Green Guides
Eco-tourism is booming these days
By Neville Jude de Conceicao
Tourism is probably one of those industries that will never fizzle out due to the basic human tendency of exploring new places. But today, tourism is faced with many challenges and one of them is how to make travel around the world more sustainable given the fears over global warming and
environmental damage.
Eco-friendly tourism, or in short, eco-tourism, is the solution to environmental harm caused by regular tourist activities. This aspect of tourism came into effect just little over a decade ago after the world realised that global warming was a threat we all had to accept and work towards eradicating.
It helps in appreciating the
cultural and natural aspect of the environment while taking care not to disturb the integrity of the ecosystem, thereby creating economic opportunities that make conservation and protection of natural resources advantageous to the local inhabitants. Today, India is one of the biggest players in eco-tourism. Nature and conservation have been an inseparable part of Indian traditions and this has enabled the country to be one of the top eco-destinations in the world. Kerala, the Himalayan foothills, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep have
become eco-tourism hotspots.
Thenmala in Kerala was the first planned eco-tourism destination in India. Jungle Lodges and Resorts is the perfect example of a successful enterprise whose USP is eco-tourism in Karnataka. With the help of the local government, they have been able to convince people to take a fresh look and explore regions in the state that would have otherwise been ignored. Their actions have not only boosted tourism in the state, but also helped the local inhabitants with employment opportunities. The sudden surge in adventure activities in the hills and mountains and white-water river rafting among those with high levels of disposable income has made it possible to believe that the eco-tourism industry is something with a bright future - and also given a chance to portray India as not just a destination for the Taj Mahal and the sets of Slumdog Millionaire.
Choosing a career in this industry is a good decision as long as you are passionate about conservation and sustainability. Universities in India and around the world have realised the steady growth of this segment of tourism and have started degree programmes dedicated to eco-tourism. There are also other institutions that help people be recognised as genuine green tour operators with appropriate certification.
As a career, there are two ways to look at it: One being seeking and identifying spots fit for eco-friendly tourism, and the other, guiding groups on eco-tours. Both are
challenging yet fun occupations.
This is a career you just don’t think about overnight to pursue. Unless you prefer outdoor crisp air to air-conditioners, and stories over campfires to gossip at the water
dispenser, this field isn’t for you. One way to look at it is you are always on a holiday while your friends long for one.
It might not be the best paying job in the market, and also in certain cases, tends to be seasonal in nature, but it’s an industry to keep an eye on since it’s one of the fastest growing fields in the country.
So, if you like the outdoors,
consider yourself adventurous, and are good at dealing with people, this might just be the career for you. Another advantage of eco-tourism is the related opportunities it offers you: You can also build a lucrative career as a photographer, travel writer, TV show presenter, and of course, start your own biz some day! In fact, with tourists - both domestic and international - finally recognising India’s rich natural habitats, this is a sunrise industry!
Biodiversity conservation experts can save the planet
You’ve all surely heard about Project Tiger. This was launched in 1973 amidst concern that the tiger could soon become extinct. Although India has a strong network of national parks and animal sanctuaries, at the time it was feared that poaching and destruction of the tiger’s habitat could soon take its toll on our national animal. Focusing on three aspects - ending human activities in ‘core’ areas and setting up buffer zones; minimising human interference in maintaining the habitat and letting nature repair itself; and keeping a close watch on flora and fauna in the focus areas - Project Tiger can be credited with having saved an animal inextricably linked to our
nation.
However, did you know that this is not the only such project? There are other projects underway, focusing on animals such as the Ganges River Dolphin, the Indian Rhino, and the Snow Leopard. As our population booms and development spreads across the nation, an increasing number of a animals are joining the endangered list. Luckily, this has been recognised and is being dealt with.
Biodiversity conservation, as the protection of wildlife and natural habitats is referred to, goes far beyond the layman’s image of “saving the environment for tourism”. In fact, the jungles and rainforests of the world still harbour several mysterious life-forms that can provide us with a wealth of scientific knowledge - especially in the field of pharmaceuticals. Apart from this, the highly complex interdependence of life-forms on each other is still quite a mystery - what scientists do admit is that disturbing any part of the habitat can have unintended consequences that can spiral out of control.
Enter biodiversity conservation
experts. These - hailing from different streams, specialities, and areas of expertise - are the ones ensuring that the environmental damage caused by human development is kept to a minimum. Some of you may have a stereotypical image of a khaki-clad man driving a 4x4 - with a couple of shotguns and cameras in the back - through a jungle! Well, that could be very, very incorrect (and true as well!). In fact, there is no ‘single’ career role that qualifies you as a biodiversity expert. Yes, studying environmental science or conservation at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels will train you for working in this field. But, the good news is that no matter what course you study at college, you can still become a biodiversity conservation expert. Here’s a small list of who all is required: Doctors, veterinarians, logistics experts, pilots, photographers, communications and IT experts, lobbyists, anthropologists, biologists, zoologists, oceanographers, sociologists, sailors… Of course, specialising in a course such as environmental science or biology will provide you a smoother entry to the heart of this field. But even if you are studying something completely different and unrelated (on the face of it, at least), you don’t have to despair: The fact is that if you have a love for the environment, and want more out of a job than sitting in a cubicle all day long, you can easily build a career as a biodiversity conservationist or expert! Where should you start? Your school and college will definitely have environmental clubs. Join them for a start! Keep a look out for special contests organised by NatGeo, Discovery, and Animal Planet; look at NGOs for interning opportunities during your summer vacations; and travel as much as you can!
— Vaibhav Sharma
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