Similipal Annual Report 2019-20

WILDLIFE ORGANISATION Forest & Environment Department | Government of Dr. H.S. Upadhyay, IFS PCCF (WL) & CWLW, Odisha,

Odisha offers some of the most wonderfully diverse recreational opportunities for Eco-tourists in . The Annual Report 2019-20 of “Community Managed Nature Tourism” in Odisha provides an insight on the varied landscapes, wildlife diversity and developments of Ecotourism in Odisha.

The Forest and Environment Department, during the year 2016 launched an exclusive scheme for development of Ecotourism and in recent years the State has evolved as the only state in India to have adopted the Community model of Ecotourism. Forty Seven Ecotourism destinations have been created in different forest and wildlife areas covering eighteen revenue districts of Odisha including important tribal areas like Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, , Nayagarh etc. These Forty-Seven destinations are the source of alternate livelihood for more than 600 households. There has been fourfold increase in tourist footfall from 11,500 during 2016-17 to 46,019 during 2019-20. The increase in revenue has also been encouraging i.e. from 157 Lakhs during 2016-17 to 685 Lakhs during 2019-20. Since 2016 the booking for all Ecotourism sites has been made online through www.ecotourodisha.com.

Ecotourism has assumed much significance in recent years in our State and it has become an effective way to provide alternate livelihood to the Forest dependent communities. Some of the Ecotourism destinations have transformed into suitable model of conservation by consistently earning more than rupees 1 Crore per destination during last two financial years, without disturbing the flora or fauna of the area. I am sure that the details of work done in Ecotourism front presented in the Annual Report 2019-20, would benefit the planners, general public and stakeholders.

(H.S. Upadhyay)

Rajhans Nature Camp, Chilika Contents

1 Background of initiation of Community Managed Nature 8 2 Highlights of 2016-19 10 Launching of website / Booking portal & Ecotour Logo 10 infrastructure Development 11 employment Generation 12 Facilities for Ecotourists 13 Promotions 14 signing of MoU between Forest and Tourism Department 15 3rd, 4th & 5th Odisha Board Meeting 15 1st and 2nd National Chilika Bird Festival 16 Reviving Bharatpur-Chandaka Landscape 16 Community Mobilization & Management 16 3 Highlights of 2019-20 20 5T initiative of Govt. of Odisha-Ecotourism 20 infrastructure Development 21 Activities and facilities for Eco-tourists: 24 empanelment of Travel Agents & Taxi Operators 27 training and Capacity Building 27 Promotions 28 6th Ecotourism Board Meeting 29 COVID-19 Management 30 other Achievements 31 4 Awards and Accolades 32 5 Benefits of Community Managed Nature Tourism 33 6 Action Plan for 2020-21 33 7 Media Clips 39

Sarafgarh Nature Camp 1 BACKGROUND OF INITIATION OF COMMUNITY Tikarpada Nature Camp MANAGED NATURE It is during the year 2016, Forest & Environment Odisha including important tribal areas like Mayurbhanj, TOURISM IN ODISHA Department, Government of Odisha prioritizing Sundargarh, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Bargarh, Nayagarh the need of getting support of forest dependent etc. 333 rooms have been created to accommodate communities for forest & wildlife conservation initiated 1010 number of Eco-tourists/day. disha is a State of rivers, wetlands, waterfalls, 114 species of Mammals have so far been recorded “Community Managed Nature Tourism” in Odisha. A These 47 destinations are the livelihood source for Olakes, lush green forests and mangroves that in State. The State is blessed with an extremely rich five year scheme (2016-17 to 2020-21) was approved more than 600 households. The households earning shelters a wide range of flora & fauna. 39% of the and unique assemblage of Wildlife, inhibiting their by Government for development of Ecotourism with their livelihood through Ecotourism are the local Geographical area of State is under green cover. respective habitats spread over three different bio- budgetary allocation of Rs. 56 Crore. Forest dependent forest dependent communities. Odisha is a mosaic of nineteen Wildlife Sanctuaries, geographic zones. communities were made stakeholders in Ecotourism one National Park and two Tiger Reserves. It boasts of projects. Major share of revenue generated from the There has been four fold increase in tourist footfall Of the total population of Odisha, around 83 percent a significant population of Irrawaddy Dolphins which Ecotourism projects is diverted to them.The scheme is i.e. 11,500 number during 2016-17 to 46,019 live in rural areas and their role in conserving the is highest recorded inland population in the world. successfully implemented in different regions of Odisha number during 2019-20.The increase in revenue natural resources of State is pivotal. In Odisha, Odisha is the only state in the world to have Melanistic with good results. The objective of the Scheme is to has also been encouraging, from 157 Lakhs during Community model of Ecotourism has proven to Tigers in wild and is also the largest wintering ground provide employment to the rural communities living in 2016-17 to 685 Lakhs during 2019-20. Since 2016 have beneficial impact on the rural economy as it is and around forest & wildlife areas through responsible for birds in Asia. Both Chilika and Bhitarkanika the booking for all Ecotourism sites has been made providing the opportunity for development of the tourism. By the end of 2019-20, 47 Ecotourism wetlands have been declared as “Ramsar Sites”. Odisha online through www.ecotourodisha.com (figure of disadvantaged, marginalized rural population leading destinations have been created in different Forest and has all the three varieties of crocodiles and also takes tourists and revenue are derived from online portal). to poverty alleviation beside driving sustainable wildlife areas of Odisha covering 18 revenue Districts of the pride of being the largest mass nesting site for tourism. Community managed Ecotourism has Olive Ridley in the world. It is the only state in India stimulated economic development and social well The expenditure already incurred vis a vis the tourist footfall and generation of revenue is to record drastic increase in forest cover in recent being of the forest dependent communities and at furnished below in Table- 1 from 2016-17 to 2019-20: years including Mangrove forests. A total of 29 species the same time has preserved the natural environment of Amphibians, 129 species of Reptiles including Night Stay Jungle Total Total Budget Expenditure Revenue through awareness creation. Tourist footfall Safari Jungle Safari Visitors to Revenue of three crocodilian species, 537 species of Birds and Year Provision incurred generated in Ecotourism (Revenue) (Visitors) Ecotourism Ecotourism (Rs. in lakh) (Rs. in lakh) (Rs. in lakh) Destinations (Rs. in lakh) destinations destinations 2016-17 1600.00 1600.00 11,500 157.00 - - 11,500 157.00

