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Consultation workshop on Ecotourism Policies at Leela Kovalam

Proceedings of the Workshop on Ecotourism Policies

The Consultation Workshop on Ecotourism Policies for Kerala which concluded on Thursday 24th November 2005 called for concerted efforts to develop a clear Ecotourism policy, guidelines and indicators for this fast expanding sector to ensure that it is ecologically sustainable and socially responsible. In his inaugural address, Shri P.N Unnikrishnan IFS, called for greater dialogue and consultations to develop clear policy guidelines and evolve a system of checks and balances for the sector as a whole. He also suggested that Ecotourism initiatives should be value based and local communities need to be made the primary stakeholders. Concerted efforts are needed to make this possible at the highest policy level and at the local government.

The participants expressed views and concerns from local issues in Ecotourism to the impact of forthcoming WTO-GATT summit on the service sector. Various recommendations made by the participants in the discussions included greater regulation of the funds provided by the government for developing ecotourism, greater role for panchayaths in regulating and monitoring Ecotourism initiatives, participatory monitoring of social, economic and ecological aspects with appropriate criteria and indicators, a well defined and funded action plan for mass awareness for tourists, ecocertification for tour operators and comprehensive monitoring and regulation of tourism products to ensure long term sustainability.

Deliberations were preceded by case studies from various ecotourism entrepreneurs in the state ranging from corporate sector to small-scale operators and Govt. level initiatives to community owned initiatives. Presenters briefed about various practices being followed by their ventures and response of visitors to that.

Speakers and presenters in Session 1:

Following participants presented case studies of their ventures

K.G Mohanlal IFS - Govt. level initiatives in Ecotourism
Gopinath - Case study of The Blue Yonder
Mathew Moozhiyil - Case study of Basis pro Intl., Kottayam
Shiv Dattan - Case study of Kumbalangi Panchayath
Babukuttan - Case study of Bamboo Groves, Thekkadi

The second session which grouped the participants (see the list below for participants in each group) in to government sector, private entrepreneur sector, local/communities and NGO/experts. Discussions were based on the topic " What Policy Guidance and facilitation is required by the Ecotourism enterprise to address ecological sustainability and social responsibility? "

Participants in-group discussions (Session 2):

Government
K.G Mohanlal IFS (Director, Ecotourism)
Basheer (Ecotourism Officer, Periyar Tiger Reserve)
Manoj (Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society)
John Augustine Nirmal (wildlife warden, Peechi)
Seema P (ATREE)

Entrepreneurs
Gopinath (The Blue yonder)
Mathew Moozhiyil (Basis Intl.)
Theresa Moozhiyil (Basis Intl.)
Pramod (Wild Kerala Tours)
Sidharth Krishna (ATREE)
Freeda Maria (ATREE)

Local/Community
Sumesh Umang, (Wayanad)
Joji Kuttummel (Kumarakom Panchayath)
Shiv Dattan (Kumbalangi panchayath)
Babukuttan (Thekkadi)
Sudha Sony (Alappuzha)
Samuel (ATREE)

NGO/ Experts
Muralee Menon (Consultant)
Jayakumar (Thanal)
Baburaj (URAVU)
Saroop Roy (Equations)
Jojo T.D (ATREE)
The group of representatives from the government sector in Kerala expressed the need for participatory approach in monitoring the social and ecological parameters in Ecotourism. They also came up with the following suggestions:

Budget and Action Plan for Ecotourism activities should be well defined. Action Plan for mass awareness should be initiated by the Tourism Department and worked out in collaboration with community SHGs, and Educational and Tourism Clubs.
Participatory monitoring of social, economic and ecological parameters (develop criteria and indicators) should be made mandatory for eco-tourism enterprises.
All guidelines should have a built-in enforcement mechanism and implementation strategy.
Policy should specify a fixed percentage of profits accruing to ecotourism enterprises to be charged as Environment (Eco-development) surcharge.
Setting up an appropriate institution to manage any Ecotourism enterprise especially those, which are community initiated would enhance viability of the enterprise.
Ecotourism Department should initiate a codification of indigenous technologies and architecture.
Local archives of processes should be part of new Ecotourism proposals and plan

The private sector group emphasized the need for guidelines to define Ecotourism projects for auditing and rating, although they felt that self-conscious is the most effective. Some of the points they discussed are

