Empowering Local Communities
- In Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, eight Eco‑Development Committees (EDCs) train local youth as guides, canteen managers, and environmental educators. They earn ₹6–10 lakh annually and reinvest profits into infrastructure like roads, solar lighting, and ponds—while receiving ₹1 lakh/year in government grants .
- Periyar Tiger Reserve EDCs, structured by occupational groups, have enhanced livelihoods via tourist concessions and community development funds. They contributed 25% funding and invested in assets, infrastructure, and loans—with strong transparency, audits, gender inclusion, and leadership by locals.
2. Conservation through Incentivisation
- Projects in Periyar and Kanha used profit‑sharing models: user fees and tourism revenue fund village infrastructure and anti-poaching efforts, and locals gain ownership of conservation responsibilities .
- Jim Corbett research shows community involvement boosts conservation awareness and support—underscoring trust-building through social exchange mechanisms .
3. Challenges & Gaps
- Private resorts near Kanha often exclude locals from benefits and lack conservation responsibilities.
- Infrastructure deficits in places like Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary include poor roads, accommodations, and lack of interpretive services—limiting ecotourism’s potential .
4. Recommendations for Strengthening the Model
Annual Ecological Audits
- Implement periodic reviews to monitor ecological health, tourism impact, and community reinvestment .
Profit‑Sharing Mechanisms
- Mandate tripartite agreements among forest authorities, private operators, and EDCs to ensure transparent revenue distribution and incentives for conservation .
Infrastructure & Training
- Build community capacity through skill training in guiding, hospitality, and interpretation.
- Improve amenities, visitor facilities, and enforce sustainability standards (water recycling, waste management, green construction) within buffer zones .
Legal & Policy Support
- Amend Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, and Panchayati Raj legislation to empower EDCs, enforce revenue-sharing charges, and regulate commercial development near tiger reserves .
Regulated Tourism
- Carrying-capacity limits, zoning, and controlled activity permits can prevent over-tourism; align with best practices from Periyar and Pilibhit .
UPSC Relevance
| GS Paper | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| GS-3 | Sustainable tourism, rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation |
| GS-1 | Human-environment interaction, wildlife ecology |
| GS-2 | Participatory governance, legal frameworks, policy reform |
| GS-4 | Ethics: equitable benefit sharing, accountability in conservation |
Sample UPSC Mains Question
Q. Assess the effectiveness of community-based ecotourism around tiger reserves in balancing wildlife conservation and rural livelihoods. Suggest measures to enhance its governance and sustainability.
Answer Structure:
- Introduction – Define ecotourism and EDCs’ role.
- Body:
- Case studies: Pilibhit, Periyar, Kanha, Jim Corbett.
- Impact: livelihoods, conservation outcomes, infrastructure gains.
- Challenges: unequal benefit distribution, inadequate governance, weak regulation.
- Detailed recommendations.
- Conclusion – Acknowledge achievements, reinforce need for systemic support, and suggest state-level replicability.
UPSC Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. (GS Paper 3 – Mains 2020)
“What are the key features of the National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-being? How is it helpful in rural development?”
Connection to Topic:
- Community-based ecotourism is a practical expression of this mission’s goals.
- Demonstrates linkage between biodiversity conservation and livelihood creation.
