Vol 2, Issue 2

Responsibly & Sustainably

For Free Distribution Only Not For Sale

New Speak Le a d e r s

Responsible The Bishnois Tourism in and their the Rann of Wildlife Kutch Conservation

Green Path Eco Resort Culture • Promotes slow food Aangan: a social • Harvests rain water enterprise • Recycles plastic wastes dedicated to • Offers tours to organic farms promoting sustainable ...and more rural tourism Speak Puducherry Le a d e r s Louis D’Amore: Father of Peace Tourism Welcomes You Peace through Tourism An Historical and Future Perspective International Excerpts from D’Amore’s article Exactly two years IIPT has organized Birthing of the achievements of past earlier she had hosted seventeen international International Institute generations; peace with the Reykjavik Summit conferences, summits for Peace through future generations— between President and symposia in regions Tourism (IIPT) through sustainable Ronald Reagan and throughout the world The original seeding lifestyles and practices; General Secretary bringing together both of the International and peace with our Mikhail Gorbachev public and private Yoga Institute for Peace Creator—by practicing which resulted in the sector leaders of the through Tourism the universal principle beginning disarmament industry, educators, (IIPT) occurred in the of all faiths and of nuclear weapons students, practitioners, mid-1970’s when the humanists—“do unto between the U.S. and the and non-governmental firm of L.J. D’Amore others as we would have Soviet Union. organizations as well Festival and Associates was them do unto ourselves.” The Vancouver as leaders from related commissioned by the Introduction of a conference first sectors. 4th to 7th January, every year Government of Canada “Higher Purpose of introduced the concept More than 7,000 to conduct the world’s Tourism ” of “Sustainable Tourism persons from some first study on the future A 25 year retrospective Development”—four 130 countries have of tourism. look at the First Global years prior to the UN Rio come together over the IIPT’s concept of Conference: Tourism—A Summit on Environment past 25 years to share “Peace” from the start Vital Force for Peace, and Development. It their experience, ideas, Interesting Features has been a positive suggests that it was also introduced a new insights, wisdom and concept that goes beyond a watershed event for paradigm for a “Higher commitment in “Building • Yoga meditation the notion of simply the travel and tourism Purpose of Tourism” a Culture of Peace • Yogasana practical the absence of war. It industry. This “higher through Tourism.” More embraces six dimensions­ Eight hundred persons purpose” of tourism than 1,500 case studies • Presentation of papers, discourses & workshops —peace and tranquility from 68 countries with its capacity of “Success Stories” • Yoga Therapy within ourselves; peace participated in the event to generate social, have been presented with others, from our which featured video- cultural, economic, demonstrating the • Yogic food neighbors next door taped messages from environmental, and various dimensions of • Yogic music & dance to our neighbors in Pope John Paul II and political benefits has a “Higher Purpose” of the global village; U.S. President Ronald now been recognized Tourism and the social, collaboration among; Reagan in the Opening and gained acceptance economic, cultural, peace with nature Ceremony. at the highest levels of environmental, and and our common President Vigdis both governments and political benefits of home—planet Earth; Finnbogadottir of industry together with tourism. Now you can fly to Puducherry via Bengaluru peace with past Iceland, the world’s first its immense potential generations—by which elected woman, Head of as the world’s largest we honor our respective State was the Honorary industry in contributing For the full article please read it Web: http://www.pondytourism.in/ Email: [email protected] cultures, heritage and Chair of the Conference. to a “Culture of Peace.” in the accompanying CD Meet the Man Who Has Been Expanding Tiger Habitats. He Even Got a New Sanctuary Declared! ecently, 2,400 born, they have to move development in that seen fantastic results for sq km (240,000 out to other areas. We area. tigers. “MM Hills is also Rha) of forests need this kind of concept The areas selected an excellent habitat for were included into the for them too. Tigers too are low on human Asian elephants. Hence protected area (national need better and newer population with little the protection accorded parks and wildlife habitats, especially disturbance from the will also help protect sanctuaries) network of when the area of urban areas. They are elephants,” says Gubbi. state in South protected land is rapidly mostly forested land. And this is just one to help connect declining.” Says Sanjay When all these example of the team’s different protected areas. Gubbi. conditions are met, success. Started in This initiative is the first Gubbi’s initiative the area is declared 2011, the initiative has of its kind in the country starts with identifying protected and, gradually, already connected 23 after the 1970s and has the areas where as the tigers see a new areas in the Western increased Karnataka intervention is required and safe area they make Ghats. state’s protected area and whether the a shift and expand their This was all possible network from 3.8 potential for expansion is habitat too. due to the joint efforts percent of the state’s available. The team then One of the success between Gubbi’s team geographical area to 5.2 connects protected areas stories of Gubbi’s work is and the Government. percent. It has helped like forests with wildlife in Malai Mahadeshwara “One person I especially build corridors for wide- sanctuaries. Hills (906 sq km) that have to thank for