Category: Travel and Tourism

Ecotourism in Chopta, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India

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by Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Abstract

Eco-tourism is a form of responsible travel that emphasizes exploring natural environments while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and supporting local communities. Chopta, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, is a popular destination for eco-tourism due to its beautiful landscapes and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. This mini-Switzerland of India offers a range of eco-tourism activities, including trekking, bird watching, camping, and nature walks, which provide visitors with opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the region while supporting local communities and conservation efforts. This abstract highlights the benefits of eco-tourism in Chopta, which include promoting sustainable development, creating economic opportunities for local communities, and conserving natural resources.

Keywords

Eco-tourism, Chopta, Rudraprayag, Destinations of Ecotourism, Mountain Trekking, Tourism

 

1. Introduction

Eco-tourism, also known as sustainable tourism, is a type of responsible travel that focuses on exploring and experiencing natural environments while also minimizing negative impacts on the environment and supporting local communities (Salem et al., 2020). Eco-tourism aims to promote environmental conservation, support local economies, and provide educational opportunities for visitors. Eco-tourism activities typically involve exploring natural environments, such as forests, mountains, or beaches, while minimizing impact on the environment. This may involve staying in eco-friendly accommodations, using renewable energy sources, conserving water, reducing waste, and participating in activities that do not harm the natural environment.

In addition to environmental considerations, eco-tourism also focuses on supporting local communities. This may involve hiring local guides and staff, purchasing locally produced goods, and supporting local conservation efforts (Zwirn et al., 2005). By supporting local communities, eco-tourism can help to create sustainable economic opportunities and reduce negative impacts on the environment. Overall, eco-tourism is a type of travel that promotes responsible and sustainable practices while providing visitors with opportunities to explore and appreciate natural environments. It is an important way to support conservation efforts and sustainable development, while also providing educational and enriching experiences for travelers.

In India, thenmala in Kerela -first eco-tourism resort (Rao & Pawar, 2013). And now there are many eco-tourist destinations being developed in different parts of India. India is home to a wide range of ecotourism destinations that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the country’s natural beauty while supporting sustainable development and conservation efforts. Some popular ecotourism destinations in India include:

  • Ladakh: This high-altitude region in the northernmost part of India is known for its stunning mountain scenery and unique culture.
  • Sundarbans: Located in West Bengal, the Sundarbans is the largest delta mangrove forest in the world and home to a variety of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger.
  • Western Ghats: This mountain range on the western coast of India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a rich biodiversity of plants and animals.
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands: These islands in the Bay of Bengal are known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and unique wildlife.
  • Kaziranga National Park: Located in Assam, this national park is home to the one-horned Indian rhinoceros and other endangered species.
  • Kanha National Park: This national park in Madhya Pradesh is known for its population of Bengal tigers and efforts to protect the Barasingha deer.
  • Spiti Valley: This remote valley in the Himalayas is known for its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and opportunities for adventure activities like trekking and mountaineering.
  • Coorg: Located in the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Coorg is known for its coffee plantations, lush forests, and waterfalls.

These are just a few examples of the many ecotourism destinations that India has to offer. Each destination offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the country’s natural beauty while supporting sustainable development and conservation efforts.

1.1.   About Chopta

Chopta is a beautiful destination located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is a popular destination for eco-tourism and attracts nature lovers, trekkers, and bird watchers from all over the world. Chopta is also known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India due to its beautiful landscapes and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Eco-tourism in Chopta is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of the region while also supporting local communities and preserving the environment (Everand et al., 2019). Some popular eco-tourism activities in Chopta include trekking, bird watching, camping, and nature walks.

Figure 1: Morphological Map of the Chopta Valley showing glacial and para-glacial landforms

One of the most popular treks in Chopta is the Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek. This trek takes you through beautiful forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar trees, and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.

Figure 2: Map showing the trekking routes to Chandrashila and Deoriatal in Chopta Valley.

The trek is moderate in difficulty and can be completed in 2-3 days. Bird watching is another popular eco-tourism activity in Chopta. The region is home to a variety of bird species, including the Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and Snow Partridge. You can also spot other wildlife species like musk deer, bharal, and foxes in the region. Camping is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Chopta while also minimizing your impact on the environment. There are several campsites in Chopta that offer comfortable tents, bonfires, and delicious local cuisine. Most campsites also organize nature walks and other eco-friendly activities. In addition to eco-tourism activities, Chopta is also home to several ancient temples, including the Tungnath Temple, which is the highest Shiva temple in the world (Nigam, 2002). The region also has several hot springs and waterfalls that are worth visiting.

