Ecotourism a key component in state forest management plan

Gangtok, May 23 (UNI) To boost Sikkim's eco-tourism potential, the state forest department is preparing to set up a national park, sanctuaries and reserved forests.

About 87 per cent of land in the state is under forest. ''We are preparing a long term management plan for Kanchendzonga National Park, sanctuaries and reserved forests,'' said S.T.Lachungpa, state additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).

'' In this management plan, ecotourism will be a key component.

All issues relating to the adverse effects of tourism inside forest areas will be incorporated,'' he said.

Revenue generation by levying entry fees in tourist spots under forest areas by the tourists is another feature of the management plan, he added.

The state government has already created a Directorate of Ecotourism within the forest department to regulate ecotourism in forest areas.

''Without involvement of forest department, ecotourism will not be successful,'' said T.D.Rai, Director of the Ecotourism Directorate.

The objectives of the Directorate are to regulate ecotourism, provide local employment through self-sustainable activities and create social fencing.

The Directorate has also notified code of conduct for trekkers inside forest areas.

Highlighting the rationale behind the forest department to take up ecotourism, Mr Rai said all tourism spots falls under forest areas and any kind of activities in these areas need forest clearance. ''So we have requested the state tourism department to transfer the Central funds to us for management of forest areas suitable for eco-tourism,'' he said.

'' The state tourism department transferred its fund of Rs 60 lakh to us for developing Dzongri trek,'' he stated.

Forest department is banking on the several Joint Forest Management Committees, Pokhari Samities, Eco Development Committees and Himal Rakshaks that it had trained over the past years for providing social fencing regarding eco-tourism regulation.

UNI