the ranging species such as success of this mission the tiger. is Poornesha H.C. Meet Sanjay Gubbi, and his excellent who along with his skills in Geographical team, is helping Information System preserve the tiger (GIS), which were critical population by giving in our work on protected tigers new habitats. area expansion,” says “As humans, we Gubbi. move from one place to It wasn’t an easy task another. When one area The government too was declared as a new giving shape to this is full, a new colony or plays a crucial role wildlife sanctuary in unique project. society is created, and as it declares the new May 2013 due to his we shift there. Then to connected land as a team’s efforts. They the new city and so on. protected area to stop now have camera traps When new animals are further activities and in that area and have Read the whole story in the CD Source: www.thebetterindia.com Message from Principal Secretary to Government of Green Path Haryana, Tourism Department Eco Resort vegetarian because eggs The restaurant is aryana is land: The 42 Tourist Convention Centres to are served to guests on sensitized towards diversity of the he Green Path You are welcomed one of India’s Complexes of Haryana cater to the Meetings, their specific request. veganism. handicrafts, handlooms is one of the at Green Path as the vibrant Tourism built on the Incentives, Conferences H and cultural fabric of brainwaves of “Earth People”. Your state’s endowed national highways & Exhibitions (MICE) T India, & is the largest Mr Jayaram driven by other identities simply with magnificent that pass through the segment. Green Path principles: crafts fair in the world. the vision: do not matter! Often archaeology, diverse state are equipped with • Promotes slow food—slow food is defined as It has set up state- A record number of 20 at the dining table topography and 838 air-conditioned locally-grown organic food. For example, Green of-the-art Convention countries participated and reception area of celebrates art and rooms and all kinds of Path offers you luscious farm-fresh, locally grown Centres at Hotel in the 29th Surajkund Green Path, you meet culture. This is the facilities for tourists. organic cheekus (sapota) in plentiful but not Rajhans, Surajkund, International Crafts people in animated land of Indus Valley There are golf courses, apples… apples are not a fruit of this region and Faridabad; Tilyar Lake, Mela-2015 and the discussions—all of which sites, medieval lakes, bird sanctuary are often exported from foreign countries. Slow Rohtak and Red Bishop Mela indisputably seem to have a central architectural treasures and tourists can enjoy food is characterized by the minimum expenditure Tourist Complex in occupies a place theme: how to preserve and also offers buzzing the beautiful natural of energy to reach you. Panchkula and many of pride on the the Earth better. There entertainment. vistas and myriad • Follows a policy of no ajinomoto, no coloring more are coming up international tourist are environmentalists, opportunities for bird agents, no preservatives, no frozen ingredients, no This is the birthplace soon. calendar. organic farmers, of the Bhagawad Gita watching, trekking, hydrogenated oils, and no baking soda in the food. Haryana Tourism I extend a cordial researchers, eco- where Lord Krishna rock climbing and other • Restricts from serving aerated drinks and colas. also organises the invitation to all tourists and responsible gave the message of adventure sports. • Maintains an organic kitchen garden and a 40- acclaimed Surajkund and tour & travel H.R Jayaram tourism professionals, the Song Divine at Haryana Tourism acre organic farm to supply the raw materials for International Crafts operators to come journalists, passionate Kurukshetra. Also the also took the unique Mela every year from the kitchen. and experience the To create easily vegans and vegetarians, land where the battle of initiative to introduce 1st to 15th February at • Harvests rain water to tend to the plants in the delights and attractions replicable models of and you name it—all the Mahabharata was Farm tourism in Surajkund, Faridabad premises and prevent rain water from percolating of Haryana. Be our sustainable living in trying to put forth their fought...thousands of partnership with the (8 km from South Delhi) down into the sewerage. privileged guest & come order to inspire more arguments on preserving years ago!!! Haryana farm owners across the visited by over a million holiday with us! people to adapt an eco- the Earth better! • Maintains a bio-gas plant within the premises has preserved the best state and offers special people. friendly lifestyle. To Green Path is a which supplies most of the fuel used in the of both the worlds… packages in these Dr. Sumita Misra, IAS The Surajkund Mela promote and implement 50-bedroom service kitchen. footprints of the bygone chosen farms. showcases the richness sustainable practices in apartment in . • Outsources plastic wastes to be recycled. era and a futuristic Haryana Tourism has and all our activities. Each apartment at • Promotes local artisans by purchasing their vision. always been proactive To educate consumers Green Path has two- paintings and wall hangings for décor. Haryana could well be in creating about the nutritional and or-three completely • Follows a strict policy of not selling packaged called a perfect vacation environmental benefits of furnished bedrooms water. The kitchenettes in all apartments are fitted organic foods. To promote with all facilities for a with RO systems. comfortable, homely, and “forgotten future foods” • Offers tours to organic farms and organizes farm eco-friendly stay. These (millet among many stays on request. service apartments are others) and inform people • Uses solar energy to power water heaters in the ideal for