Role of Ecotourism Practices in Sustaining Livelihoods Opportunities among Local Communities (original) (raw)

This study explores the different livelihood opportunities for local communities introduced by ecotourism development practices. Ecotourism is one of the economy's fastestgrowing sectors, with an estimated growth rate of 10-15 per cent (Panos, 1997). Ecotourism initiatives have been increasingly esteemed as an eco-friendlier substitute to the traditional tourism industry approach. Ecotourism initiatives aim to widen people's awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism. According to the Wildlife Institute of India, India has a large network of 1014 protected including 106 National parks, 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 115 Conservation Reserve and 220 Community Reserves covering a total of 1,75,169.42sq km of the country's geographical area, which is approximately 5.32%. (wii.gov.in) The area has the potential to generate employment opportunities for many people who live close to these natural regions, apart from hiring professionals who are appointed for various other managerial and skilled services. Ecotourism generates several direct and indirect livelihood opportunities for local people. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Tourism is responsible for one of 11 jobs and 10% of the world's economic outcome. The study seeks to explore the various livelihood opportunities available to local communities in protected areas, even while securing the ecological integrity of these natural sites.