Indian Journal of Spatial Science Autumn Issue, 11(2) 2020 pp.133 - 138 Indian Journal of Spatial Science Cosmos Impact Factor 2018:6.521 IP Index 2019:2.080 Advanced Sciences Index 2019:1.320 A Peer Reviewed and Refereed Journal EISSN: 2249 - 4316Homepage: www.indiansss.org ISSN: 2249 - 3921 Prospects ofEcotourism in the , ,

Dr. Mahua Chatterjee

Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata

Article Info Abstract Ecotourism is considered a sustainable mode of tourism that offers travelling into natural areas with a Article History primary focus on environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation, and conservation. The objective of this paper is to explore ecotourism as a concept to evaluate the ecotourism opportunities Received on: present in Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) of West Bengal. Primary data were collected during the field survey 10 May, 2020 while secondary data were obtained through careful examination of the available public and private Accepted in Revised Formon : 17 August, 2020 recorded documents relevant to the study. Along with walk through dense forest and visit to historical Buxa AvailableOnline on and from: fort, Mahakalgumpha, Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC), Animal Rescue Centre, Orchid house, self- 23 September, 2020 guided nature trails, watchtowers, drinking water and garbage disposal facility, lodging houses in the surrounding villages including home-stay of Buxa attract the eco-tourists and nature lovers. Ecotourism initiatives in the study area have significantly contributed to job creation and financial empowerment to Keywords the local people. Therefore, it can act as a powerful tool for the socio-economic development of local communities while conserving biodiversity. Some more measures including the establishment of Tourism, ecotourism environment protection planning and auditing system, introduction of eco-tourism ethical Biodiversity, education and management system, appointment of guides to educate the travellers about the culture, Conservation, customs of locals have been suggested. Empowerment, © 2020 ISSS. All Rights Reserved Ecotourism.

