Travel buffs and nature lovers will soon be able to explore a wide variety of untouched ecologically sensitive spots in the state.
Tamil Nadu’s forest department is developing 25 ecotourism spots in the state, each at a cost of between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, which will showcase biodiversity rich areas within reserve forests and protected areas where travellers can also experience local culture.
But the project’s main focus will be to provide a sustainable livelihood option for local communities by getting them involved in the project. The state will use the proceeds from the promotion of tourism in these spots for their development and welfare. The department has already begun work in four spots is likely to be completed by March 2015.
Forest officials said these 25 community-based ecotourism spots in 10 districts have attractions like waterfalls, hills and sanctuaries that locals may frequent but people from outside have not seen.
“These sites are for those who can appreciate and enjoy the natural ecosystem. Our plan to improve these places because started out with the need to focus on their conservation while maintaining the integrity of the sites,” said principal chief conservator of forests and Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project (TBGP) chief project director Rama Kant Ojha. “We also hope to create awareness about conservation.”
Unlike usual tourist destinations, these spots will not provide luxurious accommodation. But visitors can expect adventure, with nature trails, trekking and camping overnight in tents or huts and soak in the local culture. The forest department will also provide tourists with basic amenities like food, drinking water stalls and pay-to-use toilets. Local communities will maintain all the facilities, officials said.
Officials said they will be train residents of villages near the sites to provide a range of hospitality and catering services, track wildlife and work as guides. “By involving the local people, we will reinforce their connection with the area and their stake in conserving and protecting the spot,” said chief conservator of forests and TBGP project director Rakesh Kumar Dogra.
The forest department ecotourism has formed management societies in the 25 locations to help give local communities a livelihood, with a significant number of women as members. Officials will choose chairmen for the societies from the local community. A forest official will act as member secretary of each society, to monitor and manage its accounts.
The department has already conducted a rural appraisal survey of the villages surrounding the sites, the socioeconomic profile of the local people and their dependence and activities in the sites. After studying the potential of the spots as tourism sites, forest officials consulted local communities to get them involved with the project.