2017-18 1299.99 1299.99 17,148 340.00 - - 17,148 340.00

4252 (9 safari 2018-19 854.99 844.99 24,772 557.00 4.26 Vehicles in 1 29,024 561.00 Ecotourism destination) 15,235 (13 safari 2019-20 776.99 756.98 30,784 658.00 26.85 Vehicles in 2 46,019 685.00 Ecotourism destinations) 8 9 Highlights of 2.2 Infrastructure Development Creation of Ecotourism infrastructures has been the landscapes of State i.e forest, wildlife areas, beaches, prime focus beside adding different activities to Nature rivers, lagoon, valleys etc. Camps like Cycling, Boating (Boats & Jetties), Sports, 2016-19 Some major improvements have been made in Trekking, Jungle Safaris etc. Major thrust was also Nandankanan Zoological Park - 66 hectare of Kanjia given on training of village communities managing Lake is being developed (work under process) and those Nature Camps by IHM, BBSR & IITTM, BBSR in boating has been introduced for visitors. Vulture hospitality sector. Certificate has also been awarded conservation breeding centre of Nandankanan to communities by these institutions. For night stay 44 started functioning since Dec-2018. The construction number of rooms for 114 tourists has been developed work of toy train is under progress. Additional area has in five locations at Similipal Tiger Reserve, 16 rooms been added to herbivore safari of the park. at Badmul in Satkosia Tiger Reserve, 27 rooms for 63 tourists in 3 locations of Bhitarkanika including the beach Nature Camp at Habilikhati, 14 rooms including 8 sophisticated rooms at Debrigarh, 10 rooms at Daringbadi for accommodating 20 tourists, Habilikhati Nature Camp, Bhitarkanika 30 rooms in three locations of Chilika including scenic 2 HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016 -19 destinations like Rajhans and Manglajodi, 10 rooms at Nuanai of Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary, 10 rooms Community Managed Nature Tourism / Ecotourism in Odisha has supported forest & wildlife in front of Khandadhar waterfall at Khandadhar, conservation by providing alternative livelihood to the forest dependent communities through 15 rooms in District including 7 rooms at responsible tourism. The following are the developments from 2016-2019 : Mandasaru gorge and 5 rooms at Belghar, 9 rooms at Rissia in Kuldiha Sanctuary and 4 rooms at Bichtrapur. Adjoininng the capital city Bhubaneswar, 2.1 Launching of Website / Online Booking portal and Ecotour Logo 16 accommodations have been developed at Dears and Godibari within Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary Online booking portal for Ecotourism destinations “www.ecotourodisha.com” was launched by Hon’ble for attracting high-end tourists. Other Eco-tourism CM of Odisha on 21st March 2016 on the occasion of World Forestry Day. The Website covers details of destinations have been developed at Satkosia, all Eco-tour destinations / Nature Camps, importance of landscapes, travel plans, route map, booking etc Sarafgarh, Sanghagra, 3 Nature Camps in Blackbuck and all other basic information useful for tourists. Videos & photographs of all destinations have been landscape of and one tree house at displayed in the portal for popularising the destinations. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha inaugurated Kaliamba, near Ansupa Wetland, Barbara, etc. By the the Logo of Odisha Ecotourism on the occasion of Wildlife Week 2017. end of 2019, 285 rooms in 40 different landscapes of Odisha could be developed for accommodating 613 www.ecotourodisha.com tourists during the period 2016 to 2019 in different Deras Nature Camp, Chandaka

