Ecotourism is a part of environmental conservation, and understanding what the needs of the people are who are local to the area so that you can help to improve their quality of life. It also involves learning more about the history of other cities and preserving the historical landmarks. Here in my research I need to identify the scope and development of ecotourism. And the management of ecotourism in both government and non-government organizations. Research Objectives are thought to be as follows:- 1. To determine the volume of tourism in ecological areas and other areas in Bangladesh. 2. Find out the opportunities for developing ecotourism. 3. Identify the pros and cons of ecotourism on the local communities of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a gift of nature. This country is an attractive ecotourism destination in south Asia (Bhuiyanet al.2010). Its natural resources, ecological advantages and situated in an important geographical nerve point are great pleasure for developing ecotourism here. Bangladesh has a host of tourist treasurers to offer to tourists- beaches, lakes, rivers, hills, forests, wildlife, tribal life, archaeological remains, including historical monuments, folklore, religious and cultural heritage, handicrafts and much more. All these combinations are enormous ecotourism products. The country, having tourism potential, must be conscious in developing market. The country has its potential to differentiate its product for its uniqueness. Therefore, ecotourism industry of Bangladesh must arrange its different elements such a way that give its better satisfaction to the visitors of the world.

1. Research Proposal
The Prospects and Challenges of
Ecotourism in Bangladesh
Submitted by
Md. Galib Ishraq Emran
Honours 4th Year
Exam Roll: 160238
Class Roll: 219
Registration No.: 41778
Session: 2015-16
Department of Environmental
Sciences
Jahangirnagar University,
Savar, Dhaka-1342.
Submitted to
Dr. Mohammad Amir Hossain
Bhuiyan
Professor
Department of Environmental
Sciences
Jahangirnagar University,
Savar, Dhaka-1342.

2. Introduction
Ecotourism (also called sustainable tourism) can be defined by a variety of travel practices,
but it all comes down to a general set of ideas. An ecotourist may decide to travel in a way
that shows respect to nature and does not contribute to its degradation.
Additionally, ecotourism is a part of environmental conservation, and understanding what the
needs of the people are who are local to the area so that you can help to improve their quality
of life. It also involves learning more about the history of other cities and preserving the
historical landmarks.
As per The International Ecotourism Society, “Ecotourism is now defined as “responsible
travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local
people, and involves interpretation and education” (TIES, 2015). Education is meant to be
inclusive of both staff and guests.”
In respect of the increasing enthusiasm about ecotourism and the burgeoning growth of
tourism oriented businesses worldwide, Bangladesh too, has opened up as one of the many
solicited venues for site-seeing, adventure and most importantly a cherished destination
endowed with ecotourism sites. Ecotourism involves visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively
undisturbed natural areas. It is a low-impact and a small-scale alternative to standard
commercial mass tourism. Its purpose is often to educate the traveller, to provide funds for
ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political
empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human
rights. Ecotourism is considered a vital endeavour by environmentalists so that future
generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention.
Although ecotourism is quite a new concept for Bangladesh, it presents great potential for
growth if nurtured properly. Generally, ecotourism is associated with living parts of the
natural environments in a given landscape, focusing on environmental sustainability, personal
growth or seeking adventure and/or experiencing nature in its purest form, through socially
responsible traveling. This usually involves traveling to destinations where the flora and
fauna are at their own and a sanctuary like environment is on the go. Cultural heritage too has
become one of the primary attractions for ecotourists. Through ecotourism, tourists gain
insight about how their activities impact the environment, and how they can promote a
greater appreciation of the natural environment. What was until a few decades ago a hidden