Ensuring ecological sustainability is in itself social responsibility.
Social responsibility should emerge from within the eco-tourism enterprise. No external policy guidance on responsibility is effective.
Self-enforced responsibility is only evident among a minority. Thus standards and benchmarks for largely irresponsible firms needed. A monitoring mechanism needs to be installed.
Government funds for Ecotourism enterprises should be prioritized and regulated by consultation of all stakeholders
Master plans, with tourism guidelines, for different topographies ranging from forests, rivers and backwaters required.
Capacity/expertise to be built among grassroots institutions/committees
Should adopt/practice culturally and ecologically specific eco-tourism. Foreign models need not be replicated.
Certification is also needed for Tour operators.
All firms should be open to social and environmental audit.
Decentralized impact analysis required.
Firms should strive in educating travelers
Ecotourism Policies should be consistent and should not be altered arbitrarily by new governments

The community sector started their discussion with a thought that the consultation for the policy development should begin from the bottom to top level rather than the top to bottom approach. The various other points that came up in the discussion are as follows.

Ecotourism policy should be integrated with a bottom to up consultation of all the stakeholders
For enhanced results sectoral policies have to be harmonized and integrated
Measures should be taken for the strict enforcement of existing laws and regulations
Carrying capacity study should be done at the very initial stage (panchayath level)
Policy should encourage, promote and support research and development of eco friendly materials and eco friendly technologies
Code of conduct to be developed for guest and host in consultation with the local community
Policy should help in local income generation
Locals should not be made solely dependent on Ecotourism alone, policy should address the issues of alternate livelihood options
Training programmes among the locals to create awareness and education about Ecotourism
Policy should help to develop entrepreneurship in the community

The group including NGO/experts highlighted the discussion on the need for capacity building to promote Ecotourism. They also expressed concern on privatizing waste management and insufficient involvement of Kudumbasree groups and also the lack of local panchayath representation in high level committees. Another major concern was the privatization of the service sector and its impact on tourism in the light of the forthcoming WTO - GATT meets.

Involve local stakeholders not only in participation but also in planning phase
Policy should focus on a capacity building to promote Ecotourism in all aspects of implementation, monitoring and evaluating projects
No need of artificial or tailor made projects
Should abide the existing regulations like WLPA, CRZ etc
Art forms should not be purely commercialized
Policy should have site specific guidelines
A common fund can be pooled to share the benefits of Ecotourism to all stakeholders
Define Ecotourism and ecofriendly tourism
Opening forest areas for Ecotourism should not be entertained
Evaluate the existing models and come up with effective criteria for the future development of Ecotourism enterprises.
Livelihoods options of the local community should be protected
Give proper financial support to local self govt. to deal with issues related to ecotourism
Local bodies should be strict to fine the offenders

Participants List

Shri. K.G Mohanlal IFS
Director (Ecotourism)
Department of Tourism, Govt.of Kerala
Gokulam T.C. 15/1170
Krishnavilasom Road, Vazhuthacaud Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala - 695033, India
Phone: ++91-471-2329770 (O)
Email: kg_mohanlal@yahoo.com ; info@thenmalaecotourism.com

Mr. P.N Unnikrishnan IFS
Director
Museum and Zoos
Trivandrum Zoo
Trivandrum
Ph. 0471 2316275/ 2318294
Email: museumzoo@sancharnet.in

Mr. John Augustine Nirmal
Wildlife Warden
Peechi Wildlife Division
Peechi 6800653
Kerala
Ph. 0487 2699017(O)
Mob: 94479 79103
Email: wlpeechi@sancharnet.in

Mr. Joji Koottummel,
Koottummel House
Kumarakom North,
Kottayam , Kerala
0 481 2523662 (R)
Mob:93491 97065
Email: jojikoottummel.yahoo.com

Mr. G. Shaheed
Special Correspondant
Mathrubhumi
Kaloor, Kochi
Kerala 682 017
0484 2531708(O)
Mob: 98470 81968
Email: gshaheed@rediffmail.com

Mrs. Sudha Sony
Ospak House
Kaithavana
Alappey 688 003
Ph. 0477 2267735®
Mob: 9447716162
Email: sonisudha@yahoo.com

Mr. Saroop Roy
T.C.27/788
Lisa D.5
Athani Lane
Vanchiyoor P.O
Trivandrum
Ph. 9447079763
Email: sarooproy@hotmail.com

Mr. Pramod
Wild Kerala Tour Company
6/480
KVA Building
Bazar Road
Mattancherry, Kochi
Ph. 0484 3099520 (O)
Mob: 98461 62157
Email: mail@wilkeralatours.com

Mr. Gopinath Parayil
THE BLUE YONDER
165, VOICES, 1ST Floor 9th Cross
1ST Stage Indiranagar
Bangalore 560 038
Ph. 080 25213902
Email: gopi@theblueyonder.com