Introduction biosphere reserves, mountains, forests mangroves, rivers, etc. Tourism is the most vibrant tertiary activity today and an The widely varying topography, climate and soil has provided important catalyst in the socio-economic development of a an extremely rich biodiversity. It is the home to numerous rare region. Eco-tourism can be viewed as a nature-based and endangered species. Ecotourism activities using the natural ecologically sustainable tourism activities where education and resource attractions in remote rural areas can be important interpretation are a major constituent and simultaneously, local sources of economic diversification and livelihood opportunity people are also benefitted. Ecotourism, therefore, focuses on (Ashley et al., 2001; UNWTO, 2002). three significant aspects viz. nature, tourism, and local Ecotourism is a kind of nature-based tourism that has received communities. It is one of the newest opportunities for income much attention in the late 1980s developing countries and generation from natural resources without destroying the economically impoverished regions around the world. It is an environment. The declaration of the year 2002 as the agent of change (Wall, 1997) and, as such, has been linked to International Year of Ecotourism by the World Tourism resource protection policies, protected area conservation efforts, Organization proves the importance of ecotourism in the global sustainable development initiatives, and regional and industrial market. community development strategies in many places (Ceballos- West Bengal, with its diverse geography and culture has been Lascurain, 1993; Wells, 1997). The most significant feature of well endowed with a wealth of eco-systems comprising the ecotourism industry in is its capacity to generate large- Indian Journal of Spatial Science Spring Issue, 11(2) 2020 pp.133 - 138 scale employment opportunities, particularly in a remote and random sample of various tourists visiting Buxa and underdeveloped area. It offers enormous potential for utilizing purposively random sample survey done on local people living natural resources like landscapes, mountains, bio-diversity in the villages nearby the BTR. Officials of the Buxa Tiger areas, rivers, etc for the benefit of people. Reserve are also interviewed. Secondary data and related Ecotourism is not only a travel statement; it gives the message of information have been taken from several reports, articles, man's relationship with nature and its inhabitants. The books, and journals published by government and non-profit awareness generated through eco-tourism activity helps in the organizations. The data are then organized, classified, tabulated, movement of environmental protection and conservation. analyzed, and presented with suitable diagrams. Maps are Ecotourism in India is a niche industry that has mainly obtained from the office of the Field Director, Buxa Tiger developed in the past few years. It is largely based on the concept Reserve. The study period is short (February 2019- March 2019 of sustainable tourism or eco-friendly tourism. Ecotourists and September 2019); hence, an in-depth analysis of the study might engage in a wide range of activities, including trekking has its limitations. More than 250 samples had been tested with (hiking, bushwalking), climbing, camping, photography, sight- the questionnaire and used for the study. seeing, fishing, bird watching, forest viewing, and general exploration of remote natural areas (Koki, 2017). The StudyArea The purpose of ecotourism is, therefore, to maintain a balance The geographical diversity of India remains in its wealth of between the requirements of tourism and ecology on the one ecosystems, which are well protected and preserved. These hand and the needs and well being of the local people on the ecosystems have now become the major resource for eco- other. BTR has a large treasure of natural beauty. A variety of tourism. The Buxa Tiger Reserve of Alipurduar is one such bio- flora and fauna rejuvenate people's minds. This has been further reserve which has gradually turned into a popular eco-tourist supported by the State Government, which incorporates the goal destination in the for its dense forest and wildlife. of sustainability and community welfare in its Tourism Planning The BTR (761 sq. Km) has been declared in 1983 and includes and Policy. People and tour operators usually prefer to visit the area of the Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary (386.07 sq km) and the undiscovered destination and as a part of strategic planning with Buxa National Park (117.10 sq km). It also includes 37 forest the help of community support and enthusiasm, the authority of villages, another 46 revenue villages and 34 tea gardens in its Buxa Tiger Reserve started to promote this tiger reserve as eco- periphery. There is a wide ethnic variation found with people tourist spot. belonging to different tribes like Rava, Mech (Boro), Oraon, The Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) of Aipurduar district with its Garo, Dukpa, and local castes like Rajbanshi, etc. The BTR lies historically important and pilgrimage places like , between 260' 30 N and 26 0' 55 N latitudes and 89 0' 20 and 89 0' 55 E Mahakal Gumpha, Pokhri hills, etc is emerging as an ecotourism longitudes. destination spot in the map of West Bengal. Thousands of people About 1.67 lakh tourists visited Buxa Tiger Reserve in 2018-19, visit BTR every year providing a source of income for the an increase of nearly 65% from the year before; the year before, villagers through availing services like a homestay, eco-tourism arrivals dropped 16%, while in 2015-16, the expansion was 18% guide, safari vehicles, cultural performances, restaurants, showed data from the office of FD, BTR. The largest chunk of porters, shopping, etc. The development of eco-tourism has domestic tourists comes from the state of West Bengal, , become one of the essential elements of the new tourism and . Foreign tourist arrivals constitute a mere 2% of all paradigm from mass tourism to sustainable tourism. It is tourists from 2014 to 2019. BTR is yet to be successful in ecologically sustainable to satisfy the economic well being of making a big story of the ecotourism sector. the local community. The study provides the pathways for how ecotourism initiatives in Buxa Tiger Reserve can be assessed on The BTR as a Eco-tourism Destination whether they at all contribute to the livelihood of the local (a)Attraction people. Major attractions of the BTR is the jungle safari allowed through the designated ecotourism routes. These are guided safaris Objectives where taking the help of an approved nature guide is The research work has been undertaken with the following compulsory. Guided jungle safaris are organized from objectives focusing on eco-tourism of Buxa Tiger Reserve Rajabhatkhowa and Jainti areas of the BTR. Sighting of wild (BTR): animals and numerous birds and a variety of trees are the major I. To analyze the concept and importance of eco-tourism in the attractions. Another attraction is the trek from Santalabari to Buxa Tiger Reserve, Buxaduar, the ruins of the ancient Bhutanese fort and Ii. To examine the issues that favour the development of the Lepchakha, Chunabhati, Adma areas in Sinchula hills, Buxa Tiger Reserve in the ecotourist map of West Bengal, providing beautiful views of the mountain forests and the hills, iii. To assess the role of ecotourism in the livelihood pattern of rivers, and landscape all along up to the border and the people living in the surrounding forest villages and beyond. There are two pilgrimage sites also, one at Pukhri Hills, revenue villages of the tiger reserve a freshwater lake near Jainti and a Buddhist pilgrimage site and another is the Mahakal Gumpha. Though situated in Bhutan the Database and Methodology trek route starts from Jayanti. The present study is based on the field visit by the researcher herself during 2019. Primary data were collected through an on- (b) Biological Diversity site survey by a pre-designed questionnaire administrated to a As per the bio-geographical classification, the BTR falls into the

