Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options

From the side of the tourism industry it is objectionable that it does not
consider the critique to unsustainable tourism development. Instead of
adhering to the laws of the country the tendency is to bypass and circumvent.
.It is yet to be witnessed when the industry would act as a contributor to the
conservation of natural resources and take people into its fold for correct
tourism practices.
a. The need for Reorientation in management for biodiversity
conservation and sustainable tou rism
In the light of growth in tourism development, lack of adequate legal
mechanisms and global pressures there is a need to seek measures, which
would balance tourism development and biodiversity conservation. There is
a need to bring in larger civil society participation and local governance
systems in tourism development. The need for participation of local
communities and people in biodiversity conservation today is accepted
universally. In the Indian context there are participatory systems that could
be employed forthis (Refer SGMS).
b. Need for reconsidering tourism in PAs as stipulated by the Wild Life
(Protection) Act 1972
The word tourism occurs just once in the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 in
Section 28 and the permission to tourist entry rests totally with the Chief
Wildlife Warden of the State. Tourism has come a long way since the time
these laws were framed. The present forms of tourism practices are clearly
detrimental to the well being of biodiversity in the PAs, as compared to what
was practiced in the 70s. Therefore, there is an urgent need to make
amendments in the clause or at least bring out elaborate set of guidelines
that define tourism and the way it should behave in and around Pas.
Separate tourism from research, scientific study, and wildlife
photography.
The Chief Wildlife Warden alone should not have the final say in
permitting tourism, but the decision should be brought into the
participatory management system (SGMS) with PRls I
Indigenous Peoples organisations.
Nilagiris : Fading Glory 68