both short and about their numerous apartments. benefits. long term stays. • Provides shampoos and cosmetics in the Green Path’s To promote new forms bathrooms that are herbal, natural, organic, and of responsible tourism restaurant called Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited handmade. that aim to conserve Green Bowl is largely Tel.: +91-0172-2702955 nature and to support vegetarian/vegan and www.haryanatourism.gov.in Email: [email protected] local communities. organic. “Largely” www.thegreenpath.in Discover a new you Experience Ayurveda with the official host to God’s Own Country Culture Aangan Homestays KTDC, the Official Host to God’s Own Country, brings you comprehensive packages and services at the most enchanting ulture Aangan in villages that are not villages to benefit from types of homestays to destinations. Scintillating backwaters, sun-kissed beaches, is a social used to seeing tourism. rural tourism to support choose from. captivating heritage sites and exotic wildlife sanctuaries and enterprise Local cultural activities and continue their way 1. Farm Homestay: many more magical destinations are awaiting you. An all new C dedicated to promoting have been developed, so of life. Owned by a local Rajput experience in Ayurvedic Rejuvenation, KTDC’s Age Halt is sustainable rural that they can be shared a dream come true for all those who seek authentic Villages are supported family (rulers of the Ayurveda. So set off on an unforgettable journey with tourism and supporting with tourists in the to be sustainable, both area), it’s surrounded KTDC and experience . grass root development region. Ms Sawant has environmentally and by fields and has been projects. Their focus also been sleected to also culturally. By newly constructed is on both conserving attend the Dasra Social learning from them especially for guests. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Limited. and celebrating cultural Impact Program, and and supporting the The rooms have modern Kerala. Phone: +91-471-2316736, 2725213 traditions, to help was awarded the Konkan community, Culture western facilities and E-mail: [email protected] stem the migration to Ratna in 2010. Aangan aims to ensure attractive contemporary Web: www.ktdc.com the cities. They bring Ms Sawant holds a that their activities decorations, inspired traditional Indian degree in Tourism and contribute positively to by the region. Fresh culture to travelers, so Travel Management the community and its air and tranquility are invited to attend that they can experience from the University of longevity. in abundance. The A Tribal Woman the World Forestry rural India, off the Mumbai. She has over Their properties homestay is run by the from MP has been Congress (WFC) from beaten track but with 10 years of experience are also fitted with family’s eldest son, who’s Saving Forests September 7 to 11 in homely comforts. in the tourism field. sustainable features an excellent horseman since 7 Years... Durban, South Africa. Currently, their She is supported by including working water and conducts horse Ujiyaro, who homestays are across operations offices in both wells, low consumption safaris. belongs to the Baiga Ujiyaro Bai the Sindhdurgh region Sindhudurgh and Pali. fire wood, water boilers 2. Royal Homestay: jiyaro Bai, a tribe, started her on the Konkan Coast At Culture Aangan and CFL lights. Culture Aangan’s fight to save forests, tribal woman in Maharashtra (West the objective of sharing Rural Development homestay in Nana seven years back. from Madhya India) and in Pali district culture with the Work of Culture village is resplendent U Baiga is primitive Pradesh (Central India) in the Rajasthan (North traveler takes primary Aangan in Rajasthan with regal heritage. has spent several tribe of central India West India) desert. importance. From Guests stay with a Owned by a descendent years working for and about 65% of local arts and crafts family and experience of the Mewar royal the conservation of its population reside to recipes, songs the culture of the local family from Udaipur, forests in the state. in six districts of and dance, guests village. This allows them the imposing haveli She has been leading Madhya Pradesh and are encouraged to to get to know India (mansion) has been built the residents of Pondi Chhattisgarh. experience the vibrant and its people closely, over centuries. The guest village, inspiring them an alarm when some Her efforts soon This was after she colour and joy of rural to understand family rooms are charming, to do their bit in making contractors started picked up pace saw markings on some life. values, learn how the with private balconies, sure that the green logging. when other women trees during her regular Communty Support village functions, and and the one of the top covers around them do She called in all the got inspired by her visit to the village is extended by ensuring discover the appeal of floor has its own private not recede. villagers. Since then she work and started an for collecting leaves. that many are involved village life. The people terrace. has dedicated her life awareness drive to save And finally her Disturbed by the fact Founded in 2005 by in the activities so that are simple, down to 3. Village Homestay: to preserve the natural the trees and warn hard work is getting that the trees will be Ms. Rashmi Sawant, the guest can experience earth, and welcoming. For those who like to... forests around the Baiga people about forest fires. the recognition it logged, she waited at Culture Aangan has authentic rural touch. Depending on guests’ the location and raised Chakka belt. Read the whole story in the CD deserves. Ujiyaro was Source: www.thebetterindia.com helped create homestays The intention is for local interests, there are three Remarkable Indian Villages