Satkosia Sands Resort, Badmul Kumari, Similipal

10 11 2.4 Facilities for Eco-tourists

Boating facilities have been created in different Ecotourism destinations like Bhitarkanika, Debrigarh, Nuanai, Bichitrapur, Satkosia, Chilika etc. For safety of tourists Decks & Floating Jetties have been constructed and life saving jackets have been made available for all Ecotourists. Other activities like Cycling, Birding, Sports, Trekking, Farm land visits, Cultural programmes etc. by local communities are being introduced in all destinations. Ecoguides (one person acquainted with local trees, herbs , birds, animals etc. from 2.3 Employment Generation the community) are present in all Nature Camps. Display of wildlife movies, library facilities along with 600 local community members are now managing 47 Ecotourism destinations all over the State & earning Sovenirshops, watch towers for sighting wild animals have also been developed in all destinations. Safari their livelihood, majority of them are rural women and tribals. Gradually more number of community Tourism has been introduced in Chandaka Sanctuary and Debrigarh Sanctuary with open Jeep Safari members are getting enrolled in Ecotourism activities. Ecotourism has been an alternative income for them vehicles for moving inside the Sanctuary. as they earlier used to rely on forest for their survival by poaching, smuggling, fishing, collecting honey, firewood, etc.I ndirectly, 5 to 6 villages per Ecotourism project are now earning their livelihood by providing daily requirements to the Ecotourism projects (i.e. by selling vegetables, handmade articles, different food items, milk, non-veg products, travel facilities etc). All the community members have been trained on hospitality & Ecotourism services for proper management of the destinations and they play different roles in management of Nature Camps i.e. Housekeeping, accounting, store, reception, service, cooking, cleaning etc. The total income generated through online booking is shared as below to respective community accounts Forest & Environment Dept, Government of Odisha has notified the standard revenue sharing mechanism of Ecotourism destinations (Govt. Letter Number- 6324 Dt.19.3.18), as below (excluding the 10% share of OFDC Ltd. which shall be used for margin of Tour Operators, maintenance of Ecotour portal and for advertisement / promotion of Ecotour properties) :

Components % Share ETG Wage Salary (Online release to Shared by Management Committee of the Community 35 % respective Community accounts) towards wages Recurring Expenses (Online release to For day to day expenses & management of Nature Camps. 25 % Community account) (Fooding of visitors, fuel, electricity etc.) Infrastructure Development (Online 10 % Major maintenance, Improvement in infrastructures etc. release to Community account) EDC Share 10 % For developmental works in local villages (Online release to Community account) Corpus Fund Salary of Hospitality Experts engaged in different Ecotourism (with PCCF WL for salary of Hospitality 10% Destinations Experts engaged in Nature camps etc) Government Revenue 10 % Revenue share to Government Total : 100 %

