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Bandhavgarh's Eco-Model Impresses World
7 Sep
Summary
- Revenue sharing model gives one-third to communities.
- Local guides and drivers boost conservation efforts.
- Community-run services create new livelihood opportunities.
An innovative ecotourism model from Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, featuring direct revenue sharing with local communities, garnered international attention at a recent workshop in New Delhi. This initiative, presented on September 2 and 3, showcased how local communities are integral to both tourism and wildlife conservation efforts.
The presentation detailed how trained local guides and vehicle drivers not only enhance visitor experiences but also actively participate in sensitizing tourists about responsible travel and conservation practices. A significant aspect highlighted was the system where one-third of tourism-generated revenue is channeled back to local communities.
This financial mechanism has significantly expanded community involvement in tourism, creating numerous livelihood opportunities around the reserve. The model encompasses community-operated homestays, vehicle services, food stalls, and employment in nearby hotels and resorts, underscoring a holistic approach to conservation-linked economies. The workshop, organized by the International Big Cat Alliance and other bodies, convened delegates from several tiger-range countries and international conservation organizations, including Bhutan, Nepal, and the WWF. Discussions centered on leveraging tiger landscapes for sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism and other conservation-linked economic strategies.
