state by initiating effective steps in this direction. He said that the state aims at preservation and protection of the natural heritage, both flora and fauna to attract domestic as well as foreign tourists to the state in large number. He said that the blooming of the tourism sector would usher into generation of ample employment opportunities to the local people besides generating revenue for sustainable development of its resources. He said that the state government intended to encourage private partnership in association with the local communities, NGOs, academic institutions and other entrepreneurs to make eco-tourism a house hold affair in the state. He said that the nature had blessed the state with immense natural wealth, which needed to be explored for the benefit of the people with all environmental safeguards.Prof. Dhumal said that the state government had launched the Home  Stay Scheme registering the private house owners having basic  infrastructural facilities to cater to the requirements of the  visitors/tourists on economical charges and also with a view to acquaint them with the culture, customs, traditions and way of life of the people of the state. He said that under the scheme the visitors would be provided local cuisines during their stay besides making them familiar with the rural life so that they could carry sweet memories of Himachal Pradesh. He said that the objective behind introduction of the scheme was to make tourism a mass movement and household affair by involving every household in tourism promotion activities. He said that there were many such activities, which were being incorporated to the eco-tourism development plan of the state government in coming time.

India - Restricted entry hindering tourism growth in northeast

Source: http://www.aussieindolanka.com/news/?newsid=36334

Updated - 15/9/2008 - IANS

 

Contrary to what the government says, tourism experts believe the restrictive system of entry to several states in India’s picturesque northeast is a big hurdle for those wanting to visit the region.

"The restrictive entry system in some states in the northeast is one of the bottlenecks which projects a wrong image of the region and discourages tourists from visiting the region," M.P. Bezbaruah, the former tourism secretary who hails from the northeast himself, told IANS.

The northeastern region, which consists of eight states, each with a wealth of natural heritage, has ironically not been able to cash in on its tourism potential, failing even in the domestic market. For instance, despite boasting of rolling meadows, tea gardens, hills, varied tribal cultures and wildlife parks, the region gets only four percent of the five million foreign tourists to India.

The restrictive entry system, which requires special area permits to visit the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, is often cited as one of the main bottlenecks.

For these states, a foreign tourist has to travel in groups of four and go through a government approved travel agency. The permit’s validity is also for a stipulated short period of time. This is done for security reasons as many states in the northeast are border states and are home to insurgent groups. To travel through north Sikkim, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required. However, there are no restrictions while visiting Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura.

Mani Shankar Aiyar, the minister for Development of the North East Region (DoNER), has said the permit system is not all that complicated and that  tourists can travel without much hassle.

But Bezbaruah said this is one factor that hasn’t helped stakeholders like tour operators in boosting the region’s prospects.

"The restricted area permit system, some at the central level, some at the state level, would have their justification. More so, if the security is at stake. But the end result is that the tourist finds the entire process very hassling and is deterred from coming to the region," he said.

Manoj Jalan, vice president of Purbi Discovery, a tour operating agency that has been organizing tours to the northeast for years now, said it was a pity that now, when other states are diversifying into different tourism sectors - monsoon and medical tourism, for instance - the northeast was still far behind.

"The northeast is an emerging destination, with a wealth of natural beauty. To simply state a few statistics, of the total percentage of tourists that India gets, northern India gets the chunk at 49 percent."Western India gets 29 percent, southern India gets 18 percent and northeast India - just four percent," Dibrugarh-based Jalan said during a visit to Delhi. Jalan, who has been working in the sector and is familiar with the ground realities, laments that the restricted area permit is one of the constraints in promoting tourism in the region.

"We know that the insurgency problem here is a constraint. But then, which region is free of any problem? The fact is that people, even at the centre, are not aware of the ground realities here and promote a wrong image on safety issues.

"The policymakers need to take a hard look at the realities and, in association with the private sector, play an active role in promoting tourism - whether it’s tea tourism, botanical, cultural or wildlife - in the region," Jalan said.

Bezbaruah added: "Tourism requires awareness - of the people, the policy planners and the industry - about its importance for socio-economic development for it to grow. Unfortunately, such awareness is not in strong evidence in the northeast though everyone talks about it."

"Let’s start with promoting domestic tourism to clear wrong perceptions," he said.

 

AP to focus on adventure, eco tourism

Our Bureau

Source: Business Line
Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Thursday, Sep 18, 2008

Hyderabad, Sept. 17, With no heritage site on its tourism menu and having no advantage of being in the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur circuit, Andhra Pradesh has decided to bank on innovative products such as adventure and eco tourism, while focussing on its core strengths of temple and Buddhist circuits.

The State has also decided to set up the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) and medical tourism opportunities in a big way by setting up two bureaus.

These bureaus would consist of stakeholders from the respective industries.

Making a presentation to the media at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) conference here on Wednesday, Ms Lakshmi Parthasarathy, Principal Secretary (Tourism) of Andhra Pradesh, said the Government was taking up a major adventure tourism project near Vikarabad.

