National eco-tourism policy and guidelines (1998) has identified, the following cardinal principles for development of eco-tourism :

•  It should involve local community and lead to economic development of the area.   •  It should identify the likely conflicts between resource use for tourism and livelihood of local inhabitants and attempt to minimise such conflicts.   •  The type and scale of tourism development should be compatible with the environment and socio-cultural characteristics of the local community   •  It should be planned as part of the overall area development strategy, ensuring sectoral integrations. Ecotourism spots are available at:

Key players in eco-tourism (implementing agency) :

During initial years, Forest Department of the State should be the main implementing agency. However, attempts should be made to gradually entrust the activities to the Eco-Development Committees / Forest Protection Committees, with Forest / Tourism Department playing controlling and supervisory roles.

•  Simple, adequate board and lodging facilities, ethnic in nature.
•  Road network within the identified tourism zone.
•  Self guided nature trails.
•  Nature Interpretation Centres.
•  Way-side exhibits and signages.
•  Observation towers.
•  Public conveniences and garbage disposal facility.

Periodic training programmes on eco-tourism to the host community will include :

•  Lodge management.
•  Basic education and awareness.
•  Health and sanitations.
•  Skill development for preparation of local souvenirs.
•  Code of conducts.
•  Forests and Wildlife Conservation.
•  Garbage and pollution control.
•  Forging partnership with tourists and tourism industry.

Possible inputs for community based eco-tourism :

•  Creation and management of ethnic cottage.
•  Guide service to the visitors.
•  Sale outlet for local products / souvenirs.
•  Facilities like boating, angling, folk dance, picnic spots, nature trail, visit to a host village and guided bird watching

Is eco-tourism against conservation :

•  Access of outsiders to the P.As may endanger the Biodiversity of the P.A.s
•  There may be a tendency to use Forest Land for building up infrastructure for tourism
•  Ecotourism is not F.D's business - the field staff get diverted from normal forestry works

•  Brings the conservation efforts to public view
•  Increased awareness about P.A.s creates peer pressure for their conservtion
•  Helps in mobilization of resources for P.A. management
•  Strengthens interface between eco-tourists and local people

For more detail please visit : www.wbfdc.com.