3. treasure island due to its geographical positioning is now aspiring to be explored as a tourist
destination, especially as an ecotourism destination! Bangladesh is a country of rivers,
exhibiting extensive locations embraced by pristine jungles, waterfalls and wildlife in the
hilly districts. It has its largest man-made lake – the Kaptai Lake, world‟s greatest mangrove
forest – the Sundarbans, a vast offshore marine environment situated close enough to the
longest natural safe sandy sea beach – Cox’s Bazar, and a unique coral island – the St.
Martin’s Island. The country being rich in archaeological, cultural, and religious heritage
holds numerous sites attributed with unaltered beauty gifted by Mother Nature. Mosques,
pagodas, temples, and churches are only to mention a few in the range of tourist attractions. It
is a natural habitat for thousands of known and unknown flora and fauna. The harmonious co-
existence of man and nature can best be studied in Bangladesh; people here learn to survive
by tuning in with the modes and maladies of the nature. With the diverse choice of
destinations, comes up the variety of experiences to be gained and modes of transports to be
traversed, e.g. land rovers and open air or convertible trucks; buses; launches, ships or boats;
three and two wheelers like auto-rickshaws, rickshaws, motorbikes and bicycles; various air
transports: and last but not the least beasts of burden like elephants, horses, and donkeys, and
off course, walking. As ecotourism is seen as a means of changing the viewpoints derived
through traditional itinerary of tourism, it is thus very much encouraged keeping in mind the
knowledge that is to be attained through the process and the incentives to be gained by the
local people and the country as a whole.
Here in my research I need to identify the scope and development of ecotourism. And the
management of ecotourism in both government and non-government organizations.

4. Prospects and Problems of Ecotourism
All nature based forms of tourism in which the main motivations of the tourists is the
observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural
areas. Ecotourism contains educational and interpretation features. It is generally but not
exclusively organized by specialized tour operators for small groups. Service provider partner
at the destinations tend to be small, locally owned businesses. Basically it minimizes negative
impacts upon the natural and socio-cultural environment. It also supports the maintenance of
natural areas which are used as ecotourism attraction by generating economic benefits for
host communities, organizations and authorities managing natural areas with conservation
purposes. Ecotourism attraction can also be developed by providing alternative employment
and income opportunities for local communities. Increasing awareness towards the
conservation of natural and cultural assets both among locals and tourists can also enhance
ecotourism attraction.
Many argue that ecotourism does not offer enough environmental protection. In fact, some
believe that ecotourism threats will actually damage the very environments that ecotourism
strives to preserve. One of the problems that ecotourism poses is the overall impact that
ecotourism has on the environment. Ecotourism does not only impact the areas where
travellers visit. It takes energy in the form of airplane fuel, bus or automobile fuel and/or boat
fuel to reach remote areas. The resulting energy consumption is not always taken into
consideration when looking at the effects of ecotourism. In a sense, ecotourism might be
considered wasteful. When tourists travel, they need places to stay or “stage” before they start
their journey. This means clearing land, building facilities such as hotels and developing
support industries. Even though these facilities may not be in the area that ecotourists spend
most of their time, they still must be available. This could be added as an indirect negative to
the environment. Another threat ecotourism poses is that some of the ecosystems where
ecotourists travel are extremely fragile. Over time, even small groups of people who strive to
be as careful as possible can still have a negative impact and upset the local ecosystem. Since
some ecotourists want to observe the drama of nature, tours for these types of travellers are
scheduled to coincide with breeding or hunting seasons. Again, this could prove to be
disruptive to the natural cycle of life. Another problem associated with ecotourism is that if
the moneys generated by this type of tourism are mismanaged, the environment will be the
victim. In addition, corruption and greed could add to a negative impact on a local ecosystem