It is also utilising the Eastern Ghats and Horsley Hills to promote adventure and eco tourism.

Mr Jayesh Ranjan, Managing Director of AP Tourism Development Corporation, said the corporation would turn the Kolleru lake into a bird-watcher’s paradise.

“We are finalising a proposal to develop infrastructure on the lakh site to attract bird-watchers,” he said.

Kolleru to be eco-tourism hub shortly

Special Correspondent

Source: The Hindu,                                                                                                                                                                                            Thursday, Sep 18, 2008

HYDERABAD: Kolleru lake is soon to be transformed into a haven for bird watching with the State Government taking up a major project to develop it as an eco-tourism destination.

Disclosing this at a media briefing on the sidelines of PATA Travel Mart-2008 on Wednesday, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Lakshmi Parthasarathy said that the work on Rs.9-crore project sanctioned by the Union Government would commence in November and completed in 18 months.

The project would facilitate bird watching at leisure by taking visitors deep into the lake on boat cruise. Development of a resort and boat museum would be the other components of the project.

 

Lachen tops UNDP heritage village sites
Proper use of funds was the mantra for our success: Pipon

Source: Sikkim Express

Date: 19th Oct.08.

LACHEN, October 19: With the age-old Dzumsa intact over the years and the colorful culture to boast of, Lachen has launched itself in the world tourism map as the Himalayan heritage village.
The initiative took roots when the village was chosen by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with UNDP under its ‘Explore Rural India Programme’ as one of the 100 heritage village sites in the world.
Hailed as one of the best UNDP projects in the world, an endogenous tourism festival was held here on October 17 and 18 to mark the conclusion of the ETP project with the display of local culture, art and crafts.

In the words of the Lachen Pipon TG Lachenpa, “Lachen has carved a niche as one among the top six UNDP sites. Started in the year 2004, the project in Lachen concluded much before the stipulated time thus attracting interest from other UNDP sites to know about the uniqueness of the village.
When asked about the success of the project, the Pipon said that 90 percent of the work under ETP was over and that there was no misuse of funds in Lachen under the Dzumsa administration adding, “No one can misuse funds here” The project was funded in two components-hardware and software. According to the chief coordinator of the project Nima Tashi, Hardware comes under infrastructure including construction of footpath connecting all the houses in Lachen village up to the Lachen monastery. The infrastructure funded by the Ministry of Tourism at a tune of Rs 50 lakhs also included construction of a traditional bathroom near the monastery and the construction of a traditional gate, he said. The fund was transferred through the District Collectorate, Mangan as the “focal point” of the project. UNDP had given 30 lakhs as fund for software, which included capacity building programme in guides, cooks, rock climbing, mountaineering, garbage and waste management along with reputed consultants from Kerala, publicity material including printing of brochures and a booklet on Lachen. Knowing the need to be acquainted with the local culture and tradition, experts were engaged to document the place, culture and tradition of Lachen whereby a 12-paged booklet was made and the same imparted to the local youths. As a part of the software project, a consultant was also brought in from Guwahati to make future business plans of Lachen.
The UNDP project will come to an end in December, 2008 and the Dzumsa has already plans on how to keep up with the development. In the recent meeting, the local administration chalked out to carry out the waste management programme. “To look after the waste management, we have planned to form an organization, independent from Dzumsa but governed by it so that revenue generation can be done,” Mr. Lachenpa said. He added that the plans would bear fruit only if such organizations are governed by Pipon and the Dzumsa. Independent committees alone will not be effective here.The UNDP project has already started showing results. According to the Pipon, Lachen had only seven hotels when the UNDP project started in 2004. It has increased to 27, he said. Likewise, the number of taxis has increased from 15 in 2004 to 50.
This shows that tourist inflow to the village has scaled the graph. The data collected by The Mountain Institute, the implementing agency of the ETP project shows that the number of tourist have come around 18, 000 only till July. Only around 10, 000 tourists were recorded in the last few years. The data showed 30 percent rise in tourist inflow to Lachen.
Moreover, the local administration has focused to promote homestays. At least eight homestays have been developed as of date and there are still plans to increase.
The area MLA cum State Health Minister Hissey Lachungpa, who graced the inaugural programme, congratulated the former and present Pipons and the public in general for the success of the UNDP project and for setting an example in village tourism. He also sought people’s will to celebrate the village tourism day every year in Lachen.
Expressing delight over the horse ride organized for the guests, the area MLA praised the effort and at the same time suggested for improving basic facilities for the tourists. Mr. Lachungpa further announced to make a bigger tourist information center where photographs of Alexander David Neel who meditated at Deothang cave along with Lachen Rinpoche would be displayed along with other rare local art and crafts.
Discouraging multi-storied concrete structure come up in Lachen, the area MLA handed over a photograph of Lachen taken in 1936 to the Pipon and told him to work on the same whereby uniqueness of Lachen acquired in the1930s would be retained for years to come. “People come here to know the food, culture and lifestyle. So it is high time, the people of Lachen should preserve as well as improve upon it,” he added.
He also dwelt upon the church built at Lachen by the Finnish missionaries and asked the locals to look for the bell that was found in the church so that a monument may be built as an added attraction for the tourists. As a step towards increasing tourist in the area, Mr. Lachungpa suggested the people to work with Alexander Foundation in France. Detailing that Lachen has the most beautiful areas for tourist interest, particularly in adventure tourism, he requested the State Tourism Department to restore the trek route to Green Lake via Zema, which was damaged in the recent landslides. At the same time, he said that the areas like Chopta, Lashar, Gyamkhana etc be exploited and promoted.
He further stressed on quality work in the ongoing Lama Ongden trek route.
Hailing the success of the UNDP project in Lachen, the State Tourism Secretary SBS Bhaduria assured full support from the department. While informing some of the village tourism policies, he said that tourists must be given utmost care from the time of arrival to departure especially in transport when roads to North Sikkim becomes unpredictable at times.

