New guidelines for eco-tourism in forest and wildlife areas

3037.SHRI VIJAY KUMAR DUBEY:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has recently approved new guidelines for eco-tourism in forest and wildlife areas;

(b) if so, the details along with its features thereof; and

(c) whether any steps are taken/being taken to ease norms for eco-tourism to facilitate opportunities in notified forest and wildlife reserves and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

(a) to (c): It has been conveyed by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) that MoEFCC has released the ‘Guidelines for sustainable ecotourism in forest and wildlife areas- 2021’ in October 2021.

The guidelines envisage the need for a participatory approach for conservation of wildlife and its habitats. It emphasizes on the engagement of local communities in a manner that enriches local economies and encourage sustainable use of indigenous material though financial viable value chains to help local communities become ‘Atma Nirbhar’ and promotes partnership among stakeholders in development of ecotourism as well as equitable sharing of benefits with local communities.

In addition, creation of foundation in each Protected Area and sharing of revenue with local communities has also been underscored in the guidelines. Besides, the guidelines provide for identification   of   ecotourism   sites,   zonation   and   making   an

 

ecotourism plan which shall be part of approved management plan/working plan for forest/protected area and tourism master plan in case of eco-sensitive zone. It also provides for monitoring mechanism at district level, state level and national level.

Further, Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy for Eco-Tourism. Following strategic pillars have been identified for development of ecotourism in the strategy document:

• State Assessment and Ranking
• State Strategy for Eco Tourism
• IEC, Capacity Building and Certification
• Marketing and Promotion
• Destination and Product Development
• Public Private and Community Partnerships
• Governance and Institutional Framework

*****