12 13 2.6 Signing of MoU between Forest and Tourism Department One MoU was signed between Forest Dept. (1st Party) & Tourism Dept. (2nd Party) 2.5 Promotions during March 2017 for promotion of Odisha Ecotourism. Tourism Dept is promoting Eco-tour website www.ecotourodisha. Eco-tourists coming to Odisha are from Odisha Ecotourism in large scale in India & com has been embedded in the West Bengal. The event was attended abroad. Inbound & outbound Tour Operators website of Odisha Tourism website by Sri. Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, IAS, have been enrolled in this scheme for bigger www.odishatourism.gov.in for better Addl. Chief Secretary to Government F & publicity of the destinations. promotion of ecotourism destinations E Dept, Sri. Rajib Kumar, IFS, MD. OFDC, & for enhancing the booking of Nature Director Tourism, officers of OFDC, OTDC Camps. Social media promotion of etc. On Dt.24.10.18 Workshop on Odisha tourism & ecotourism destinations of Ecotourism was organised at Delhi with Odisha has started since 2018 by Tourism members of IATO (Indian Association of Department on regular basis in Face Travel & Tour Operators, India). The event book, Twitter, Instagram etc. Photography was attended by Sri. Suresh Chandra Trail was organised by Forest Dept Mahapatra, IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary to and Tourism Dept in which 30 wildlife Government F & E Dept, Sri Rajib Kumar, photographers from different parts of IFS (MD. OFDC), Director Tourism etc. India participated and visited some of the important Ecotourism destinations of Odisha. The trail was scheduled from 25th Feb 2019 to 3rd March 2019 2.7 3rd 4th and 5th Odisha Ecotourism covering Bhitarkanika, Chandaka, Chilika, Board Meeting 2016-2018 Debrigarh & Satkosia. The photographers The prime focus of Odisha Ecotourism Board, were given an opportunity to stay in during this period has been mostly for the Nature Camps in those places. development of Ecotourism Infrastructures for Interactive session were scheduled with attracting high end tourists to Odisha. Important local community managing Ecotourism decision regarding funding, creating of a destinations for sharing the relevance & common portal for online booking, activities, etc. objectives of the project with them. were also taken. Promotion of Odisha Ecotourism outside State by Forest Dept OFDC The 5th meeting of Odisha Ecotourism Board has organized workshops on Odisha held on 22.11. 2018 under the Chairmanship of Ecotourism in different parts of India. Chief Secretary, Odisha took further decisions On Dt. 23.6.18. Workshop with Tour regarding-celebration of National Bird Festival, Operators of Odisha was organized at organization of workshop with Tour Operators Bhubaneswar being attended by Sri. of other State, creation of land bank around the Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, IAS, Addl. Ecotourism destinations created by Forest Dept. Chief Secretary to Government F & E to encourage private investment in State. The Dept, Sri. Jitendra Kumar, IFS, MD. OFDC, other decisions were wide audio visual publicity officers of Forest Dept,T ourism Dept, by Tourism Dept., linking of Ecotourism website OFDC, OTDC etc. On Dt.9.7.18 Workshop with Tourism website and organizing day tours on Odisha Ecotourism was organized at to Bhitarkanika, Mangalajodi, Nandankanan, Kolkata with all tour & travel operators Chilika, Chandaka etc. from Bhubaneswar for of West Bengal as majority of tourists & popularising those destinations jointly by Tourism & Forest Dept.

1414 1515 2.9 Reviving Bharatpur- Chandaka Landscape Bharatpur Jungle Safari at Chandaka with 9 numbers of 12 seated open Jeeps started for the visitors this year. 20 Sq.km area has been developed for Bharatpur Jungal Safari. 28 km of road is for safari which moves through meadows and deep forests. Special focus is given for enrichment of wildlife habitat inside the Safari area and process of introduction of herbivores is under progress. A new entry gate 2.10 Community Mobilization & Management at Bharatpur has also been created. in State through Ecotourism Facility for boating at Deras will be Till 2019 around 600 community members have been opened this year. enrolled for management of Nature Camps all over 2nd National Chilika Bird Festival the state. Indirectly, 5 to 6 villages per Ecotourism project are now earning their livelihood by providing daily requirements to the Ecotourism projects . Eco 2.8 1st and 2nd National Chilika Bird Festival Development Committees / Vana Sanrakshyana For the first time during 27th-28th January 2018 the “National Samities have been formed in all the villages and Chilika Bird Festival” was organized jointly by Forest and a core management committee (one person from Tourism Department at Mangalajodi, Chilika for highlighting the each family) named as “Ecotourism Group (ETG)” has importance of Chilika landscape at national and international been created for all destinations for managing the level and also to promote the Community Managed Ecotourism Nature Camps. All the community members have in the State of Odisha. been trained on hospitality & Ecotourism services by Government. institutions and they play different roles The 2nd National Chilika Bird Festival was organized at Mangalajodi in management of Nature Camps like housekeeping, on 27th-28th January 2019 followed by visit to Bhitarkanika on accounting, store, reception, service, cooking, 3rd day of festival. Fest attracted tourists, bird watchers, wildlife cleaning etc. A Standard Operating Procedure has photographers, painters and researchers. Around 500 participants been formulated and being followed in all Nature from Odisha and outside participated. The occasion was graced Camps for proper management, cleanliness of the by Shri Ashok Chandra Panda, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Shri Camps sustainably. 10 Nos of hospitality experts or Prasanna Patasani, Hon’ble MP, Bhubaneswar, Shri Rajendra Kumar “Site Managers” with experience in hotel management Sahoo, Hon’ble MLA, Khurda, Shri Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, IAS, and training in hospitality sector have been engaged Addl. Chief Secretary to Government F & E Dept, Shri Vishal Kumar since 2017 in different Ecotourism destinations to Dev, IAS, Secretary Tourism, Dr. SandeepTripathi, IFS, PCCF (WL), train the villagers on management of Nature Camps. officials of OTDC, CDA etc.