5. as well. One of the tenants of ecotourism is to have as little impact on local cultures as
possible. The reality of this is that once different peoples come into contact with each other,
they are both affected. It can be argued that as the world becomes smaller with this merging
of cultures, it is inevitable that even remote cultures will change through exposure to other
peoples. Whether this is a negative or positive advance remains to be seen.
Tourist Spots in Bangladesh
Tourist spots in Bangladesh are not concentrated in any particular place. Instead, they are
scattered throughout the country. Division wise, we can present the tourist spots in
Bangladesh as in Table 1.
Jaflong: Jaflong is one of the best natural tourist spot in Sylhet. It is situated at the border
between Bangladesh and the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is takes two hours to drive. Tourist
can learn something from the lifestyle of Tribe Khasia in Jaflong.
Ratargul: Ratargul is a fresh water swamp forest situated in Sylhet by the river of Goain.
The water comes here from the adjacent Goain River. The flavor of Amazon forest is
available there.
Madhabkunda waterfall: This is one of the largest waterfalls in Bangladesh. It is situated in
Moulvibazar District. On the way visitors can see the greenish beauty of tea garden and the
hills. Rubber and lemon plantations form a beautiful landscape.
Satchari National Park: This Park is in Habiganj District. Wildlife in this park is rich.
Bisanakandi: Bisanakandi is situated at Bangladesh-India border in Sylhet. It is a landscape
beauty among gardens and hills. Winter is not a suitable time to visit Bisnakandi due to
mechanised mining and stone-laden boats and lorries.
Srimongal: Srimongal is famous for the largest tea gardens of world. Most of the tea estates
are in Srimongal. It is called “The land of two leaves and a bud”. It is known as the tea capital
in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI) and Tea Museum are functioning
there.
Lawacherra Rain Forest: Well-reserved forests in Bangladesh. Prime attraction of this
forest is rare Chloroform tree of Asia. It is like “A Piece of Paradise”.

6. Patenga Sea Beaches: It is about 22 km. from Chittagong city. Besides the sea beach, you
can enjoy boating and river cruise in the River Karnaphuli.
Port Area: This is the principal sea port of Bangladesh.
Cox’s Bazar: World longest (120 km long) beach .Winter is the season to visit the Cox’s
Bazar.
St. Martins Island: St. Martins Island is the most beautiful Coral Island.
Himchori : Himchori is famous for waterfall. Visitor can reach there by jeep from Cox’s
Bazar.
Parki beach: It is situated in Anwarathana under southern Chittagong region.
Lalmai, Moinamoti and Shalbon Bihar: They are famous historical and archeological
places around Comilla city.
Rangamati: If you don’t visit Rangamati you will unable to discover a big portion of natural
beauties of Bangladesh.
Khagrachari: Khagrachhari is the natural wild beauty of Bangladesh. Here visitor can visit
the tribal lifestyle.
Kaptai Lake: Built in early sixties Kaptai Dam and the lake are the main attractions of
Kaptai.
Bandarban: Chimbuk hill is one of the major attractions of Bandarban.
Ahsan Manzil: Ahsan Manzil was a residential palace for Dhaka Nawab Family.
Shaheed Minar: The Shaheed Minar is a national monument in Dhaka.
Jatiyo Smritisoudho: Jatiyo Sritishoudho is the symbol in the memory of sacrifice of all
those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
Jatiya Sangshad Bahavan: It has been used for the Bangladesh National Assembly.

7. Sundarban: The Sundarban is the world largest tidal mangrove forest. The Sundarbans cover
approximately 10,000 square kilometers, of which 60 percent is in Bangladesh with the
remainder in India. The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kuakata: Kuakata is a panoramic sea beach located in the Patuakhali district. Kuakata has a
wide sandy beach from where one can see both the sunrise and sunset.
Table 1: Tourist spots in Bangladesh
Literature Review
Ecotourism is a form of tourism which fosters environmental principles, with an emphasis on
visiting and observing natural areas and living. Ecotourism inspired primarily by the natural
history of an area, including its indigenous cultures. The ecotourist visits relatively
Name of the
Division
Location in
Bangladesh
Places to Visit
Barisal Southwest Kuakata
Chittagong Southern Patenga Sea Beach, War Cemetery, Port, Cox's
Bazar, St. Martins Island, Himchori and Inani
Beach, Parki beach, Lalmai, Moinamoti and
Shalbon Bihar, Chittagong Hill tracks (Rangamati,
Khagrachari, Bandarban and Kaptai)
Dhaka Capital city Shaheed Minar, Jatiyo Smritisoudho, Ahsan
Manzil, Jatiya Sangshad Bahavan
Khulna Southwest Sundarban
Rajshahi Northern Mahasthangarh,Varendra Museum
Rangpur Northern Kantagir Temple, Sayedpur railway junction
Sylhet Northeast Jaflong, Ratargul, Madhabkunda waterfall,
Satchari National Park , Bisanakandi, Srimongal,
Lawacherra Rain Forest

