An Indian Perspective

THE WILD BUSINESS

The Wild Business This new cosmopolitan era has sent us far

away from Mother Nature. It is a rare instant now that we breath

fresh air, get wet in the first rain or even see huge green trees outside our window.

There’s always an instinct within us to get a closer look on mother nature’s creations.

That’s where Wild business comes in the picture for us MBA.

Definition and facts Wildlife Tourism or Ecotourism is responsible for travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.

The International Ecotourism Society Ecotourism is the fastest growing market in

tourism industry. Annual growth rate of 5%. Representing 6% of world’s GDP. 11.4% of all consumer spending.

Eco-tourism Business as we know it The trend developed around two decades ago when crowded

cities began to develop and outing became a hobby or sport. Huge development was seen as infrastructure investments

were made seeking more tourists for revenue (Easy money; as facilities were limited in number and choices were few)

People started taking Eco-tourism as business (ex. Khana national park had 3 resorts/hotels in 90’s which have exceeded 25 by ‘08)

Many govt./self financed organizations came to rescue of animals in danger. (monkey,bear,snake and many others on street were freed to be left in forest)

Govt. started promoting Eco-tourism on state basis as it was a regular revenue earner rather than places with religious importance which had peak crowd in season.

Many laws were made and anti poaching activities were intensified to make a firm step towards preservation.

Indian Wildlife India is a home to

7.6% of all mammalian. 12.6% of all avian. 6.2% of all reptilian. 6.0% of all flowering plants.

Overall 33% of Indian plant species are endemic.

India along with 17 mega diverse counties is home to about 60 – 70% of the world’s biodiversity.

India’s Reserve India has 12553.26 Km2

area protected as National parks.

India has 17 Biosphere reserves (84492 Km2) out of which 7 belongs to World Network of Biosphere Reserve based on (UNESCO).

India has over 441 animal sanctuaries covering more than 105940 Km2 of area.

Fact Sheet: Wildlife Tourism In India The Wildlife tourism facts in India are still

unmonitored. Wildlife tourism is the fastest growing sector

of tourism. There has bee 14.9% increase in wildlife

tourism in India since 2002 – 2006. The rise is due to increase in spending power

of middle class tourists. Other reason is the increased publicity and

marketing of species such as Tiger.

Fact Sheet: Wildlife Tourism In India

Almost 3.5 lakh nature lovers visited various sanctuaries and national parks against 2,47,000 in 2007 – 2008.

A visit by 2 lakh visitors to Corbett National Park generated a revenue of 306.38 lakh.

The Green State of Chhattisgarh has 41.33% of area under forest and it is the richest biodiversity area in the country.

Companies offering Wildlife tours

Principles of Ecotourism Minimize impact Build environmental and cultural awareness and

respect Provide positive experiences for both visitors

and hosts Provide direct financial benefits for conservation Provide financial benefits and empowerment for

local people Raise sensitivity to host countries' political,

environmental, and social climate Support international human rights and labor

agreements

Responsibilities of Government

Regulate structures that creates visual pollution.

Ensure continuous monitoring of adverse effects of tourism activities and initiate suitable corrective measures.

Recognize and award by accreditation of ecotourism operators.

Provide visitor information and interpretation services.

Thank You…