Overall, eco-tourism in Chopta, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the region while also supporting local communities and preserving the environment.

  • A visitor should observe and appreciate the natural, social and cultural heritage of the area.
  • Exclusively assisted by the local communities living in the area.
  • Visitors must leave a zero carbon footprint

2.      Findings and Discussion

Eco-tourism in Chopta, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the region while supporting local communities and conservation efforts. The region offers a variety of eco-tourism activities, including trekking, bird watching, camping, and nature walks, which provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the region’s unique biodiversity (Chaudhary et al., 2022).

One of the strengths of eco-tourism in Chopta is that it supports sustainable development and helps to create economic opportunities for local communities. By promoting responsible tourism practices, eco-tourism can help to ensure that the region’s natural resources are conserved and that local communities benefit from tourism activities (Azem & Sarker, 2013). This can help to create a sustainable economic base that supports the local population.

Another strength of eco-tourism in Chopta is that it promotes environmental conservation. By emphasizing responsible tourism practices, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and minimizing impact on natural environments, eco-tourism can help to preserve the region’s biodiversity and protect it for future generations (Chaudhary et al., 2022).

However, there are also some potential limitations to eco-tourism in Chopta. For example, as the region becomes more popular with tourists, there is a risk of over-tourism, which can have negative impacts on the environment and local communities. Additionally, some eco-tourism activities, such as trekking, can have a negative impact on the natural environment if not properly managed (Biswas, 2017).

Chopta, Rudraprayag is a popular ecotourism destination in Uttarakhand, India, known for its natural beauty and opportunities for adventure activities. Here are some of the activities that visitors can enjoy in Chopta:

  • Trekking: Chopta is a popular starting point for trekking expeditions to nearby mountain peaks, including Tungnath and Chandrashila. These treks offer stunning views of the Himalayas and are suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers.
  • Camping: Visitors can enjoy camping in Chopta, with several campsites offering tents and other camping equipment. Camping in Chopta offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the serene surroundings.
  • Bird watching: Chopta is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a great destination for bird watching enthusiasts. The best time to visit for bird watching is during the summer months when migratory birds can also be spotted.
  • Wildlife spotting: Chopta is home to a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and snow leopards. Visitors can explore the surrounding forests and try to spot these and other animals.
  • Photography: The stunning landscapes of Chopta provide ample opportunities for photography, with views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, lush forests, and meadows.
  • Yoga and meditation: Visitors can take advantage of the serene surroundings of Chopta to practice yoga and meditation, with several retreat centers and yoga schools offering classes.
  • Snow sports: During the winter months, Chopta receives snowfall, making it a popular destination for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding.
  • These are just a few examples of the activities that visitors can enjoy in Chopta, Rudraprayag. Each activity offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

Here is a SWOT analysis of eco-tourism in Chopta, Rudraprayag:

Strengths:

  • Chopta is located in a region of stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped Himalayan peaks and a rich biodiversity.
  • Eco-tourism in Chopta can promote sustainable development and economic opportunities for local communities.
  • There is a growing interest in eco-tourism, and Chopta is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Weaknesses:

  • Lack of infrastructure and facilities may hinder the growth of eco-tourism in Chopta.
  • Limited awareness among visitors of the importance of responsible tourism practices may lead to negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
  • There is a risk of over-tourism, particularly during peak season, which could have negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

Opportunities:

  • Develop eco-friendly accommodations and infrastructure to attract eco-tourists.
  • Promote responsible tourism practices to visitors to reduce negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
  • Partner with local communities to create new eco-tourism activities and support conservation efforts.

Threats:

  • Climate change and natural disasters could have negative impacts on the region’s biodiversity and eco-tourism industry.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decline in tourism, which could impact the eco-tourism industry in Chopta.
  • Competition from other eco-tourism destinations could limit the growth of eco-tourism in Chopta.

3.      Conclusions

In conclusion, eco-tourism in Chopta, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India is a valuable way to explore the natural beauty of the region while supporting local communities and conservation efforts. However, it is important to balance the benefits of eco-tourism with potential limitations and ensure that tourism activities are managed responsibly to minimize negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

In conclusion, Eco-tourism in Chopta, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the region’s natural beauty while supporting local communities and conservation efforts. By promoting responsible tourism practices, eco-tourism can help to create sustainable economic opportunities for local communities, while preserving the region’s natural resources and biodiversity.