8. undeveloped areas in the spirit of appreciation, participation and sensitivity (Kusler, J. A.
,2001) The eco-tourist practices a non-consumptive use of wildlife and natural resources and
contributes to the visited area through labor or financial means aimed at directly benefiting
the conservation of the site and the economic well-being of the local residents‟ (Donohoe, H.
M., Needham, R. D., 2006). According to World Tourism Organization (WTO) in 2001, Eco-
tourism is used to define forms of tourism which have the following characteristics quoted
from Shermeen and Sultana (2011) that:-
1. All nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the
observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in
natural areas.
2. It contains educational and interpretation features.
3. It is generally, but not exclusively organized by specialized tour operators for small
groups. Service provider partners at the destinations tend to be small locally owned
business.
4. It minimizes negative impacts upon the natural and sociocultural environments.
5. It supports the maintenance of natural areas which are used as eco-tourism attractions
by:-
a) Generating economic benefits for host communities, organizations and authorities
managing natural areas with conservation process.
b) Providing alternative employment and income opportunities for local communities.
c) Increasing awareness towards the conservation of natural and cultural assets, both
among local and tourists.
Ecotourism provides a way to encourage preservation of the environment through
reforestation, conservation areas, renewable resources, and recycling. According to
McCormick (1994) ecotourism is defined as “ a purposeful travel to natural areas understand
the culture and natural history of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the
ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of natural
resources beneficial to local people”. International Union for the Conversation of Nature
(IUCN) defines Eco-tourism as: “Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to
relatively undisturbed natural areas in order to enjoy and appreciate nature that promotes
conservation, has low visitor impact and provides for beneficially active socio-economic
involvement of local populations”. Bangladesh is an attractive ecotourism destination in

9. south Asia. The natural attractions of Bangladesh are: the tropical climate, tropical beaches
and sea, tropical forests, many rivers and lakes, beautiful tranquil scenery etc. (Bhuiyan,
2010). The country enjoys a sub-tropical monsoon climate characterized by rain-bearing
winds, moderately warm temperatures, and high humidity. Bangladesh has possess some
unique natural resources of global significance such as the world’s largest mangrove forest,
the largest unbroken sea beach, a unique landscape set in the world’s largest alluvial delta
with flora and fauna, truly hospitable and friendly people. Bangladesh having various kinds
of natural variations e.g., hilly areas, sea beaches, mangrove forest and many historical
places, has a huge potential in the scenario of world tourism. Ecotourism in Bangladesh is
increasing in popularity as more people come to appreciate the stunning landscapes,
fascinating wildlife, as well as biodiversity of plants found in this beautiful country. With
hills, valley, forests, beaches, lakes and rivers ecotourism in Bangladesh is ideal. A brief
review of literature on eco-tourism shows that the issue has been studied to find out the
tourist destination of our country. A lot comprehensive study has been conducted to depict
the issue more vivid.
Current Status of Ecotourism in Bangladesh
The importance of tourism sector has increased overtime. In 2009-2010, 838 was allocated for tourism
sector from national budget. This has been increased to 1818 in 2011-2012. However, lately there is a
decreasing trend in tourism expenditure. In 2013-2014, tourism expenditure in national budget has
been falling to 683. This decreasing trend may be due to the current political crisis, which has
discouraged tourism in Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh, government controlled tourism organization – Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation
(BPC) is doing well in terms of profit. In 2008-2009 it lost about 194 lakh taka. However, since
then it is making profit. In 2009-2010, the profit was 23.41 lakh taka which has consistently
increased to 612.33 lakh taka in 2012-2013. This profit has accompanied by both increasing
total income and total expenditure. This total income and total expenditure in 2008-2009 were
3598.6 and 3792.35 lakh taka respectively. These figures have risen to 7168.33 lakh taka and
6556 lakh taka respectively in 2012-2013.
Figure 1: Distribution of money at the tourism sector in the national budget.