ASI-Score:1.32 134 Index:2.080 I.F.: 6.521 Indian Journal of Spatial Science Spring Issue, 11(2) 2020 pp.133 - 138 confluence of 3 zones, viz. Central (2C), Lower whose livelihood is being considered and on which tourism Gangetic Plains (7B), and Brahmaputra Valley( 8A). In terms of options are chosen and how they are designed (Ashley,2000). the forest diversity, it has got representatives of 8 forest types, The primary objective behind the development of community- riverine forests, sal forests, dry mixed forests, wet mixed forests, based ecotourism is the empowerment of local people. This is semi-evergreen forest, evergreen forests, hill forests and only possible when ecotourism planning takes into savannah forests as classified by Champion and Seth (1968). consideration the views, the perceptions, and preferences of the The number of floral species identified to date includes 352 local inhabitants. Alderman (2000) considered that ecotourism trees, 133 shrubs, 189 herbs, 108 climbers, 1rr orchids, 46 does not simply consist of environmentally sound eco-lodges, it grasses, 16 sedges, 6 canes, and 4 bamboos 4. The faunal also provides a means for rural people to benefit from the diversity is represented by 68 mammals, 521 birds, 41 reptiles, 4 wildlife and environment of which they have traditionally been amphibians, 106 fishes, 418 butterflies and innumerable insects the custodians. belonging to different groups. The residents in the nearby villages of BTR are actively involved in tourism activities. The community comes together ()c Ethno-cultural Diversity in the form of JFMC to discuss issues about tourism. The There is a wide ethnic variation in and around the BTR. As of involvement of the local people confirms the views perceived by 2011 Census, it had a total population of 1,38,367 of which 50% Diamantis (2004) that community-based ecotourism should belongs to the scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribe (ST) involve the residents from the beginning by promoting public communities. There are 37 forest villages with 17,587 persons. dialogue, decision-making process as well as profit sharing. Males constitute 52% and females 48% of the total population. Ecotourism activities in Buxa Tiger Reserve use forest resources Tribes like Rava, Garo, Mech(Boro), Oraon, Santhals, Dukpa, for tourist attractions. It makes a positive contribution to Bhutia and Madeshis live in harmony with the Rajbanshis and environmental conservation and also enhances the well-being of Nepalis in the forest villages within the jurisdiction of the BTR local people. By interviewing the local people and officials it is and 46 revenue villages and 37 tea gardens surrounding the understood that the benefits as a result of ecotourism activities in forests. Most of the people living in the non-tea estate mouzas their lives depend upon the type and level of involvement of the depend primarily on agriculture. Their income is quite low local people. which is supplemented in most cases by primitive animal Homestay becomes a lucrative choice for the tourists and nearly husbandry. 40% of people in the study area turn their homes into money- spinner without investing much. Several hotels and restaurants ()d Accessibility have popped up in the locality over the last few years to cater to The BTR headquarter is located in Alipurduar which is about the needs of tourists. Nearly 20% of people earn substantially 200km from Siliguri and Bagdogra, the nearest airport. from restaurants and small eateries. Tour guiding has been Alipurduar is well connected with the rest of the country through described as the 'Cinderella' of the tourism industry and since the railways, being on the mainline to Guwahati and North East tourist comes maximal contact with the tour guide throughout India.Also, the NH 31 C andAsian Highway 2 pass through this the tour's entire duration, local youths are mostly engaged in this town. Within the reserve, there are metalled, semimetalled, and job.About 13% of people serve as tour guides in entire BTR eco- kutcha roads that criss-cross the area with limited accessibility tourist spots. Some of the local boys drive safari vehicles and in some portions during the rainy season. very few provide local transportation. Culture and tourism have unique synergies but the most important is to develop an (e) Accommodation effective partnership between stakeholders in both the sectors. Alipurduar is the district headquarter and has several hotels. Ecotourism here also fosters respect for local tribal cultures. Besides, there are forest rest houses (FRH) in all the ranges Local communities (nearly 10%) participate directly in the within the reserve. Special accommodation is also provided by cultural performances helping the tourists to get a sense of the the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation at ethnocultural atmosphere of the region. Rajabhatkhowa. Locations like Jainti, Santalabari, The purpose of ecotourism in BTR includes the economic Lepchakhawa, Rajabhatkhowa, and Raimatong provide development and political empowerment of local communities. homestay facilities run by the forest villagers and fringe Along with this line, ecotourism in BTR advocates an important villagers. community economic development strategy. Joint Forest Management is such an evolving concept encompassing socio- (f)Ecotourism Experience cultural and economic dimensions. One important source of About 90% of the visitors enjoyed the birds and beauties of income from the forest of the households under JFM is Non- forests. They rented local cars, got homestay and other timber Forest Products (NTFPs). The total numbers of JFMCs in accommodation facilities there and availed food as per choices. the BTR as of September 2019 are 8 covering 733 families. Of Buxa has dense evergreen forest with high shrub density. About these, Buxa Duar and Jayanti are the largest and are very famous 42% encountered various animals. About 80% went through a among the nature lovers as well as eco-tourists. Women who nature trail and a similar percentage found trained guides during were the members of the managing committee cook the meal for forest safari. the tourists staying in the lodges.