However, it is important to acknowledge that eco-tourism in Chopta is not without its potential limitations, such as the risk of over-tourism and negative impacts on the environment if tourism activities are not properly managed. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that eco-tourism in the region is managed responsibly to minimize negative impacts and to maintain the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Overall, eco-tourism in Chopta, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India is a valuable way to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the region, while supporting sustainable development and conservation efforts. With responsible management and support from local communities, eco-tourism can continue to thrive in the region and provide visitors with an enriching and sustainable travel experience.

4.      Recommendations

Here are 10 recommendations for eco-tourism in Chopta, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India:

  1. Develop and implement a sustainable tourism plan that prioritizes responsible tourism practices, such as reducing waste and conserving water.
  2. Work with local communities to promote eco-tourism and ensure that they benefit from tourism activities.
  3. Develop eco-friendly accommodations that use renewable energy sources and promote sustainable tourism practices.
  4. Promote local conservation efforts and work with local communities to protect the region’s biodiversity.
  5. Offer eco-tourism activities that are designed to minimize negative impacts on the environment, such as guided nature walks and bird watching tours.
  6. Manage trekking and camping activities responsibly to minimize negative impacts on the environment and ensure that visitors follow Leave No Trace principles.
  7. Develop educational programs for visitors to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts.
  8. Encourage visitors to use eco-friendly transportation options, such as public transportation or bicycles.
  9. Promote the use of locally produced goods and services to support the local economy.
  10. Monitor tourism activities to ensure that they are managed responsibly and that negative impacts on the environment and local communities are minimized.

References

  1. Azam, M., & Sarker, T. (2013). Green tourism in the context of climate change towards sustainable economic development in the South Asian Region. SSRN.
  2. Biswas, S. N. (2017). Developing Promotional Strategy Of Ecotourism In Himalayan State: Sikkim, India. In Tourism Marketing (pp. 245-259). Apple Academic Press.
  3. Chaudhary, S., Kumar, A., Pramanik, M., & Negi, M. S. (2022). Land evaluation and sustainable development of ecotourism in the Garhwal Himalayan region using geospatial technology and analytical hierarchy process. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 1-42.
  4. Everard, M., Gupta, N., Scott, C. A., Tiwari, P. C., Joshi, B., Kataria, G., & Kumar, S. (2019). Assessing livelihood-ecosystem interdependencies and natural resource governance in Indian villages in the Middle Himalayas. Regional Environmental Change, 19, 165-177.
  5. Nigam, D. (2002). Tourism, environment, and development of Garhwal Himalaya. Mittal Publications.
  6. Rao, N. M., & Pawar, R. (2013). Assessment of community participation in ecotourism and conservation at Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India. In National Conference on Biodiversity: Status and Challenges in Conservatio (pp. 88-93).
  7. Salam, M. A., Lindsay, G. R., & Beveridge, M. C. (2000). Eco-tourism to protect the reserve mangrove forest the Sundarbans and its flora and fauna. Anatolia, 11(1), 56-66.
  8. Sharma, S. N. (2013). Sustainable Development Strategies and Approaches. International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR), 2.
  9. Sharma, Shashikant Nishant. (2017). Challenges and Opportunities for Tourist Destination Mussoorie. Think India Quarterly, 20(4), 95–102. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7847343
  10. Sharma, Shashikant Nishant. (2020). Challenges and Opportunities for Tourism in Dehradun. Studies in Indian Place Names, 40(93), 135–140. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7847592
  11. Zwirn, M., Pinsky, M., & Rahr, G. (2005). Angling ecotourism: issues, guidelines and experience from Kamchatka. Journal of Ecotourism, 4(1), 16-31.

Cruise Tourism and Global Tourism Plastics Initiative

The Ministry of Tourism is organising the fourth G20 Tourism Working Group meeting and Tourism Ministerial Meeting from 19th to 22 June 2023 in Goa. Briefing media in New Delhi today, Secretary Tourism, Smt  V. Vidyavathi said that under India’s G20 Tourism Track, the Tourism Working Group is working on five inter-connected priority areas, which are Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management. Giving more details, the Secretary said that there are two key deliverables of the Tourism Working Group, which are GOA Roadmap for Tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals and G20 Tourism Ministers’ Declaration both of which will be finalised shortly. During the meeting, G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations will welcome and endorse both the documents.