1st National Chilika Bird Festival Jungle Safari at Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary Satkosia Gorge, District - Nayagarh / 3.2 Infrastructure Development 3 HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019-20 Seven new Ecotourism destinations in Seven districts of Odisha started with addition of 40 new rooms to the existing 40 Ecotourism 3.1 5T initiative of Govt. of Odisha destinations with 274 rooms. During the year 2019-20, Ecotourism is listed as one of The online booking of Barehipani Nature the Transformational Action points (5T) of Govt of Odisha Camp started from October 2019 with under Forest and Environment Department. Upscaling of Chandipur Nature Camp Ecotourism activities is going on in State, better services and management through professionals are the priority for taking Odisha Ecotourism to next level. Name of the Destinations District Number of Rooms Barehipani Mayurbhanj 8 Chandipur 6 Chitrakunda Malkangiri 4 Satiguda Malkangiri 4 Nrusinghnath Bargarh 4 Koraput Pine Forest Koraput 6 Patora Dam 5 Tensa Sundargarh 3 Total 40

Barehipani Nature Camp

Chandipur Nature Camp Receding Sea, Chandipur

overwhelming response from tourists from different parts of India. Barehipani Nature Camp is located near Barehipani Waterfall and is around 28 Km from the magnificient Joranda Waterfall. Beside the scenic view of the majestic Barehipani Waterfall visitors also experience birding, trekking, sports etc in the comfortable accommodations of the Camp in the midst of forests beneath the starry sky. The 1309 Ft height Barehipani Waterfall is a two tiered waterfall and is the 2nd tallest in India. Chitrakonda and Satiguda Nature Camps at were opened for night stay by Ecotourists from 14th February 2020. Chitrakonda Nature Camp is located near the 25 Km long Dam on River Sileru.Boating facilities have also been developed in the Chitrakonda reservoir.

Joranda Chandipur Nature Camp

20 21 Chitrakonda Reservoir Satiguda Reservoir Satiguda Nature Camp The villages nearby Chitrakonda display the cultural beauty of the tribes of Malkangiri. Satiguda Nature Camp is about 8 Kms from Malkangiri town and adjoining Satiguda dam and reservoir. Two new wooden Cottages were added to the existing 5 cottages at Mandasaru Nature Camp. Nearby the receding Sea of Chandipur, 6 well furnished cottages have been constructed facing the Sea. Five number of tented accommodation have been created near the Patora Dam and reservoir surrounded by hills and valleys in Nuapada District. Four rooms at Chitrakonda Nature Camp

Nrusinghnath, Six rooms within the Pine forest of Koraput town and three rooms at Tensa of Sundargarh District have been developed during 2019-20.

19 rooms (Tented Cottage/Cottage) were added in Four existing Ecotourism properties of State as below: Mandasaru Gorge “ The Silent Valley of Odisha Beside 40 new rooms in 7 Ecotourism destinations Total 47 Ecotour properties exist in 18 revenue districts of 19 rooms have been added in the existing popular Odisha with 333 rooms and capacity of 1010 Ecotourists. Nature Camps like Bichitrapur, Tikarpada, Gudgudia, Out of it 42 Ecotourism properties are open for online Kumari and Mandasaru. booking and rest five are ready to open during 2020-21. Satiguda

Sl. No. Name of the Destination District Number of Rooms

1. Bichitrapur Balasore 6 2. Tikarpada Angul 3 3. Gudugudia Mayurbhanj 4 Bichitrapur Nature Camp

4. Kumari Mayurbhanj 4 5. Mandasaru Kandhamal 2 Total 19

22 Mandasaru Nature Camp Pine Forest, Koraput 23 Safari Tourism has been introduced at Similipal 3.3 Activities and facilities for Eco-tourists Tiger Reserve and National Park with two number of Open Jeep Safari vehicles at Similipal Ecotour Nature Camps offer a variety of activities and with a capacity of 12 tourists per vehicle. 18 experiences to campers. Every landscape unfolds a different Safari vehicles are operational at Chandaka and experience. From guided Nature walks, Game drives, Boat Debrigarh for 172 tourists. Total 20 Safari vehicles safaris and Canopy walks to simple nights by Campfires for 188 tourists are functioning at Chandaka (9 sharing stories, sampling local cuisine, going on a bicycle nos. / 88 tourists), (Debrigarh 9 nos. / 84 tourists). ride, farm visit or to a cultural programme. Indulge in guided Nature walks and trails to explore the wilderness or hike of For upscalling experience of the eco-tourists the hills for refreshing experience. visiting the nature camps during the year 2019- 20, 28 nos. of boats (10 seater and 20 seater), 11 nos. of floating jetties have been allotted in 7 Ecotourism destinations. Boating facilities are available at 20 Nature Camps spread over destinations at Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, Chilika, Badmul, Debrigarh, Nuanai, Rissia, Bichitrapur, Sarafgarh, Ansupa, Satiguda, Chitrakonda etc.

