Author(s):
Sherap Shenga, Ajeya Jha
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Sherap Shenga, Ajeya Jha
Department of Management Studies, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Majitar, East Sikkim, Sikkim - 737106, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 2,
Issue - 4,
Year - 2014
ABSTRACT:
The term ‘ecotourism’ was coined by Hector Ceballos-Lascurain, a Mexican architect and environmentalist, nearly two decades ago and the preliminary definition by him was ‘Ecotourism is environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features – both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations.’
“Ecological Tourism”, or “Eco-tourism”, according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) involves ‘travelling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the specified object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects (both the past or the present) found in these areas.’
The concept of ecotourism has been widely accepted by several countries and Sikkim is no exception as this is a key element of the tourism sector which emphasizes on preservation and conservation of the natural environment. While calling for involvement and benefiting the local communities in which the ecotourism activities are most prominent and pragmatic.
Sikkim, with a geographical area of 7076 sq. km. is the 22nd State in India and lies in the mega bio-diversity hotspot of the Eastern Himalayas in the Indian subcontinent and embraces a variety of flora and fauna basking in the foothills of the snow capped mountains and virgin forests which are ecotourism assets to be proud of. It is important to note that most of the natural treasures in Sikkim are located in the protected areas zone.
Cite this article:
Sherap Shenga, Ajeya Jha. The Sikkim Ecotourism Policy - A Review. Int. J. Ad. Social Sciences 2(4): Oct. - Dec., 2014; Page 198-203.
Cite(Electronic):
Sherap Shenga, Ajeya Jha. The Sikkim Ecotourism Policy - A Review. Int. J. Ad. Social Sciences 2(4): Oct. - Dec., 2014; Page 198-203. Available on: https://ijassonline.in/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2014-2-4-2