emarkable Indian Villages the “Painted Storks” which are police station in the village. And Typically, the notion of called “Kokkare” in . no, we are not making this up. Ran Indian village is low Apart from Painted Storks, spot- By the way, Shani Shingnapur hygiene standards, poverty, billed Pelicans are also found has ‘broken’ another interesting unclean … In this article, some here. Both of them are included record. The village has the of the most remarkable Indian country’s first lockless bank villages are presented which are branch. worth a visit. 4. Dharnai - First fully 1. Mawlynnong - Asia’s solar-powered village cleanest village Dharnai, a village in Bihar, Mawlynnong is known for its beat 30 years of darkness by cleanliness. The waste is collected developing its own solar-powered in the dustbins made of bamboo, system for electricity. With the aid directed to a pit and then used of Greenpeace, Dharnai declared as manure. The travel magazine itself an enery-independent village Discover India declared the in July. Students no long need to village as the cleanest in Asia in in “near threatened category” limit their studies to the day time, 2003, and the cleanest in India in the IUCN Red List of 2009. women no longer limit themselves in 2005. Mawlynnong offers one In addition to these, breeds like to stepping out in the day in this the opportunity to view natural Little Cormorant, Black Ibis, Grey village of 2400 residents. beauty in abundance from the Heron, Black-Crowned Night 5. Ballia - The village that Sky Walk, a 80 feet high “machan’ Heron and the Indian Pond Heron beat arsenic poisoning with or observatory. You can also are also also spotted. an indigenous method visit the Living Root Bridge and It is fascinating to see that these Ballia village of Uttar Pradesh had birds have nested in the village an itchy problem to deal with. in very close proximity to the The water that the villagers were villagers. Every tree holds many drinking contained arsenic, which nests, and if you go in May, causes serious skin problems and the sight is amazing as many even physical deformation. newborn birds are learning to fly during this period, and the shrill voices of these young ones fill the environment with unusual energy. The villagers treat these birds as a part of their family and have also created a small area for wounded Natural Balancing Rock. For birds to rest. Birds are so friendly nature lovers, one day trek offers here that they even allow you to living amidst nature in all its go very close to them. glory. 3. Shani Shingnapur - A 2. Kokrebellur - A village village so safe that people Ironically, the village faced the that really loves its birds don’t need doors problem after the government Kokrebellur, a small village in introduced many hand-pumps Shani Shingnapur, located in Maddur taluk of Karnataka, offers in the area for easy water access. Maharashtra, is a village that you an unusual and mesmerizing The level at which the hand- defies every newspaper report sight as you’ll find some of India’s pumps were dug led to excessive you have ever read. Touted as the rarest species of birds chirping interaction... safest village in India, this place in the backyards of these village is known for its lack of doors to homes. The village is named after houses. Not just that, there is no Read the whole story in the CD THE BEACH BETWEEN THE CALM AND STORM DHANUSHKODI Oone of the best kept secrets of Tamil Nadu, Dhanushkodi offers an amazing seaside experience with its breathtaking sweeps of the endless deep blue bay on one side and the choppy green ocean on the other side. Nothing but sky, sand and blue water, this place is a must if you are a sand and sea aficionado. Named after lord Rama’s bow, you will find the boulders around the sea between and this place known as Adam’s bridge, believed to be used by Hanuman to reach across to Sri Lanka. Dhanushkodi make an engrossing experience in itself with its little tell tale remnants of a city that was. You can reach this place by road from Rameshwaram which is 18 kms away.