Mr. M.P Shiv Dattan
Ex Panchayath President
Maavunkal House
Kumbalangi P.O
Cochin 7
Ph. 9349253124,
0484 2240121

Dr. Muralee Menon
Shiv Bhavan
T.C 49/722
Attukal
Manakkad P.O
Thiruvananthapuram
Ph. 9387812067
Email: menon_muralee2000@yahoo.com

Mr. C. Jayakumar,
Thanal Conservation Action and Information Network,
PO Box 815, L14 Jawahar Nagar, Kawdiar PO,
Thiruvananthapuram 695003
Tel: 0471 2727150
Email: thanal@vsnl.com

Dr. Mathew Moozhiyil,
Basis International,
Srikandamangalam,
Athirampuzha, Kottayam,
+91 481 2730707 (R)
Email: basispro@sancharnet.in

Ms. Theresa Mooxhiyil
Basis International,
Srikandamangalam,
Athirampuzha, Kottayam,
+91 481 2730707 (R)

Mr. Manoj
Thenmala Ecotourism Prom. Society
Gokulam T.C. 15/1170
Krishnavilasom Road, Vazhuthacaud
Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala - 695033, India
Phone: ++91-471-2329770
Email: manoj@thenmalaecotourism.com

Mr. K.V Ravishankar
Tourism India
9/2101(1) Sankar Road
Sasthamangalam
Thiruvananthapuram
0471 2315256
Email: tourismindia@asianetindia.com

Mr. Binu Johnson
Tourism India
9/2101(1) Sankar Road
Sasthamangalam
Thiruvananthapuram
0471 2315256
Email: tourismindia@asianetindia.com

Mr. Abdul Basheer
Ecotourism Officer
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Thekkady
Ph. 9447201386
Email: bashirca@gmail.com

Mr. T.K babukutty
Chairman
Periyar Tiger Samrakshana EDC
Thekkadi
Ph. 04869 224474
04868 283384®

Mr. Sumesh Mangalassery
KABANI
Nest, Mananthavadi
Wayanad , Kerala 670645
Ph. 9447546584
Email: kabanitour@yahoo.com

Mr. Baburaj M
URAVU
Thrikkaipetta PO
Wayanad 673 577
Ph. 04936 283244
Email: uravu2001@yahoo.com

Mr.Siddhartha Krishnan
Fellow,
ATREE- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment
#659, 5th 'A' Main Road, Hebbal, Bangalore - 560024.
Ph: 91-80- 23638771, 23530069. 23533942, 23540639
Ext: 33, Fax: 91-80- 23530070
Email: sidharth@atree.org

Dr. Seema P
Fellow Scientist,
ATREE- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment
#659, 5th 'A' Main Road, Hebbal, Bangalore - 560024.
Ph: 91-80- 23638771, 23530069. 23533942, 23540639
Ext: 33, Fax: 91-80- 23530070
Email: seemap@atree.org

Mr. Thomas Samuel
Cosultant,
ATREE- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment
#659, 5th 'A' Main Road, Hebbal, Bangalore - 560024.
Ph: 91-80- 23638771, 23530069. 23533942, 23540639
Ext: 26, Fax: 91-80- 23530070
Email: samuel@atree.org

Ms. Freeda Maria Swarna
Research Associate,
ATREE- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment
#659, 5th 'A' Main Road, Hebbal, Bangalore - 560024.
Ph: 91-80- 23638771, 23530069. 23533942, 23540639
Ext: 37, Fax: 91-80- 23530070
Email: freedz@atree.org
Mobile: 9886143168

Mr. Jojo T D
Research Associate,
ATREE- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment
#659, 5th 'A' Main Road, Hebbal, Bangalore - 560024.
Ph: 91-80- 23638771, 23530069. 23533942, 23540639
Ext: 37, Fax: 91-80- 23530070
Email: : jojo@atree.org

Consultation workshop on Ecotourism Policies

Proceedings of the Workshop on Ecotourism Policies

The Consultation Workshop on Ecotourism Policies for Karnataka, which concluded on Monday 21st November 2005, called for developing clear guidelines for regulating this fast expanding sector to ensure that it is ecologically sustainable and socially responsible. Much of the discussions centered on the issues of volumes versus value, carrying capacity of fragile ecosystems, local community participation and benefit sharing.

Speakers and presenters in Session 1:

Karthik Shanker, Ashoka Trust for Research In Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore
Seema P, Ashoka Trust for Research In Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore
Anur Reddy, Karnataka Forest Department, Bangalore
Saurabh Ratan , Taj Resorts, Bangalore
Anu Goel , Rainforest Retreat, Madikeri
Sarath C R, Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd, Bangalore
Katrina Fernandez , The Hermitage Guest House, Belgaum
Venkataram, Silent Valley Corporate Resorts Pvt Ltd, Bangalore
Manu K , Mysore Amateur Naturalists, Mysore
Shaheed Khan, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad.