She also added that the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting and Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Goa aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote tourism and sustainable development of the region.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, welcomes the participation of Tourism Ministers, Heads of Delegations and delegates from G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations to collectively work towards advancing the tourism sector and achieving the UN sustainable development goals 2030.

A side event on ‘Making Cruise Tourism a Model for Sustainable & Responsible Travel’ will be  organized , focusing on strategies to promote cruise tourism. The event will see the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders. The event will witness deliberations on the challenges and opportunities in the growth of cruise tourism globally. A panel discussion featuring esteemed speakers from G20 Member countries and guest countries will shed light on country specific policies and initiatives on varied aspects of cruise tourism, its growth and need to make cruise tourism sustainable and responsible.

Smt  V. Vidyavathi said that, along the sidelines of the main event , a national level side event is also being organized which will focus on ‘Making India a Hub for Cruise Tourism’, to deliberate on various challenges and opportunities for developing Cruise Tourism in the country following the principles of sustainability.

The deliberation upon Multi Facets of Cruise Tourism (Coastal, Island, Regional and Yachting), perspectives from Coastal States, private and public stakeholders in inland waterways, perspectives from Riverine States will be the focus areas of discussion during the event. The event will see the participation of key States and Union Territories, Industry Stakeholders, national and international experts.

She also informed that “The Ministry of Tourism is also organizing a side event ‘Towards a circular economy of plastics in tourism – the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative’ in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

This  side event will focus on encouraging engagement of tourism stakeholders to address plastic pollution through circular approaches across the tourism value chain. The event will encompass high-level introductory remarks and a keynote presentation on the action framework proposed by the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI). These interventions will be followed by a panel discussion with tourism stakeholders and a signing ceremony to welcome the adherence of several organizations to the GTPI.

Further, a ‘Public Private Dialogue: Importance of Travel & Tourism to the G20 Economies’ is also being co-organized by the Ministry of Tourism in Goa on 21st June 2023 in association with World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Dialogue is an opportunity for participants to share their priorities and concerns and identify opportunities for mutual support and greater public-private partnership. This discussion will align and provide a private sector perspective on the 5 priority areas set out for the G20 tourism track. The Dialogue will start by opening the conversation on the respective importance and relevance of these priorities to the private sector and potential areas of support and collaboration from the public sector.

The Secretary informed that good practices and case studies on sustainable tourism by participating countries will be shared on a Dashboard which is being created for the purpose.It will be a dynamic dashboard which will serve as a learning platform for various countries and these case studies will continue to be uploaded on it for coming next three years, she added. 

Secretary Tourism also remarked that to celebrate   the ‘International Day of Yoga’ on June 21, which coincides with the G20 4th Tourism Working Group Meeting and Tourism Ministerial Meeting, a special yoga session has been organized by the state government of Goa.

This session will offer an enchanting experience of yoga to all G20 Tourism Ministers and delegates, providing them with a moment of serenity and mindfulness amidst the busy proceedings of the meeting. It highlights the significance of incorporating wellness practices in the tourism sector and emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being.

On the occasion, Additional Secretary, Shri Rakesh Verma gave a presentation highlighting the important events and schedule of the meeting.

Various cultural programs will be organized to highlight and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Goa to the international G20 delegates. Some of the choreographed programs planned are: Lamp Dance, Kathak Dance, GoanMandoMusic  and Dance presentation, Dekhni Dance, Mussal Khel (Pastel Dance) and Gomant Rang. Delegates will also have the opportunity to experience the local attractions of Goa. Excursion visits have been planned to Lower  Aguada Fort and Jail Museum, and experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage Site:  Churches and Convents of Goa viz. the Basilica of  Bom Jesus, Church of St Francis of Assisi and Se  Cathedra land Archaeological Museum.

During the meeting, the delegates will also be visiting the Art and Craft Bazaar organized by the State Government showcasing local handicrafts, work of artisans, signifying the importance of community participation. DIY Activities at the Craft Bazaar have been planned to have hands on experience.

The Ministry of Tourism is promoting local products of Goa by handing below souvenirs to the delegates:

  • Embroidered Stole/Scarf (Made from Handmade Kunbi Fabric)
  • G.I. Cashew Feni Miniature
  • Terracotta Lotus shaped Incense Stick Holder
  • Upcycled Natural Scented Candle made using discarded bottle
  • Roasted Organic Goan Cashew Nuts
  • Recycled wood Tray with Azulejo Tiles inlay
  • Goan House Window

Click here for more details and schedule