What is Eco-tourism
"Responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and
improves the welfare of local people."
Basically, Eco-tourism means the preservation of wildlife and their habitat
by making as little environmental impact as possible and take positive steps
in helping preserve the environs, when visiting a place. This is a more
responsible form of tourism which also involves the use of natural products
and minimising the usage of non-biodegradable products to help sustain
ecological development.
The country we inherited from our ancestors composed of the great Himalayas
in the north and the most extravagant river systems down south and we are on
our way to loose all these natural treasures until we start to act
responsibly. The country's amazing wildlife resources have been preserved in
an extensive network of sanctuaries and national parks spread across the
length and breadth of this land. It is largely due to this fact that
thousands of foreign tourists visit India each year. However, the primary
motive of these places is not to entertain us but to preserve this vital
natural resource. People visiting the country should keep in mind to make
every possible effort to save the wildlife as without these pristine
heavens, life in India would be unviable including for those living away
from all the action, in the more modernised cities.
Eco-tourism in India is all about taking time to get into wilderness which
not only offers respite from the urbanised noise and pollution but also
reminds one that the world was an ordered place once and sincere efforts
need to be made if we want to restore the past glory. While tourism plays a
vital role in providing funds for the sustainance of our wilds, it also has
its dark side which shows up where commerce takes precedence over the
educational factor.
India offers a number of Eco-tourism hot spots. Venture into the off beaten
and unexplored paths of the mighty Himalayas, spend your days on a tree
house built of environment friendly material, eat healthy organic food and
entertain yourselves by watching animals and birds frolicking around. Travel
to nearby villages and be introduced to the local culture and customs.
What You Should Do
- When visiting an animal sanctuary, carry back all the garbage outside
and dispose off in a municipal garbage bin.
- Minimise noise pollution by trying not to blow horns unnecessarily,
play radios, tape recorders and other equipment softly.
- Temporary toilets built near a camp site should be covered with mud
after use and should be well away from a water source
- Get required permission before taking pictures, especially in
restricted areas and villages.
- Respect the sanctity of a place and follow local customs while
visiting a place
What You Should Not Do
- Do not pluck flowers or take away any other form of flora when
visiting an animal sanctuary
- Do not pollute water sources by using chemicals or detergents for
washing clothes.
- Do not burn wood as fuel for cooking.
- Do not pollute the environs by throwing away litter, especially
non-biodegradable material like polythene bags and plastic bottles.