10. The number of tourist that came to Bangladesh during 2008 to 2012 are shown in Figure 2: The
inbound tourism severely fall to 267,107 in 2009 from the previous year 467,332. This may be
due to the global financial crisis. The number of tourist, however, show increasing trend after
2009. The inbound tourism has recovered to 303,386 in 2010 and has increased to 588,193 in
2012.
Table 2: Income, expenditure and profit of Bangladesh
Parjatan Corporation for 2008-2013 (Source:
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, 2014)
Fiscal Year Total income (Lakh
tk.)
Total expenditure
(Lakh tk.)
Profit before tax
(Lakh tk.)
2008-2009 3598.60 3792.35 -193.75
2009-2010 4535.88 4512.47 23.41
2010-2011 5966.71 5819.21 107.50
2011-2012 7127.82 6836.62 291.20
2012-2013 7168.33 6556.00 612.33
Figure 2: Statistics of tourist incoming in Bangladesh.

11. Gap between Development and Expectation
Different types of people from the different parts of this world are involved in ecotourism
activities and they have different ideas and creative approaches, therefore the action that has
been taken by them is hard to be carried out in the same way again. For this reason it is
difficult to establish one internationally common guideline for how ecotourism activities
should be carried out. Sustainable policy and rules firstly aim to create positive impact on the
travelled sites by respecting and conserving the nature and environment of the host
communities. But some inadequate planning and mismanagement may hamper this instead of
saving the environment and ecological system. This problem can occur for many reasons and
may happen in social, economic and ecological aspects of sustainable tourism. Environmental
threat is considered as the greatest threats for the sustainable development. Various matters
like, global warming, growth of the population, urbanisation without proper planning, energy
use, waste generation and air, soil, water pollutions etc. is making environmental threats.
Currently 80 million people are being added each year in the total number of population in
the world (Kunzig 2011). This increasing population needs extra accommodation and food
and therefore forest and landscape are using to meet this demand of the extra population.
People are now intended to move to urban areas. For example in 1950 New York City had 10
million people but in 2001 this number of population increased to 17 million and they are
projected it will be 21 million by 2015 (Subramanian 2007). About half of the world
population are now living in urban areas. Population increased rate in urban areas is creating
a significant impacts on the environment. For example, increased ambient temperature, air
pollution by industry and transportation that is used for extra people, loss of natural beauty,
decrease of farmland and deforestation are main causes of making unsustainable environment
(Subramanian 2007.) Eco-tourism creates a socio-culture conflict between local communities
and tourists. The authors mention an example of Michoacan in Mexico City where they
describe, The Monarch is a place for butterfly reserve and this is the top attraction for the
tourists both nationally and internationally. Before this place was used as a research based
activities by local communities but later on it is using as a biosphere reserve to protect
encroachment and damage that happened by the local communities’ activities. This decision
makes a discontent and a negative impact to the locals’ interest. As a result the number of
tourists had significantly risen that year, even though the benefit of this decision is not yet
seen for the local inhabitancies of that area (Mowforth, Charlton & Munt 2008, 124.) There

12. are some other significant issues that is creating problems for ecotourism and sustainable
development. Like, Greenhouse gas is accumulating in the atmosphere at a dangerous rate
and is resulting the increasing of global temperature. This is why in winter season we feel
more cold on the other hand in it is hotter in summer. Cyclones, earthquakes and tsunami are
eventually happening. Air pollution and water pollution have dramatically increased after the
industrial revolution. Air pollution is one of the most visible forms of pollution. The bad
effect of air pollution affects many people from all walks of life. At the most risk is young
children and the elderly. Those that have a compromised immune system, chronic illness or
an unhealthy lifestyle are also at a higher risk level. However it is important to note that poor
air quality affects everyone even if you are completely fit in every other day. Water pollution
refers to the pollution of rivers, lakes and sea water. Water is mainly polluted because of
sewage, industrial wastes or other harmful or objectionable material in the water. How water
polluting will effect on us is depends on what chemicals are dumped and in what location. It
also has a bad effect on our ecosystem, animal health as well as human health. The loss of
Nature-Biodiversity and resource Scarcities is another reason for making unbalance in the eco
system. Species have vanished at an accelerating rate and biodiversity is being lost as human
disrupts fragile ecosystems. It is a threat of not finding new food resources and medicine. As
the population is growing they need more food, energy and materials. To fulfil the demand of
this population people are using more and more resources from environment also to reach
that demand they are building more and more industries which also badly effect on
maintaining sustainability of environment (UN Documents 1996.) To resolve the above
problems some solutions that need to keep the environment sustainable and green we are
needed to alert. It is the responsibility for all to take part in. First of all it is the duty of any
country’s government to develop sustainability in tourism. A government is responsible to
make laws and regulation for the country. So, by making laws for the tourism industry the
government can keep the sustainability. It is the duty of a local government to implement the
laws and directly observe and take care of the tourism sectors. They can involve the local
community, tourism industry, local police or any person or industry to implement the central
government order. They are also entitled to make any decision in any situation if necessary.
To keep and to develop sustainability in this sector the local community or the society is the
most important role players. Any area which has tourism attraction in these areas people
mostly depend on this tourism industry for their income. Tourism industry gives a society
income, employment; develops this area and so on. So it is the duty of the people of this
society to keep and help the government to develop sustainability in nature and adventure