KANYAKUMARI - SOAK UP SOME SUN IF YOU THOUGHT ANIMALS DON’T AND HISTORY LIKE COMPANY, THINK AGAIN. A Charming mix of all things: sea and history, Even as you drive through winding hairpin bends Kanyakumari is truly a traveller’s dream come true. and canopied trees, you can spot the wide-eyed and If you like historical sites, don’t miss Vattakottai, a bushy tailed Giant Squirrels doing a welcome peek. beautiful fort by the coast with 25 feet height walls, Identified by their staccato clickety clacks, they massive cannons, watch tower and weapon rooms are all over the place--swinging from one branch surrounded by Bay of Bengal on one side and the Arabian to another, or snoozing on treetops… when they Sea on the other. The magnificent wooden palaces of the are not skulking into dark shadows beneath the 16th century: The Padmanabhapuram, spread over 6.5 overhanging boughs. acres and enclosed in a 200 acre fort, the interiors have The Giant Squirrele and the Grizzled Giant an antique finish replete with intricate rosewood carvings Squirrels are endemic to Valparai and Srivilliputhur. and sculptured decor. Destination to spot squirrels: ANAIMALAI Everything in Kanyakumari reflects the unity of life and RESERVE & INDRA GANDHI NATIONAL PARK nature. Come here if you want to be a part of this union. GULF OF MARINE NATIONAL PARK PREFER AND PLAN FOR THE BEST Satisfy your desire for the truly exotic pleasures DESTINATION IN INDIA of life. Head for the unspoilt coast of Tamilnadu. Nilgiris - A heritage train started by the British continues to steam the hill with its merry Float lazily or dive or into the crystal blue water whistle. for a dekko into the abundant and most colourful sea life. The lovely blue and cream Nilgiri train is a tourist’s delight as well as a regular mode of Hang around with a school or chase the transport for the locals. Guppies... And when you are feeling a little lazy, stretch your muscles and take a walk down the Even during rains, the train chugs along the golden sands. Western Ghats climbing the Nilgiris, lovingly called the Blue Mountains. ­­ Soak in the sun, sand surf... and everything the deep blue sea has to offer. Choose from the beaches of Mamallapuram, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Tourism The second longest beach in the world-Marina Commissonerate of Tourism, Tamil Nadu Tourism Complex, No. 2, Wallajah Road, Chennai - 600 002 Tamil Nadu, India, Ph: +91-44-2533 3555. Fax: 91-44-2533 3772. Toll Free No. 1800 4253 1111 beach in Chennai and hundreds of small getaways Website: www.tamilnadutourism.org Email: [email protected]; [email protected] tucked in between. For online booking log on to: www.ttdconline.com The Bishnois and Responsible Tourism in their Wildlife the Rann of Kutch