24 25 3.4 Empanelment of Travel Agents & Taxi Operators From January 2019 online registration for Travel Agents & Taxi Operators is available at www. ecotourodisha.com with 8% instant commission at the time of booking. Provision to book for up to 3 destinations through Package Tour Booking option has been provided for increasing the involvement of travel agents.

Covid-19 Protocols in Nature Camps 3.5 Training and Capacity Building

Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Bhubaneswar conducted training and capacity building of 142 Community members of Nine Ecotourism destinations during 2019-20. The training programme was sponsored by Department of Tourism, Govt. of Odisha. The training covered subjects like hospitality, house keeping, hygiene, sanitation, cleaning, communication skills, Check-in and Check-out protocols etc.

For the year 2020-21, six months training programme of Community members is under progress. Site Training of Site Managers & Community Members Managers have been trained for 3 days on SOP and advisory of COVID-19 for management of Ecotourism Nature Camps in State at Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar. On-spot training of all community members working in different Nature Camps will continue from October 2020 till March 2020. Besides training on COVID protocols, the training will cover preparation of local “Odia Cuisine” and its documentation in different regions Ecotourism Experinces of Odisha. Hospitality training shall also be a part of the training. 26 27 World Tourism Day 2020 Shri Vishal Kumar Dev,IAS. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Tourism, Odisha

3.7 6th Ecotourism Board Meeting Capacity building of Community Members on Nature Camp Maintenance 6th meeting of Odisha Ecotourism Board was held on 27.11.2019 under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, Odisha. It was decided to 3.6 Promotions conduct Odisha Ecotourism Board meeting on Social media promotion of Ecotourism quarterly basis. Home Stay, online facility for destinations is being continued by boating, identification of suitable water bodies, Tourism Department. Advertisements installation of signages, Conducted Day Tours, have been displayed in Bus-queue- Dr.H.S Upadhyay,IFS. PCCF(WL) & CWLW, Odisha FAM trips, House Boats, identification of Land Shelters of Bhubaneswar. There was Bank, Upscaling of Ecotourism activities, Guide active participation of Forest Department Training Programmes etc. were decided to be in Road-shows organized by Tourism undertaken during next quarter. Department at different cities outside Odisha like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Guwahati. Night stay in Ecotourism destinations has been a part of different programmes i.e Odisha by Road/ Banabhoji lunched by Department of Tourism during 2020. The first Coffeetable book on Odisha Ecotourism “Ecotour Odisha” has been prepared by the Wildlife Wing of Forest Department.

Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, IAS. Director Tourism, Odisha 28 29 3.9 Other Achievements Memorandum of Understanding have been signed with Odisha Biodiversity Board and Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar for training and capacity building of Community Members engaged in Ecotourism activities. The MoU with Biodiversity Board intends to create Naturalists/ Eco-Guides in all the Ecotourism destinations of Odisha by training community members engaged in Ecotourism activities. Institute of Hotel Management will provide training to community members for management of Eco-tour destinations.

New Hiking/Trekking programme “Eco-Trails Odisha” has been launched during January’20. The Hiking programme covers all Forest Trails and Waterways around 10 Sq.Km area of each Nature Camp. 3.8 COVID Management For implementation of SOP and Advisory for “Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Forest prevention of COVID-19 a special training Protection through Nature Tourism” has been started module has been developed by Institute of Hotel by Govt. from the year 2020 for rewarding the Community Management and Institute of Travel and Tourism members who have performed well in Ecotourism and Management, Bhubaneswar. Both the institutes have significant contribution in controlling pollution, have been enrolled for providing 10 days training protection of Forest & wildlife from Fire, Poaching etc. in every Nature Camp of Odisha to the community Every year the award shall be awarded on the occasion of members. The 10 days training curriculum includes World Forestry Day. Three Ecotourism Destinations have 2-3 days training on COVID-19 with every day been selected for the Chief Minister’s Award on World hands-on practice for 10 days. Equipments like Forestry Day- Satkosia Sands Resort, Badmul (1st Prize), ULV sprayers, Sanitizer dispenser, IR Thermometer, Kumari Nature Camp, Similipal (2nd Prize) and Debrigarh etc. are in use in all Nature Camps with certified Nature Camp (3rd Prize). cleaning agents. For prevention and safety of the community members, protective kits to all the community members have been supplied. Total budgetary allocation of Rs.134.00 lakhs has been made for implementation of COVID protocol in 34 Nature Camps. Specialized training was conducted by IHM, Bhubaneswar from 19th August to 21st August, 2020 for all Site Managers on the same.