Speakers stressed the need for less promotion and more regulation of the ecotourism sector, and to prioritize local development before tourism development. Case Studies were presented by ecotourism entrepreneurs in the state ranging from the corporate sector to small operators. They also spoke of the need to revisit various international policy instruments with regard to the rights of indigenous peoples, access to resources and benefit sharing.

The second session which grouped the participants (see the list below for participants in each group) into government and public sector, private sector, communities and academicians included discussions on " What Policy Guidance and facilitation is required by the Ecotourism enterprise to address ecological sustainability and social responsibility? "

Participants in Group Discussions (Session 2):

Government Sector:

Vinay Luthra, Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd, Bangalore.
Anur Reddy, Karnataka Forest Department, Bangalore.
Sarath C R, Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd, Bangalore
Neginhal, IFS (Retd), Bangalore.
Andrew Steele, Yosemite National Park, California.
Seema Purushothaman, Ashoka Trust for Research In Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore
Neha Ambastha, Ashoka Trust for Research In Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore

The group including representatives from the government and public sector in Karnataka centered the discussion around the existing Wilderness Tourism Policy and arrived at a consensus,

to work out baseline data of protected areas and other areas for effective, regular monitoring
to workout carrying capacity for protected and other areas
to enforce pollution control and garbage disposal norms
to employ trained Naturalists and Guides
provide incentives for Non-Conventional energy sources
to charge a cess/ fees for enterprises depending on Protected and other forest areas
to facilitate green rating
to employ locals communities compulsorily and ensure capacity building for needed functions (including d above)
to follow rules and laws of the land (pay minimum wages, gender balance etc)
to respect local culture
to ensure benefits with local villagers through VFC ( Village Forest Committees) etc.

The group also reflected on how specific guidelines can strengthen a broad framework of policy.

Private sector:

Saurabh Ratan, The Taj Resorts, Bangalore.
Anurag Goel, Rainforest Retreat, Madikeri.
Katrina Fernandez, The Hermitage Guest House, Belgaum
Tito Chandy, Dream Catcher, Bangalore.
Tzur, Dream Catcher, Bangalore.
Ajay Yadav, Silent Valley Corporate Resorts Pvt Ltd, Bangalore.
Freeda Maria Swarna, Ashoka Trust for Research In Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore

The private sector group emphasized the need for guidelines to define Ecotourism projects for auditing and rating, establishing a state level Apex Council with all players in the field for project clearance; loans, tax and duty exemption for good practices and development of media-academia interface with enterprises.

Community Sector:

Manu K, Mysore Amateur Naturalists, Mysore.
Shivabasappa, Kokkrebelur
Siddhartha Krishnan, Ashoka Trust for Research In Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore
Bansuri Taneja, Ashoka Trust for Research In Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore.

The community group started with a question whether ecotourism is the goal or a Tool? Tool, For What? Whom? Discussion covered practices in which the group thought that there is a pro-nature bias vis-à-vis community involvement. Issue of prior informed consent during feasibility assessment; need to respect local wisdom and experience, clear definition on parameters of community participation and benefit sharing in the policy, enforcement needs and need for development before conservative tourism were some of the other issues discussed.

Academicians and Writers:

Sushila Nair, Travel Writer and Photographer, Bangalore.
Uma Chandru, Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore.
Syed Liakhath, Equations, Bangalore.
C G Kushalappa, Kodagu Model Forest Trust, Kodagu
Samuel, Ashoka Trust for Research In Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore

The group including academicians and writers felt that there has to be policy guidance internationally and nationally. International treatise like that of Convention on Biodiversity, Agenda 21, World Summit on Sustainable Development, UN Draft Declaration on rights of indigenous peoples and Quebec Declaration have repercussions on ecotourism practices in India. On a national level they felt that acts like Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Forest Conservation Act 1980, Biodiversity Act 2002 and Environment Protection Act, 1986 need to be more people friendly. Policy making process should include dialogue, consensus and bottom up approach. Decentralized regulation and redressal mechanisms should have regional guidelines and site-specific policies. The group suggested revisiting existing policies in order to incorporate Equity and Fair Trade principles in Eco-tourism.
With a set of voluntary participants, a core group including Equations, Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Dream Catcher, the Hermitage and Mysore Amateur Naturalists was agreed upon for taking the tasks ahead.