Ecotourism will facilitate Vegetarianism

Eco Tourism and continuing Education Centers
Dr.T.P.Sethumadhavan
Kerala, which occupies 1.18 percent geographic area of the country, has got enormous potential in the tourism industry. The state, which excels in total literacy and transport connectivity, can fully exploit this potential to generate income. Among different types of tourism activities as far as Kerala is concerned due to its geographic and ecological nature eco tourism play a key role. Eco tourism is one of the sectors where ecologically sound areas are utilized for tourism with a view to provide employment and income to the local people with minimal ecological and cultural disturbances. But awareness on eco tourism is very scarce in the state. Efforts should be made to establish continuing education centers to impart eco tourism related scientific information to the public and the tourists. The concept of eco tourism, it’s potential, implementation, ecological parameters, dos and don’ts and ethics need more emphasis. As a by-product of agriculture Farm tourism can also be promoted along with Eco Tourism. Moreover it brings in value addition to the agriculture and additional income to the farmer. This will act as an incentive for farming especially for Bio and mixed crop farming. Poor management and improper planning and awareness affect the tourism industry. The products like unique ecosystems, local handicrafts, vegetables, fruits and different plants both farmed and wild in the farmyard can be a big attraction. The farmer should cultivate plants suitable to the agro climatic conditions in the area. He should be able to convey the knowledge about his faming systems, the climate, soil types, biodiversity, traditional farming practices, water harvesting, irrigation techniques, the folk songs associated with various cultural operations, linkages with lunar cycles, “Njattuvela” and such traditional concepts. Traditional farmhouses and its architecture, implements and their use are innovative activities. Moreover demonstration and hands on training on preparation of edible native foods can be a big attraction.
The programme should be culturally compatible and the area should be capable of absorbing the pressure from it and to supply services according to the demand. The visitor should be informed and modulated to what they can expect from here. Thorough accounting and auditing, both fiscal and social should be done periodically to assess the programme. Professional expertise should be sorted as and when required. The quality should be assured through out the period. Tourism to a particular location is not at all an everlasting solution but if professionally managed can sustain for many years without much cultural hazards to the area. Quality assurance and commitment need more emphasis in the tourism sector.
Globally eco tourism is an emerging concept with vast potentials. But awareness on eco tourism is comparatively less. Implantation of eco tourism activities needs scientific methodologies. It should not affect the biodiversity or the ecosystem concerned. For this more awareness programmes are needed. It should be ecologically sound and sustainable in nature. As part of the same continuing education centers are needed. It should have a multidisciplinary approach targeted towards the stakeholders of this concept. Public, students, professionals, tourists, tourist guides, families around the habitat and non-governmental organizations need thorough awareness programmes. It should be timely, relevant and continuous in nature. So a study on eco tourism and continuing education centers has got special significance.