30 31 5 Benefits of Community Managed Nature Tourism in Odisha

1. Livelihood support to the forest dependent communities of State. 2. Employment to rural women & tribal communities in wildlife areas who were earlier dependent on poaching & anti forestry activities for their living. 3. Zero forest fire and poaching in those landscapes where communities are engaged in Ecotourism activities. 4. Communities are running programmes in each destination. Ecotourists are engaged in different activities like trekking, birding, boating, cycling, farm land visit, cultural programmes by locals, safari, watching wildlife movies in Nature Camps, canopy 6 Action Plan for 2020-21 walk etc. to have holistic experience of forest, culture & traditions of the local communities. Eco guides, boatman etc. employed in Up-scaling of 12 Ecotourism Destinations Ecotourism destinations are all locals and trained. (5T-Transformissional Action Points): Introduction of adventure sports (Kayaking, Rope 5. The Ecotourism destinations have been developed covering different landscapes of the State i.e. forests, hill stations, lakes, Course etc) and Nature Education programmes rivers, beaches, lagoon etc. which also provide basic knowledge (Birding, Hiking etc) on Ecotourism. Use of high to the tourists about natural ecosystems. quality tents in four important Ecotour properties, expansion of Canopy Tourism, strengthening 6. As Ecotourism destinations are providing job opportunities to the of Ecotourism Cell by recruitment of Chief local communities, they themselves are conserving & protecting Naturalist, Site Mangers heaving orientation Nature and also maintaining cleanliness of the landscape. All destinations are maintained free from plastics. towards Ecotourism and business communication, Marketing etc. 7. The model “Community Managed Nature Tourism” adopted by Odisha Govt. is unique in the Country as forest dependent 6.2 Standardization and interior designing of rooms communities are utilizing 80% share of the State revenue. of Ecotourism Nature Camps. 8. One of those 47 Ecotourism destinations in Odisha is Satkosia 6.3 Infrastructure development in Ecotourism Sands Resort & Nature Camp at Badmul in Satkosia Tiger Reserve destinations like Habalikhati (Bhitarkanika), in . The destination has earned revenue of 1.03 Pine Nature Camp at Koraput and at Chandipur. Crore during the financial year 2018-19 and 1.05 Crore during Infrastructure development at selected 4 Awards and Accolades: 2019-20. Another Ecotourism destination Similipal Nature Camps Ecotourism destinations for Conducted Tours/ in has also earned revenue of more than One During the year 2019 the Community Caravan Tourism/ Road trips / festivals. Crore each year i.e during 2018-19 & 2019-20. model of Ecotourism adopted by 6.4 Training and Capacity building of community Odisha has received “Best Ecotourism 9. 60% of the community members engaged in all the 47 Ecotourism members for handling high end tourists and on Inititative Award” by Federation of destinations of Odisha are rural women. COVID-19 protocols/ advisory. Indian Chambers of Commerce and Community Managed Ecotourism is supporting Forest and Wildlife Industry (FICCI). Consevation by providing alternative livelihood to the forest dependent communities through responsible tourism.

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Khandadhar Nature Camp 0.00 3.36 6.07 9.19 7.75 1.51 9.96 9.01 9.12 4.16 1.67 3.42 62.73 68.52 24.66 59.72 25.44 74.98 30.13 15.71 31.68 13.04 23.26 24.96 11.75 13.28 25.25 15.30 18.65 28.17 10.89 21.83 57.33 11.20 109.69 113.81 During 2019-20 2019-20 Revenue Revenue 0.00 4.50 5.67 5.99 1.13 0.00 3.65 6.08 7.38 6.75 8.59 6.43 3.87 2.78 6.46 7.42 1.17 54.91 49.88 23.20 71.25 20.09 13.33 90.24 37.30 17.06 39.04 14.25 10.30 13.84 27.81 18.80 32.17 18.58 100.99 107.65 During 2018-19 Revenue Revenue 1.07 3.93 7.06 6.54 0.83 0.00 0.00 1.15 0.00 1.13 0.43 3.83 0.00 0.43 0.00 6.17 9.68 3.13 0.70 4.96 53.46 25.75 17.98 58.80 36.56 23.12 83.14 10.04 53.66 28.96 15.42 25.70 13.06 11.13 10.47 14.41 During 2017-18 Revenue Revenue 0.96 3.58 3.05 5.30 1.09 2.10 6.23 7.31 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.87 0.00 0.00 3.19 0.61 1.87 0.00 3.19 4.43 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 32.76 18.13 13.73 19.36 21.82 11.30 42.07 30.17 14.66 13.88

During

2016-17 Revenue Revenue Capacity Capacity

8 4 8 74 28 20 38 37 20 20 12 57 10 28 44 30 12 16 16 18 20 32 24 16 60 20 16 24 16 18 20 10 14 20 130

MPS (in Lakh)