he Rann of opportunity to sustain Conservation Kutch is a host his/her basic needs Tto a number of using tourism as a tool. travelers today. Several In January 2001, an here is perhaps At the age of 34, he ‘praan years ago, this was an earthquake devastated only one religion sat on the shifting daya’ or unheard of destination the entire Kutch region in the world that’s sand dunes of a place compassion T in the western state of in Gujarat. Many of founded solely on the called Samrathal, for all living Gujarat, India. the survivors had to principle of conserving and meditated on the things. For close to 525 Bishnoi village a safe One of the young live on aid for several the Nature. This religion transient nature of life years, every Bishnoi, haven. people native to this years. Kuldip had to quit was founded by the Lord itself. When he turned young and old, has lived area is now actively education and take up Jambheshwar and is inwards he realised that and even died for this Bishnois not only involved with responsible a job with many such the living religion of the he has to chart a course spirit of compassion. protect these animals from poachers, they also tourism. organisations that had Bishnois of Rajasthan. of his own. This community is actively participate in Kuldip Gadhvi, set up their operations This religion is over He then summoned conserving an entire helping them lead a life founder of Kutch to help rehabilitate the 500 years old, and the his innumerable eco-system. It’s a well- not feel justified with the misunderstandings and of plenty. By allowing Adventures India, runs people of Kutch. followers are over one followers and told them known fact among tour packages designed complete depletion of them to graze freely a local tour operation Kuldip developed an million. They reside very that they need to follow conservationists that by other operators. His financial resources of the in their farmlands; by business where every affinity towards the local close to Jodhpur. a new belief system on the total number vision was to integrate as local artisans. keeping stone vessels single artisan is given an communities and their of blackbucks and many artisans possible Kuldip’s Adventures near their home that varied culture. Especially chinkaras in the Bishnoi in his package so that India created an are always filled with the local traditions villages is more than they could sustain avenue for visitors to water; and even hanging which are distinctly their number in all the themselves. directly interact with water-filled pots from the unique and glorious. sanctuaries of Rajasthan Also being a local, genuine local artisans, branches of trees for the After having spent years put together. When and passionate, he had this enabled them to birds to drink from. of understanding and you look into the eyes a better understanding welcome people, share involvement, Kuldip of a Bishnoi, you see a Today the Bishnois, of the region and its their culture and most started guided tours deep seated love for the actively pursue armed culture as compared importantly, be a local with a large focus on forest and all that dwells poachers with a mere to typical commercially ambassador to the vast local crafts, culture in it. The paradox of lathi (stick) and hand inclined tour operators. legacy of culture that and communities, the this community is that them over to the forest The commercially they have inherited. backbone of the region. there are just a handful authorities. In the last inclined tour operators Kutch Adventures is of them occupying twenty years alone, Having worked as a had left no choice entirely based on local influential positions in around 14 Bishnois tour guide for several but for the shops involvement. During the forest department. have died defending years with various tour and local markets to each tour of local these animals. The operators, Kuldip felt Lord Jambheshwar, which their entire life They consider trees offer commissions in communities, artisans reflection of their new the need to start his own as a kid was enlightened will be based. As their as sacred, but their order to get business. are involved from the found aggression is tour operation as he did enough to know that lives would be governed empathy extends to This eventually led to beginning to end... an organisation called water is the very source by these 29 principles, every living being on the Tiger Force. It’s a Read the whole story in the CD of all life! From the age they would be called earth. So they protect 1000-strong brigade of of 8 to 34, Jambheshwar Bishnois; derived from the entire ecosystem that young, fearless warriors led the life of a cow- the words “bees” that’s exists in their villages. of wildlife protection. herd. Born in a warrior twenty, and “noi” that’s Animals like blackbucks Spread across hundreds clan of Rajputs, instead nine. and chinkaras, and birds of villages across of developing hunting Though there are 29 like vultures, partridges, Jodhpur... skills, he developed tenets in this belief peacocks and even the communication skills system, the most endangered Great Indian with all living things. Read the whole story in the CD important of them all is Bustard, find the Ethnic Odisha

