CHAPTER- 6 THE IMPACT OF ECOTOURISM 6.1 Introduction: The impact of ecotourism studies has three dimensions such as environmental, economic and socio-culture. These dimensions are recognized through different understanding of ecotourism stakeholders. Ecotourism have different impacts and that may be divided into two major types like positive and negative. Positive impacts have always been analyzed from the views of benefits provided to the destination in different form such as conservation of the destination, economical, social and cultural development of the local communities related to the destination whereas negative impacts are always connected to the natural resources, local culture and disturbance arose by ecotourism in their development The present section focuses to examine the Environmental, Economic and Socio-cultural impact of ecotourism. The environment of any place has a vital role in growth and development as tourism destination. A major part of the natural resources is consumed by human every year for the sake of human s socio-economical development. The planet s natural resources are consumed or contaminated by its human population. Human survival needs drinkable water, breathable air and usable biological diversity. Natural ecosystems are the world s primary reservoirs for each of these (Buckley, 28, p.5). The basic needs of human are satisfied and fulfilled after consumption of a vital portion of natural resources. Apart from this modernization, industrialization and urbanization are other processes under-taken by humans to fulfill their socio-economic demands and ambitions, which lead towards heavy consumption of natural resources. These activities are leading to the reduction of natural wilderness. Hence, protection of natural resources for environmental development for 129
sustainable earth is important. Many theories have been written explaining the importance of ecotourism for conservation of nature and its resources. The literatures on describing the impact of ecotourism are very few (Buckley, 28). Out of a great number of environmental impacts, some of the major impacts are discussed in this section. According to Buckley (28), Ecotourism is widely recognized for its positive impacts to environment. Ecotourism operators and tourism lobbyists argue that the ecotourism has contributed to the economic, social and cultural development of the local communities by conserving and supporting the protected areas. Ecotourists are fond of enjoying nature, culture and development of local communities by their visit to the destination. Ecotourism operators and other tourism lobbyists have argued that ecotourism always generates benefits and supports the conservation of the destination. Both Wheeller (1991) and Wheat (1994) express that ecotourism is considered is an economic alternative to be developed in tourism destinations. It is used to reply to the economic and environmental decline in the agriculture sectors and to help encourage the local economy. Therefore, the need for sustainable management and development is necessary, and a broad analysis of its possible impacts is considered as one of the most important steps before the full development takes place. A few scholars suggested that potential ecotourism impacts are found out from different stakeholders opinions since ecotourism viability as a less negative form of tourism to society and environment are still questionable. Several studies in India and elsewhere have assessed the economic impacts of ecotourism. Predictably, the level of benefits varies widely as a result of differences in the quality of the attraction, access, and so on. In some cases, the number of jobs created will be low, but in rural areas even a few jobs can make a big difference. Still, 13
ecotourism benefits should not be oversold, or there may be a backlash as reality fails to live up to expectations. Socio-cultural impacts are defined as The ways in which tourism is contributing to changes in the value systems, individual s behavior, traditional ceremonies and community organization (Fox, 1977). In ecotourism, negative impacts on the local culture resulting from mass tourism developments are recognized. In theory, ecotourism developments have minimum impact and are perceptive to local cultures. However, difficulties can occur in the planning, implementation and management of ecotourism reserves. According to wearing (1993) ecotourism developments can bring a number of socio-cultural impacts to the communities in which the ecotourism takes place. However, it has also been found that ecotourism development can bring about negative socio-cultural impacts on host communities. The literature review revealed that only a small amount of data exists which examines the socio-cultural impacts of ecotourism on host communities. Socio-cultural impacts of tourism are difficult to assess. However, methods used to monitor and determine socio-cultural impacts include attitudinal surveys, frameworks to monitor impacts and socio-cultural carrying capacities (Stephen, Wearing and Libby, Larsen, 1996). The present chapter reveals the perception of local people and other stakeholders of ecotourism such as (a) government officials, members of NGOs, members of international funding organization and members of local administration (Grama, Taluk and Zilla Panchayats, Forest and Tourism Departments) on impacts of ecotourism development in the district. 131
