There’s no point swallowing superlatives, Uttar Pradesh is truly astonishing: home to 18,000 sq. kilometres of natural forestal reserves, as well as some of the most breathtaking, awe inspiring ecological treasures to be found anywhere on the planet: meandering rivers, stunning waterfalls, and a cornucopia of birds and beasts, many endangered, but all now protected and cared for as a vital part of the Subcontinent’s natural heritage: including, of course, the Royal Bengal Tiger. And this month, on 29 July, the World will come together to celebrate and support International Tiger Day (www.wwf.org): so, naturally, the World’s eyes will be on India.
The most recent tiger census in Uttar Pradesh, taken four years ago, recorded an indigenous population of no less than 173 of these majestic creatures: an increase of 48% over the previous four years, and that’s a tremendous testament to the ongoing work of India’s Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (EFCC (www moef.gov.in/). The EFCC’s Chief Secretary, Manoj Singh, summed up the efforts being taken to provide a secure future for the Bengal Tiger, and what that is likely to mean for the future of ecotourism on the Subcontinent:
“We are in the process of developing ecotourism circuits in Uttar Pradesh, including the Pilibhit and Dudhwa Tiger Reserves…Tiger sightings are at a ten year high, and they are the vibrant heart of what has now become a buoyant tourism sector, not only in Uttar Pradesh, but across multiple territories and states over the country”.
True to his word, the EFCC has also created a new Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation, which acts as a nodal agency for future promotion of ecotourism: and that means more eco-friendly hospitality and hotel facilities, as well as innovative new packages for ecotourists. Of course, ecological sustainability isn’t just about Tigers (singularly special though they are): India is also home to the One Horned Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, Sloth Bears, Asiatic Elephants, and hundreds of species of spangled, multi splendored birds.
Destination Central
And it’s not all about Uttar Pradesh either: India has a staggering 7% of the world’s biodiversity, from the desert plains of Rajasthan (also a precious tiger reserve), Madhya Pradesh ( “Jungle Book Central”), and, of course, Goa with an unrivalled blend of lush jungles and cultural diversity (it’s not all about partying and soaking up the sun on the beach)…And the list goes on, making the Subcontinent Destination Central for Eco Tourism.
Small wonder, then, that eco sustainability has also become a prime focus for Indian hospitality over recent years, with more and more providers committing themselves to the adoption of eco-friendly business models, and a concerted reduction in their environmental impact: working with local communities to promote engagement, reduce waste levels, and create sustainable growth that’s not only good for the business (resource efficiency means lower costs), but better all round for the future of our precious planet too.
