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:

• Shift from high-value tourism to nature tourism at fragile wetlands.
• Direct support for conservation actions.
• Empower local communities and economies.

AmritDharohar 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:

1. Skill Development: Training programs at pilot Ramsar sites - Sultanpur National Park, Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Chilika Lake, Sirpur, and YashwantSagar.
2. Alternative Livelihood Program (ALP): Participants trained for 15 days each at Sultanpur, YashwantSagar, and Sirpur.
3. ParyatanNavik 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.