Government's Initiative to Promote Nature Tourism at Ramsar Sites

Context

The Central government aims to boost tourism at ecologically-sensitive wetlands, known as Ramsar sites.

About

About Ramsar Sites:

Ramsar sites are wetlands designated as internationally important under the Ramsar Convention.
Ramsar sites are identified for international importance, especially for waterfowl habitat.
Examples in India: Chilika Lake (Odisha), Sundarbans (West Bengal), Bhitarkarnika Mangroves (Odisha), and more.

Objective of the Initiative:

Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme 2023:

Launched by the Union Tourism Ministry and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
Aims to promote the conservation values of Ramsar Sites, generate employment, and support local livelihoods.

Implementation:

Convergence with various central government ministries, state wetland authorities, and formal/informal institutions.
Training facilitators, tourism service providers, and stakeholders.
Collaboration with State Tourism Departments.

Focus Areas:

Skill Development: Training programs at pilot Ramsar sites - Sultanpur National Park, Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Chilika Lake, Sirpur, and Yashwant Sagar.
Alternative Livelihood Program (ALP): Participants trained for 15 days each at Sultanpur, Yashwant Sagar, and Sirpur.
Paryatan Navik Certificate: Boatman certification for tourism at Bhitarkanika and Chilika.

Significance of Nature Tourism:

Nature tourism focuses on natural attractions like birdwatching, photography, stargazing, camping, etc.
Targets high-value tourists interested in diverse natural and cultural resources.

Importance of Wetlands:

Essential for global biodiversity conservation and sustaining ecosystems.
Nature tourism at Ramsar sites aligns with the conservation of these vital areas.
The government's initiative aims to strike a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring the ecological sustainability of Ramsar Sites.
Nature tourism not only benefits local economies but also contributes to the preservation of unique ecosystems.