Rediscovering nature through ecotourism

Prior to 1980s the flower children, or hippies, were a key category of tourists visiting this small enchanting State of Goa. They came, relaxed, tanned on the sunny sands and lead a life of content. But this went for a toss when in early 1980s, domestic tourists ‘discovered’ Goa and came in hordes. And since then the crowd has not stopped, with many coming repeatedly for some or the other reasons and many people settling, buying properties or starting businesses. Tourism became an industry and a cash cow to be milked by enterprising persons. 

The usual tourist circuits to North and South Goa included beaches, temples, churches, Mayem lake, Harvalem waterfall, spice plantations, and a few other places; and these could be visited by tourists even on a 3-day stay. Discerning tourists and those who have already seen the above sites, including casinos, entertainment hot-spots, watering holes, selected islands etc. have in the last couple of years envisaged an interest in ecotourism. Witnessing this trend, the government has taken steps to encourage hinterland tourism and it is a ‘work in progress,’ as ecotourism is a new concept in Goa. In the coming months cruise tourism could gain popularity as recently the G20 Tourism Working Group discussed theme-based national coastal cruise circuits. And Goa would be included under the ‘cultural and scenic tours,’ along with Sindhudurg (Maharashtra).       

Wilderness wonders  (sub headS)

Some of the exciting ecotourist places are the hinterlands comprised of rivers, waterfalls, springs, lakes, caves, camping hiking and trekking in forests, and rock climbing, and in addition bird sanctuary at Chorao, Oliver-Ridley turtles at Morjim and wetlands. These adventurous sites (and perhaps some hidden ones too) host unique biodiversity, and become more exhilarating to visit during the monsoon months, though one needs to be careful. Ecotourism caters to people who want to be close to nature for a few days and away from the madding crowd. Some of these places and activities may not be for the faint hearted, given the rough and tough conditions and lack of basic amenities and even no mobile connectivity! But these challenges would test the endurance and the tourists will go back with a sense of achievement and wonder.

Ecotourism needs to be encouraged as locals would get gainful employment and income by acting as guides, offering homestays, providing food, making and selling local products, curios, and mementos, among other activities. Medicinal and ornamental plants could also be sold after obtaining licence from the government. 

Eco-restoration’s vital role

One vital aspect of ecotourism is ecological or eco-restoration that involves taking care of the ecosystems that have been either degraded, damaged, or destroyed. Eco-restoration is critical to save the endemic flora and fauna, and arrest or stop soil erosion and pollution of water bodies. Eco-restoration pertains to revegetation, habitat enhancement, remediation, and mitigation through legal means. 

Eco-restoration is a huge onus on the government, those carrying out ecotourism activities and tourists. The government needs to train the locals in eco-restorative measures, teach them first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods, provide basic infrastructural facilities at the ecotourism spots, and collect and dispose the garbage that would ensue when hordes of people visit the places. 

Ecotourism entails careful planning and implementation that would take into consideration possible large-scale damage to the pristine environment. Frequent checks must be made by officials for irregularities and condition of the tourist spots. Areas that are nearly ruined due to a surplus of tourists’ influx and carrying capacity of the sites, should be closed and steps taken to restore these to their original state.  

The funds for eco-restoration could come largely from the government and generated through a nominal entrance fee and activity charges from tourists, licence fees from tour operators, and sale of plants and forest produce. 

Preserving Nature's Gems

Eco-restoration is a critical aspect of ecotourism and the government needs to have a panel of experts who will be well-versed in the topics of biology, geology, ecology, and allied fields. The process of conservation and preservation of the eco-touristic environments must be deftly and quickly handled by the panel. The experts need to identify areas that are vulnerable to damage or have undergone rapid deterioration and accordingly suggest methods to save and protect such spots. Eco-sensitive places could be barred for entry and/or there could be a ‘cooling off’ period till such time that the place has returned to its near-original pristine state. Innovative measures and out-of-the box thinking are vital to conserve and preserve the environment.          

Ecotourism needs to be considered as a responsible and sustainable community activity. As we need to live in a symbiotic association with nature hence, all the stakeholders – government, locals, tourists – must play a pro-active role in the process of eco-restoration. In the process of running behind profits from ecotourism we should not miss/lose the forests for the trees!