 

Ministers pass resolution for promotion of eco-tourism

Source: Press Trust of India

Wednesday, October 29, 2008, (Hyderabad)

 

Promotion of eco-tourism, setting up a forest development fund and requesting the Union Government for amending the Wild Life Protection Act are some of the resolutions passed on Wednesday by southern forest ministers in Hyderabad.

The two-day conference, attended by forest ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry and Goa, discussed several issues concerning conservation of forests and their management and came up with as many as 35 resolutions.

"It is resolved that whenever any transit of forest produce from one state to another is involved, the transit permit should be in local language as well as in English.

 

"It is also resolved to set up a forest development fund to which revenue in the form of cess/tax/fee on mining/sale of forest produce is credited," officials said.

The conference has decided to request the Centre to amend the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 to delegate powers to the Chief Wildlife Warden to effectively deal with capture and translocation of wild animals and to transfer all captive animals within the state from one zoo to another.

The Centre would also be requested to consider eco-tourism as a forestry activity and earmark one per cent of the Protected Area, whichever is less, for development of visitor amenities.

It is also resolved to create an Environment Cell in each State Forest Department with adequate funding and technical support, the officials said.

 

Promotion of Rural Tourism

Source: PIB, Tuesday, December 16, 2008.

 

The Minister for Tourism and Culture Smt. Ambika Soni has said that the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments and UT Administrations for infrastructure development in rural sites having tourism potential under the ongoing scheme of Product and Infrastructure Development for Destination & Circuits. Funds for capacity building are provided through Government of India - United Nations Development Programme Endogenous Tourism Project and the Capacity Building for Service Providers Scheme of the Ministry. Ministry of Tourism has so far sanctioned projects for 136 rural tourism sites in 27 States including 36 sites which United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has supported for capacity building.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today she said, Ministry of Tourism promotes and publicizes all tourism products including rural tourism sites through collaterals, print, electronic and internet media under the “Incredible India” campaign. Information is also disseminated through the websites www.incredibleindia.org and www.exploreruralindia.org,India tourism offices in the country and abroad and by participation of rural artisans in mega shopping festivals in the country and also in international events such as India@60 in Singapore, PATA Travel Mart in Hyderabad and Volvo Ocean Race in Cochin etc.

 

India - Kerala backwaters now add yachting to tourism attractions

Updated - 2/12/2008 - IANS.

 Source: http://www.aussieindolanka.com/news/?newsid=68226&NewsDate=

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sikkim State Council of Science &Technology

Development Area, Gangtok-737101, Sikkim (INDIA)

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Ecotourism Events Worldwide July-Dec 2008:

 

July

• 7-8: Tourism in Developing Countries – International Student Conference,Eberswalde,Germany

August

• 3-6:Tourism Cares Summit – The Future of Travel – Color It Green, Las Vegas, Nevada
• 12-14:Ecotourism New Zealand Conference, South Island, New Zealand
• 17-20:Global Geotourism Conference, Fremantle, Australia

September

• 3-5: International Conference on Sustainable Tourism, Ramla Bay Resort, Malta
• 3-6: Adventure Travel World Summit in South America, São Paulo, Brazil
• 10-12: International Travel and Tourism Conference, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
• 13-14:Adventures in Travel Expo, Seattle, WA
• 20-21: Pennsylvania Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Festival, Kempton PA
• 27: World Tourism Day, Global Event
• 27:Ecotourism Spotlight Awards held by Planeta

 

 

 

 

 

 

October

• 27-29:Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference, Vancouver, BC
• 29-31:International Conference on Tourism, Malaga, Spain

November

• 5-9: Culture and Event Tourism: Issues & Debates, Alanya, Turkey
• 6-9: Globalization, Tourism and Development: Mega Events and Urban Tourism, Shanghai, China
• 12: World Responsible Tourism Day, World Travel Market, ExCel, London
• 12:Responsible Tourism Awards, World Travel Market, ExCel, London
• 17-20: Eco Storm Masai Mara, Masai Mara, Kenya

December

·         5-7: Adventure and Eco-Tourism Travel Mart, New Delhi, India