Rooms Rooms

o of of o N 6 4 5 2 6 8 8 6 4 8 8 8 9 5 7 37 13 10 19 16 10 10 52 26 14 10 14 10 16 12 30 10 12 10 10 T UR E CA ype of AC-7 AC-8 AC-5 AC-13 AC-10 AC-16 AC-30 All AC All All AC All All AC All All AC All AC All All AC All All AC All All AC All All AC All All AC All Rooms All AC All All AC All All AC All AC-19 T N on AC-7 NON AC-3 NON AC-2 NON AC-7 All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All All N on AC All NON AC-12 NON AC-42 AC- 37 NON AC- UR ISM N A OTO AL AL AL AL AL otal alley Gupti Rissia Deras atkosia atkosia V T arava hulbani Baliput Kumari N uanai arafgarh andasaru ikarpada anglajodi Rajhans S Jamuani Godibari Gurguria P Chhotkei urunakote S ub T S T Debrigarh Dangamal ands Resort Barehipani S UB TOT H abilikhati S UB TOT anaghagara S UB TOT S UB TOT S UB TOT Ramatirtha Bichitrapur M Daringbadi M P Khandadhar Berhampura S S Baghamunda ature Camps N ature TION O F E C A

atkosia atkosia atkosia atkosia Camp hulbani ature N ature ature N ature ature N ature ature N ature Camps Camps Camps Camps Chilika ature N ature ature N ature ature N ature Camps Camps Camps N uanai arafgarh arafgarh IN F O R M S S S imilipal P S Debrigarh Chandaka ands Resort anaghagara anaghagara Bichitrapur Bichitrapur Daringbadi Destination Destination Khandadhar Bhitarkanika S ature Rissia N ature ature camp N ature S ature Camp N ature ature Camp N ature ature Camp N ature ature Camp N ature ature Camp N ature

irakud irakud atkosia atkosia ahanadi hulbani Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Wildlife H Division Division Division Division Division Division Division Division Division Division S Balasore Balasore Balasore Balasore Rajnagar Baliguda P Keonjhar uri Wildlife uri Wildlife M Chandaka undergarh S undergarh P DD S imilipal Bonai Forest Bonai Forest N orth Division Forest Division Forest Chilika Wildlife Chilika Wildlife Forest Division Forest Forest Division Forest Forest Division Forest Forest Division Forest P uri ayurbhanj ambalpur Balasore Balasore Keonjhar N ayagarh S Kandhamal Kandhamal S undergarh S undergarh M Kendrapada

In view of Covid-19, Ecotourism Nature Camps were closed from March 2020 till October 2020. In view of Covid-19, Ecotourism Nature Camps were closed from March 2020 till October 2020.

34 35 I n viewofCovid-19, E Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue Forest Nature Type of District Destination During During During During

Division Camps Rooms No of Rooms

Capacity 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20

Baliguda cotourism Nature Camps were closedfromM Belghar Kandhamal Forest Belghar All Non AC 5 10 0.00 1.99 4.00 3.29 Nature Camp Division Ghumsur Giant (N) Forest Squirrel kaliamba All AC 3 6 0.00 1.32 3.74 1.80 Division Nature Camp

Ghumsur Saluapali All AC 5 10 0.36 0.52 1.04 1.10 (N) Forest Bhanjanagar Ganjam Division All AC 4 8 0.00 1.82 2.18 1.43 Blackbuk Dam Ghumsur Nature Camp AC-1 (S) Forest Chermaria 2 4 0.21 0.28 0.25 0.60 arch 2020tillO Non AC-1 Division AC-10 SUB TOTAL 11 22 0.57 2.61 3.47 3.13 NON AC-1 Athgarh ctober 2020. ctober Ansupa Forest Ansupa All AC 5 10 1.54 2.54 2.92 3.56 Nature Camp Division Nayagarh Sidhamula Nayagarh Forest Sidhamula All AC 4 8 0.80 1.70 1.58 2.39 Nature Camp Division Mahavinayak Cuttack Mahavinayak All Non AC 3 6 0.85 1.59 1.21 1.55 Cuttack Forest Nature Camp Division Olasuni Olasuni All Non AC 3 6 0.14 0.43 0.20 0.13 Nature Camp Saptasajya Dhenkanal Forest Saptasajya All AC 2 4 0.60 0.93 0.58 1.38 Nature Camp Division Khordha Barbera Khordha Forest Barbera All Non AC 3 6 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.95 Nature Camp Division Malkangiri Forest Chitrakonda Chitrakonda All AC 4 8 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Division Malkangiri Malkangiri Forest Satiguda Satiguda All AC 4 8 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Division Grand 16 22 26 42 309 657 156.12 340.14 556.74 658.16 Total 38