13. tourism. In tourism sector hotels, Restaurants, travel agency, transportation agency all are
included. They are also the vital role players to develop sustainability. Now-a-days most of
them are using green tourism for their customer. Some companies are using ‘Going Green’
for their campaigning. Tourists or the travellers are the heartbeat of this tourism sector. From
the statistics we can see that international tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 5.7% in the first
two months of 2012 (UNWTO, 2012). Worldwide, international tourist arrivals surpassed
131 million in the first two months of 2012, up from 124 million in the same period of 2011.
(UNWTO, 2012). Now tourists are more concern. So their consciousness is the main weapon
for making this industry sustainable.
Existing Government Rules and Regulation on
Ecotourism
The government prepared Ecotourism Development and Management Plan 2004 and the
National Tourism Policy 2010 which are presently being implemented. According to the
aforementioned laws and acts, the following activities will take place:-
1. Renovating and developing all airports, with both domestic and foreign flight operations,
and the services they provide wherever air itinerary is present.
2. Ensuring assistance and basic security of travellers.
3. Identifying potential tourist spots from all over the country and bringing them under
proper maintenance, modernization, and supervision.
4. Expanding the existing ecotourism destinations and capitalizing on their potentials
without demolishing or distorting the resources.
5. Building public awareness through socially involving activities.
6. Involving local government institutions in developing activities promoting ecotourism.
7. Designing infrastructure and providing improved supervision of the tourism, ecotourism
industry through Public Private Partnership (PPP).
8. Monitoring the performance of the different role players in the industry.
9. Capacity building in ecotourism sector.
10. Establishing and maintaining tourism related training centers.

14. Previously there were no proper promotional activities upholding the ecotourism sector of
Bangladesh, however, after the inception of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, an audio-visual
commercial called “Discover Beautiful Bangladesh through the school of life” is being used
to promote Bangladesh as a tourist destination. Sundarban Biodiversity Conservation Project
(SBCP) comprises a range of integrated activities, which is the major component of
ecotourism. SBCP is an identified tool promoting conservation, environmental awareness and
education of all stakeholders and ensuring enjoyment of nature by both international and
domestic tourist. Public and private sectors are gradually identifying their prospects of
earning foreign exchange and creating job opportunities. The World Tourism Organization
formed a Strategic Master Plan with the assistance of UNDP for integrated development of
tourism in Bangladesh. Following the Plan’s steps, infrastructure development has already
commenced and very soon Bangladesh will come under a tourism network.
Table-03: Present Scenario of Tourism Related Laws
and Acts in Bangladesh (Source: Islam, 2015)
Institution/Object Year of
Commencement
Present Status
Tourism Council 1997 Only 3 meeting held in
last 15 years
Tourism Policy Tourism policy was
declared in 1992 and
reformed in 2010
Declared as industry in
1995
Bangladesh Tourism Board Law 2010 In practice
Bangladesh Tourism Protected Area
and Exclusive Tourism Law
2010 In practice
Bangladesh Tourism Protected Area
and Exclusive Tourism Act
2011 In practice
Bangladesh Tourism Act Draft submitted to the
ministry in the year 2012
Yet to be approved
Eco Tourism/ Ecotourism
Development and Management Plan
2004 In practice since 2010
National Tourism Policy/Community
Based/Sustainable Tourism Policy
2010 In practice

