“Our ministry is committed to developing tourism in India based on the principles of sustainability, minimising the carbon footprints,” Tourism Minister Shripad Naik said while launching a comprehensive sustainable tourism criteria for the country for tour operators, accommodation, beaches, backwaters, lakes and rivers sectors.
He said the development of tourism should not be in conflict with ecology. “We should ensure our strategies for development of tourism are not in conflict with the environment and have minimal negative impact. I take this opportunity to urge all stakeholders engaged in the tourism industry to not to over-exploit our natural and other resources for short-term gains,” Naik said.
Referring to India’s rich culture and heritage, he said, “When we talk about sustainability we should not only talk about conservation of resources but also our culture and heritage. “The principles of the sustainability include conservation of water, energy, culture, heritage, revival of ancient architecture, involvement of communities, protection of wildlife and non-exploitation of women, children and weaker sections.”
He said the ministry would like the sustainablility criteria to be implemented on voluntary basis based on the principles of providing incentives. Underlining that the sustainability in tourism is “not only about following certain principles but a commitment which has to be felt from within”, Naik said, “Every moment we spend on this earth, we must remember that we are using the common resources that are meant to be shared with ours future generations. The sustainability should not be mere a guide but an ethos to follow.”
Highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism criteria, Naik said, “We will have to make the exercise of implementation of the criteria all inclusive. The criteria must be implemented for success by all of us together--the hoteliers, the tour operators, the tourists, the opinion makers, the media, the community leaders and members. The sustainability in tourism should be our common vision and common goal.”
He further said, “The issue of sustainability assumes greater significance in context of India as we support one fifth of the population of the world with only 2.3 per cent land mass available.”
Urging all involved in the tourism to be “eco-sensitive”, Naik asked the sector to adopt the sustainable tourism criteria for India and do business for long-term benefits with the objectives of creating employment, generating national income, preserving our cultural and natural heritage, enhancing the status of women and underprivileged and facilitating growth of a more just and fair social order.
Source: Morung Express
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