APOWA Action for Protection of Wild Animals (Odisha, India)

live Ridley India) are destruction of endangered Olive almost unnoticed. The sea turtles nesting habitat though Ridley sea turtles and endangered species Ouse a wide coastal development, their habitat along the which comes en-masse range of habitats seashore pollution by Odisha coast. With our to these places, rarely (sandy beaches, coral coastal inhabitants, sustained campaign turns up in such large reefs, sea grass beds, incidental catch by and commitment, numbers anywhere else mangroves etc.), thus commercial fishermen combined strongly on the planet. playing a critical role in shrimp trawls and with field protection, In recent years, networking with regular ‘arribada’ fishermen communities beaches have and comprehensive fortunately received innovative awareness a lot of attention and campaigns, the result protection, however has been advantageous. sporadic nesting sites Sea turtles are umbrella are overlooked leaving species: their protection the eggs and hatchlings as well as preservation susceptible to many of their habitat helps dangers. to protect a number APOWA is focusing on of other species that non-protected areas and depend on the same on protecting nesting habitat. turtles there, as the for the conservation of gillnets, high predation In the first week of majority of the nests the oceans’ ecosystems by feral animals, March, the spectacular get predated by feral and diversity. Many bright illuminating mass-nesting of animals and people. Amidst the lap of nature, discover the of these habitats face light during hatching endangered Olive Ridley The sporadic nesting facinating culture of the ethnic groups mounting threats today. which disorients young sea turtles commenced contributes equally to of Odisha, their colourful attires, unique Sea turtles are also an hatchlings. at Gahirmatha and that of mass nesting of ornaments, interesting handicrafts and important part of the Over the years, Rushikullya sea turtle turtles; hence it is highly of course their amazing heritage. traditional culture of APOWA (Action rookery in Odisha. necessary that sporadic many coastal indigenous for Protection of The sporadic nesting, nests are protected. Odisha is calling you ! peoples. The major Wild Animals) has which began one month threats to these been working for earlier on unprotected www.apowa.org.in Website: www.odishatourism.gov.in | Online Booking: www.visitodisha.org | E-mail: [email protected] species in Odisha (East the conservation of adjacent beaches, went Toll Free (24x7) 1800 208 1414 | OTDC Central Reservation Counter (10am - 6pm): Tel.: +91 674 2430764 odisha Eco Tourism

Responsibly & Sustainably

There are many tourists whose moto of travelling is to interact with nature and to get solitude from the busy and polluted world. In Odisha there are many Eco Tourism places where one can get completely devoted to nature’s beauty and have a peaceful mind when one goes back. Some places are Bhitarkanika National Park, Gahirmath Turtle santuary, Chilika Lake etc.

Website: www.odishatourism.gov.in | Online Booking: www.visitodisha.org | E-mail: [email protected] Toll Free (24x7) 1800 208 1414 | OTDC Central Reservation Counter (10am - 6pm): Tel.: +91 674 2430764 Responsibly & Sustainably

Over a thousand species are facing extinction, many art forms/folklore are dying out, age old practices and traditions that needs preservation and encouragement are now being looked at as “old fashion”. To keep sustenance, preservation and conservation, a lot of efforts are required. Most of these efforts go unnoticed, they don’t get the deserved attention or financial support. And many of such projects close down over a period of time. Travel Responsibly & Sustainably is a new initiative to map such projects from developing nations, to tell the world,to map them and add them to the tourism network. We hope that with tourists’ visits to such projects, will enable them to a better understanding of such projects and create more avenues for revenue generation for those working at the grass root level. We also are sensitizing potential travelers specially well placed business executives to reach out to such projects by way of roadshows and personalized mails. We also look forward to your suggestions and comments / feedback. We invite you articles, your expert opinions. We have a section specially reserved for Industry Leaders. Our email address is [email protected] Some of the stories that have been encapsulated earlier, are available in the CD accompanying this booklet and also in our website, www.travelresponsibly.info/ index.html

We have our own socially committed organisation, Eternal Energy (www. eternalenergy.in) which is into Value Based Living Workshops and Biodiversity Outreach Programs. One of the projects that we work on is to raise more awareness on the “Plastic Cow”. For more details, please visit our website. We are also actively involved in funding some animal welfare projects, and other causes specially for the blind and girl child upliftment.

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