Centre Shortlists Four Sanctuaries In Odisha Under Eco-Tourism Plan

Bhubaneswar: The Centre will help the Odisha government to develop and promote the eco-tourism potential of four protected areas (PA) in the state.

The four areas — Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Chilika (Nalaban) Wildlife Sanctuary, Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary and Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary — were earmarked by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for a plan approved last month.

The MoEFCC has identified 90 such sites for development of eco-tourism in the country in line with its guidelines on Sustainable Eco-tourism in Forest and Wildlife Areas 2021.

According to the ministry, the Centre will support the outreach of the states’ eco-tourism potential for international tourists. The plan will also boost community-based tourism as well as create new employment opportunities for the locals.

Visitors To Benefit

The plan has also detailed several benefits for visitors to the earmarked wildlife areas.

The tourists will be provided information on eco-system services and intangible benefits provided by the area.

Besides, electronic visual tools, other technologies and a well-equipped interpretation centre will be set up at each eco-tourism site to encourage self-learning among tourists.

Proper signs will be put up for tourists to make them aware of the safety and risk factors in the eco-tourism zone.

State Govt’s Role

The MoEFCC said the state governments will take help of expert organisations to formulate a communication plan for effective use of the eco-tourism potential of the earmarked sites.

The state governments will also promote partnerships between the eco-tourism projects and socially-responsible companies.