Guidelines issued for eco-tourism and river dolphins
Recently the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued guidelines for eco-tourism and river dolphins.
Guidelines for Eco Tourism
- These guidelines will be applicable for sustainable eco-tourism in forest, wildlife areas and eco-sensitive areas.
- Ecotourism refers to responsible travel to natural areas. It ensures the protection of the environment and the social and economic welfare of the local communities. It also includes efforts to develop knowledge and understanding.
- These guidelines focus on the identification, zoning and formulation of an eco-tourism plan for eco-tourism sites.
- Local communities will be involved to encourage the sustainable use of indigenous materials. |
- A foundation will be created in each protected area and the revenue will be shared with local communities.
- Monitoring mechanisms will be set up at the district level, state level and national level.
Field guide for monitoring Ganges and Indus river dolphin associated aquatic fauna and habitats –
- For the dolphin counting process in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab, a standardized monitoring protocol will be implemented in a harmonized manner.
- The protocol involves visual monitoring of the Ganges dolphin population.
About Dolphin:
- The dolphin is an apex aquatic predator, and it maintains the ecological balance of the aquatic system.
- The Ganges Dolphin has been declared the national aquatic animal of India.
- Both the Ganges and the Indus river dolphins are classified as endangered on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Source – PIB