15. Regional Scenario of Ecotourism
Ecotourism in India
India, the land of varied geography offers several tourist destinations that not just de-stress
but also rejuvenate you. There are several ways to enjoy Mother Nature in most pristine way.
The few places like the Himalayan Region, Kerala, the northeast India, Andaman & Nicobar
Islands and the Lakshdweep islands are some of the places where you can enjoy the treasured
wealth of the Mother Nature. Thenmala in Kerala is the first planned ecotourism destination
in India created to cater to the Eco-tourists and nature lovers.
The India topography boasts an abundant source of flora & fauna. India has numerous rare
and endangered species in its surroundings. The declaration of several wildlife areas and
national parks has encouraged the growth of the wildlife resource, which reduced due to the
wildlife hunt by several kings in the past. Today, India has many wildlife sanctuaries and
protection laws. Currently, there are about 80 national parks and 441 sanctuaries in India,
which works for the protection and conservation of wildlife resource in India.
There are numerous Botanical and Zoological Gardens in India, which are working towards
the enhancement of the Ecosystem. Poaching has stopped to large extent. There are severe
punishments for poachers, hunters and illegal traders of animals and trees. Tree plantation are
taking place in several places. There are several animal & plant rights organisation, who fight
for the rights of the animals and plants. Numerous organisations and NGOs are coming
forward to provide environmental education to the common people at the grass root level.
Ecotourism in Sri Lanka
Ecotourism in Sri Lanka is a huge trend right now, where most people want to experience
their surroundings of the purest form, such as pristine seas and unexplored wilderness. A lot
of rain forests are among the list of places to visit in eco-tourism. Pearly beaches and small
islands are also famous among tourists. When it comes to wildlife, camping at night, getting a
closer look at animals are the main features of it. Hiking, Mountain climbing, canoeing,
kayaking are a part of eco-tourism that ensures maximum exposure to nature with a minimal
infrastructure. A lot of rules follow when travelling, littering is absolutely prohibited, no
vandalising any properties or feeding any wild animals. The rainforests are too maintained at

16. their virgin states as much as possible. Eco-tourism is the next best thing when visiting Sri
Lanka, it gives you the opportunity to be as close to nature as a traveller can ever get.
Ecotourism in Nepal
Eco-tourism, also known as Sustainable Tourism is the form of tourism that involve to nature
based traveling in undisturbed or untouched in remote places. It has become famous recently
and more and more tourists are interested in eco-tourism.
Nepal, though small nation is blessed with extreme natural beauty nestling in the lap of
mighty Himalayan mountain continuously making it’s effort to develop itself as one of the
famous eco-tourism destination of world. This form of tourism is regarded as environment
friendly and protection of nature and its habitat. It is powerful tools to engage, encourage and
educate local people, tourists, government and private agencies or tourism entrepreneurs to be
aware and learn to protect natural resources of the country.
Ecotourism is travel activities that ensures direct economic benefit to local people and should
focus on minimum impact on natural environment and protect the conservation. It also
teaches the travellers something about the nature and culture of the area which they
visit. The main focus of Eco-tourism is on those areas which are rich in biodiversity, wildlife
and respect cultural heritage.
Glistening clusters of peaks in the Himalayas, green forest , gently sloping hills, white waters,
fertile valleys with unique diverse of flora and fauna become always main attractions in
Nepal. These undeniable natural exquisiteness and charms has made Nepal a perfect location
for Eco-tourism lovers. Nepal is a true land of diversity, stretching 147 sq. Km, lowlands and
different climatic condition is always fascinating to everyone.
Himalayan Mentor being strong supporter Ecotourism campaign, we always make sure we
put our effort to save our wildlife, nature and respect cultural heritage. We also promote eco-
friendly destination and operate eco-friendly tours and treks in Himalayan country.
We ensure that any tour and travel program related to ecotourism we operate will help to
raise the economic activities of the local people, respecting their culture and empower them
by creating better understanding between the hosts and visitors. All Ecotourism related
programs offered by Himalayan mentor are truly environmental friendly, teaches our traveller