Livelihood Generation Major Findings The overall effect of tourism depends on the local situation; on 1. Conservation, sustainability, and biological diversity are

ASI-Score:1.32 135 Index:2.080 I.F.: 6.521 Indian Journal of Spatial Science Spring Issue, 11(2) 2020 pp.133 - 138

the three interrelated aspects of ecotourism. BTA authority local history, resources, customs from the available sources advocates to build up Tiger Reserve as an eco-tourism spot while planning for a particular place and travel with a desire in the hope that eco-tourists will flock there to see forest's to learn rather than just to observe. Whether it is a nature rich and diversified ecological resource. To achieve this, camp or organizing trekking trips towards the unspoiled they plan to develop ecotourism service facilities including and inaccessible regions, one should always keep in mind jungle safari trekking homestay, etc at the best possible way. not to create any disturbance in the natural luxuries and They also include poor, indigenous local communities in forest life. They should be flexible in their expectations and the planning process and JMFC families benefitted from cope with the situation rather than trying to adapt the ecotourism activities in Buxa. situation to them. 2. The main tourism product in BTR is wildlife and wilderness 3. There is a need for constant monitoring. All the in dramatic scenery. The BTR authority provides v i s i t o r stakeholders in the eco-tourism business including the State information and nature interpretation services Government, local authority, NGOs, scientific research covering particularly what to see, how to see, and how to organizations, travel and hotel associations, tour operators, behave and brochures and leaflets. Trends in the tourism tourists, and local community has to be sensitive to the market, such as growing interest in 'adventure' and environment and local tradition of the particular site and ' wilderness' travel, and use of fly-in safaris to remote areas, should follow a set of guidelines in preserving the have increased the popularity of this Tiger Reserve area in environment. Tourists should learn to practice eco-friendly recent times. behaviour likes not to use plastic, not to remove any objects, 3. The 65 registered JFMCs cover the entire forest area. etc.BTR authority should analyze the environmental Following the government order, every year benefit in the impact assessment report and conduct an environmental form of cash transfer is made to the bank accounts of the audit at a regular interval to develop a better management JFMC members, up to 40% share earned through different plan. sources including ecotourism is given to the villagers, 4. Ecotourism is about taking a break from the fast city life and through the involvement of Buxa Tiger Conservation spending slow-paced life amid the greenery. Community- Foundation Trust, a statutory body created for local based ecotourism should receive much attention both at the development as per the provisions of the Wildlife state level and national level due to opportunities it has for (Protection)Act,1972. rural communities to earn income and has created tourism- 4. The environmental and cultural values remain intact related jobs through the conservation of the local ecosystem because the indigenous people have developed a sense of and culture. They should be supportive of local economies ownness, environmental awareness, and worked also by using local transportation, lodging, guides, collectively to maintain nature. They are engaged as local restaurants, and markets. These gains would have been tour guides and offer homestay facilities in surrounding useful as a significant impact on poverty villages. The local people are very happy because they saw alleviation. tangible benefits. 5. It is found that there has been tremendous growth in eco- Conclusion tourism in North Bengal because of the policies of the Tourism, unlike other development options such as government and support from all levels. With its forward manufacturing, was widely perceived to be a clean and and backward linkages with a host of sectors like transport, renewable industry. The movement towards eco-tourism hospitality, education, health, banking, etc, the district is all provides an opportunity to create more sustainable tourism set to reap the full potential of this vibrant sector. through proper planning with successful implementation. Eco- tourism in Buxa Tiger Reserve is done specifically to support Suggestions local backward communities and generates awareness and 1. The goal of limiting environmental effects mostly conflicts finances for conservation efforts. Buxa's rich forest resources to maximize revenue from tourism. To attract people help to develop eco-tourism there. The expansion of ecotourism to increase revenue demands providing the facilities to in BTR further can be a vital income for the local population. satisfy the means of the urban population. When making a plan to take a vacation, people often visit the website for References information. The BTR Authority could, therefore, take 1. Alderman, C. L. (2000): The economics and the role of more initiatives to let travellers know what attractions and privately owned lands used for nature tourism, education, amenities they offer. After considering its objectives, and conservation. In M. Munasinghe, & J. McNeely (Eds.), capabilities, and resources, they could target a particular Protected area economics and policy: Linking conservation group of travellers instead of pulling mass tourists. They and sustainable development. Madrid: World Bank and should also ensure the safety and security of visitors and IUCN. inform them of precautions to be taken during the forest 2. Ashley C (2000): The Impacts of Tourism on Rural visit. Special interest tourists (low volume) combine high Livelihoods: Namibia's Experience, Working paper 128 revenue with limited impact on both ecology and culture Overseas Development Institute, UK pp.23 should be the ideal form of tourism in this area. 3. Ashley, C., D. Roe, & Goodwin, H. (2001): Pro-Poor 2. The tourists themselves can contribute largely to the Tourism Strategies: Making Tourism Work for the Poor : A development of eco-tourism. They should learn about the review of experience. Pro -Poor Tourism Report No. 1. ODI,

