The article “Impacts of ecotourism in Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole), Karnataka”  by Nichola Anastasia Ramchurjee aims to analyze how ecotourism has effected the wildlife and socio-economic situation of this area. This national park conserves it’s wildlife through organizations like Project Tiger Reserve (which protects their endangered tiger), but also ecotourism to conserve their biodiversity. By preserving biodiversity, it protects more than just the popular few species that receive funding and attention for conservation. To look at how ecotourism has been working in Rajiv Gandhi National Park,  this study surveyed visitors with questionnaires, and park officials with face to face interviews. These questionnaires analyzed the demographics of the tourists, as well as the activities at the park, and their thoughts on the management of the park.

Interviews with officials revealed issues between wildlife and humans. There are tribes within the national park that use methods that are harmful towards the conservation of wildlife, such as burns for agriculture. The park officials are looking for ways to work with the tribes in a way that protects their environment. One of the proposed ideas is relocating the tribes to an area where they will not seriously harm wildlife, nor will wildlife harm them.

The tourists revealed on their questionnaires that they mainly participated in hikes and viewing nature, while also ranking ‘learning about nature’ as a very important part of their experience. Tourists also responded that they were concerned with the litter, vegetation damage, and soil erosion in the park. By analyzing the results of the questionnaire, it showed that the park needs to put a larger effort into creating educational programs or displays.

The article concluded that the park officials and managers need to work closer with other people to conserve biodiversity. By working closer with the local tribes and improving ecotourism educational efforts,  Rajiv Gandhi National Park can promote a sustainable management plan that benefits the people and their environment.

Citation:

Ramchurjee, Nichola (2013). Impacts of ecotourism in Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole), Karnataka. Environment, Development and Sustainability 15, (1),1517-1525. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10668-013-9449-x