17. to respect local culture and understand environmental issue and provide maximum economic
benefit to the local people.
Principles of Ecotourism
Ecotourism is about responsible travel to natural areas that promote conservation, bring
harmony among communities, and sustains well-being of local people. People who
implement and participate in ecotourism activities should adopt the following ecotourism
principles:-
1. Minimize physical, social, behavioural, and psychological impacts.
2. Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
3. Provide positive experiences for both visitors and local people.
4. Provide direct financial benefits for environmental conservation.
5. Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
6. Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise
sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climates.
7. Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities.
Research Objectives
1. To determine the volume of tourism in ecological areas and other areas in Bangladesh.
2. Find out the opportunities for developing ecotourism.
3. Identify the pros and cons of ecotourism on the local communities of Bangladesh.

18. Research Questions
1. What are the scopes of ecotourism in both government and non-government
organizations?
2. What are the indicators performance of both government and non-government
organizations?
3. What are the developments of ecotourism in both government and non-government
organizations?
Methods
1. Questionnaire Survey.
2. FGD (Focus Group Discussion).
3. KII (Key Informal Information).
4. Statistical Data Analysis.
Outcome
1. The performance of both of ecotourism in both government and non-government
organizations are excellent/ not up to the mark.
2. The developments of ecotourism in both government and non-government organizations
are well/ not well.
3. The impact of ecotourism in Bangladesh is either good or bad.
4. The ecotourism is incline/decline in Bangladesh.
Time Frame (2019-2020)
Contents June July August September October November December January February
Literature
Review
Data
Collection
Data
Analysis
Data
Interpretation
Report
Submission

19. Conclusion
Bangladesh is a gift of nature. This country is an attractive ecotourism destination in south
Asia (Bhuiyanet al.2010). Its natural resources, ecological advantages and situated in an
important geographical nerve point are great pleasure for developing ecotourism here.
Bangladesh has a host of tourist treasurers to offer to tourists- beaches, lakes, rivers, hills,
forests, wildlife, tribal life, archaeological remains, including historical monuments, folklore,
religious and cultural heritage, handicrafts and much more. All these combinations are
enormous ecotourism products. The country, having tourism potential, must be conscious in
developing market. The country has its potential to differentiate its product for its uniqueness.
Therefore, ecotourism industry of Bangladesh must arrange its different elements such a way
that give its better satisfaction to the visitors of the world.
Reference
1. Ahmed, S. and Mollah, M., “A Framework for Classifying Ecotourism Initiatives in
Bangladesh”, Bangladesh Research Publications Journal, Vol. 9, Issue 4, pp.240-248,
2014.
2. Bhuiyan, A. H. et.al. Ecotourism and Environmental Education: An Opportunity for
Bangladesh, Proc. of International Conference on Environmental Aspects of Bangladesh
(ICEAB10), Japan, Sept. 2010.
3. Boo, E. Eco-tourism: The Potentials and Pitfalls, vol. I, Washington, D.C: World
Wildlife Fund. 2001.
4. BFD Bangladesher Roskhito Bon Alaka : Vormonnirdeshika (in bengali), Dhaka,
Bangladesh Forest Department, Govt. of the people’s republic of Bangladesh. 2007
5. Donohoe, H. M., Needham, R. D. Ecotourism: The evolving contemporary definition.
Journal of Ecotourism, 5 (3), 192-210. 2006.
6. Kusler, J. A. Eco-tourism and Resource Conservation Project, Eco-tourism and
Resource Conservation, A Collection of Papers. Madison: Omnipress. 2001.
7. McCormick, Kenneth “Can Ecotourism Save the Rainforests?” Rainforest Action
Network, 1994, pp. 56- 63. 1994.
 www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd: Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC).
9. www.tourismboard.gov.bd: Tourism Policy-Bangladesh Tourism Board (National
Tourism Organization).