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IIED, and Centre for Responsible Tourism, London. 8. Koki J N (2017): Contribution of Ecotourism Towards 4. Ceballos-Lascurain, H. (1993): Ecotourism as a Sustainable Livelihood of the Communities Living on worldwide phenomenon. In K. Lindberg, & D. Hawkins Wasini Island, Kwale County, Kenya Journal of Tourism (Eds.), Ecotourism: A guide for planners and managers and Hospitality Management, Vol.5, No. 3, 106-125 (Vol. 1, pp. 12-14). North Bennington, Vermont: The 9. UNWTO, (2002):Tourism and Poverty Alleviation, Ecotourism Society. Madrid:Spain, UNWTO 5. Champion, H. G and Seth, S. K. (1968): A Revised Survey 10. Wall, G. (1997). Is ecotourism sustainable? Environmental of Forest Types of India, Manager of Publications, Management, 21(4), 483-491. , New Delhi. 11. Wells, M. P. (1997). Is ecotourism sustainable? Diamantis, D. (2004): Ecotourism Management: An Environmental Management, 21(4), 483-491. Overview. In D. Diamantis (Ed.), EcotourismManagement 12. WWF-International (2001).Guidelines for Communinity andAssessment (pp. 3-26). London. based Ecotourism Development 6. GoWB, Directorate of Forests, Communications of the Office of Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Buxa Tiger Reserve 7. GoWB, Directorate of Forests, Tiger Conservation Plan of Buxa Tiger Reserve,2016-17 to 2026-27

Fig.1 : Location Map of the BTR

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Fig.2 : Rajabhat Khaowa Fig.3 : View of Dense Forest

Fig.4 : Plantation in the Forest Fig.5 : Plantation in the Forest

Fig.6: Grasslands Fig.7: Jayanti River

Fig.8 : Waterbodies in the Forest Fig.9 : Leopard in the Forest

Dr. Mahua Chatterjee Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata Email: mahuageo@ rediffmail.com

ASI-Score:1.32 138 Index:2.080 I.F.: 6.521