APPROACHES TO ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT

(A) TOURISM ZONE AND SEASON INSIDE PA's
A very clear Tourism Zone' is carved out within the buffer zone of a sanctuary but touching almost all sites of tourism attraction. The tourism season is chalked out considering comfort and safety of visitors and biological requirement of wildlife.

- Visits to sanctuaries are allowed during day time only. Night camping facilities are provided in the periphery / selected and guarded sites only.
- Carrying capacity limits and checking check out timings are religiously respected.
- Site-specific assessments about the direct and indirect impacts of tourism-related-pollution, the threats to biodiversity and the cultural, social and economic conditions of the local people are continuously monitored.
- New scenes are emerging inside sanctuaries. Children are running after tourist vehicles. As far as possible, strict vigil is being kept to avoid erosion of cultural, traditional and human values in areas exposed nature-based tourism.

(B) DEVELOPMENT OF "ECQTOUR- ALTERNATES"
This programme aims at the following.
1. Exploration of alternate ecotourism sites surrounding sanctuaries for round the year tourism in the districts. (To reorient tourism from "sanctuary-based" to other adjacent areas and to cover round-the-year.)
2. Promotion of ecotourism sites outside sanctuaries.
(To reduce pressure on sanctuary, attempt is made to use the large number of sight-seeing places in the periphery of sanctuary.)
3. "Knowledge Centres". Interpretation Centres and other areas of ecotourism interest.
5. "Green Shops" to sell souvenirs to tourists.
6. Incorporate aspects like the following:
- An appreciation of the life style of local people
- crop -protection
- dispute settlement
- cultural programme
- ethnic food
- tribal medicine
- rock climbing
- Jungle patrol
- Census of target species

(C) TRAINING
This may include several programmes for those who are directly involved or likely to be involved in tourism in the sanctuary and its periphery.
1. Training of "Ecotourism Guide" : (Foundation and Refresher)
2. Workshop for Eco-tourism operators
3. Field-Training (sanctuary-oriented) and support to Ecotourism students at Graduates and Diploma levels in the district.
4. Staff training on 'Hospitality Technology'.
5. Private Vehicle Drivers' Orientation Training.
6. Incorporate aspects like the following:
- An appreciation of the life style of local people
- crop -protection
- dispute settlement
- cultural programme
- ethnic food
- tribal medicine
- rock climbing
- Jungle patrol
- Census of target species

(D) CREATION OF NEW INFRACTURE IN THE PERIPHERY OF SANCTUARIES
New infrastructures will be developed only in the periphery of sanctuaries through local entrepreneurs. Some of the facilities will include the following:
- Reception centres with toilet facility
- Interpretation centre
- Improved Guide Service
- Enhancing skill of local people in communication, hosting of eco-tourists, marketing local cuisine and culture
- Marketing local handicrafts

(E) IMPROVED MAINTANANCE OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE

No new infrastructure, particularly accommodation will be developed inside the core area of the Sanctuaries and National Parks. However, the existing infrastructure will be well maintained. This will include an overall strategy to improve condition of the existing infrastructure facilities inside the Protected Areas, not compromising with the objectives of conservation. These will include facilities like:

1. Roads
2. Rest-Houses, dormitories and rest-sheds
3. Drinking water facility at camping facility
4. Furnishings of camping facilities