This study has been made through the expert interview and it has involved 1 respondents who have more experienced and knowledge of tourism (ecotourism). Interview has been conducted in different ecotourism destinations and even in the non tourism places such as village panchayat, forest office and tourism departments, head office of travel agents and NGOs. Among the respondents one fourth represents government officials (1 from forest department, 5 from tourism department and 1 from village panchayath) persons represents members of local communities, 2 respondents are tour operators/travel agents, 2 are NGOs representatives, 5 are environmentalist and 5 are educationist. 6.2 Perception of internal stakeholders on ecotourism impact: Ecotourism stakeholders have been considered that ecotourism initiative as a significant change in environment, economic and socio-cultural system of Kodagu district. It produces both positive and negative impacts on the local people; it has included their natural environment and cultural resources. It is valuable to learn from different thoughts or opinions with regard to its possible consequences. This part examines the perceptions of stakeholders of ecotourism into focusing on both positive and negatives issues of development. The stakeholders of ecotourism represent local authorities, responsible government office / department and the three types (small, medium and large scales) of coffee planters in district. These stakeholders express that ecotourism has ability to institute sustainable development and management of tourism places, while at the same time promoting people wellbeing and participation and nature conservation. However they are also cautious on its negative part. They understand that negative impacts of ecotourism development in Kodagu district are in differ and depend upon many factors. These are: performance of the work, cooperation and participation of stakeholders, frameworks of institutions, 132
Table 6.1 Perception of ecotourism stakeholders on ecotourism impacts Types respondents of Local administration and people (village panchayat and community chiefs) Executing government department (e.g. Department of Forest and Department of Tourism staffs) Large scale coffee planters Medium scale coffee planters Perceived positive impacts of ecotourism Increase employment opportunities in tourism places Local communities could sell their local products(i.e. coffee and handicraft etc.) to tourists and local ecotourism enterprises Ecotourism revenue could be used to supply local infrastructure development Attract NGO and funding agencies to come and help promote related activities in the places Increase knowledge and understanding of local people People, especially those who cater ecotourism services to tourists will improve the awareness on improving sanitation Increase abilities of the local to generate more income to support their families Ecotourism helps to create more jobs in the tourism destination Increase economic incentives for conservation of natural resources Encourage local people to love their areas and conserve natural resources Reduce pressure on natural resource consumption Promote cultural exchange between tourists and the locals Encourage young people to study more, especially neighboring states and foreign languages Increase opportunities to earn more money from tourism Foreign exchange earning Increase national revenue through taxation Promote Kodava (Coorg) culture and national pride Reduce pressure on coffee plantation Increase income generation activities for the locals Tourism revenue could help develop the areas Promote environmental conservation programs 133
Small or subsistence scale coffee planters Types of Respondents Local administration (village panchayat and community chiefs) Executing Increase extra income and job opportunities in the tourism places Increase markets for local products Improve local business operations People will have more rights to participate in planning and development Increase women roles in income generation and local development Increase opportunities to receive gifts or donation from tourists Strengthen security in the tourist places Tourist could help improve nature conservation and community development in the areas Reduce energy and effort in coffee cultivation since tourism jobs are easier and happier Reduce degradation of natural resources Strengthen local network Learn more about the outside world from tourist Increase local sense of pride as the owners of the coffee estate and local culture Income earning to support local development (e.g. construction of rods, education and social services) Tourists will tell the outside world about problems that local people are facing in the areas, thus make local authorities and responsible agencies reduce their pressure on people Perceived negative impacts of ecotourism Local people will be more dependent on external aids Environment pollution Change of village landscape Children will abandon schools to earn money with tourists Young people might follow or learn from foreign culture and forget their traditional lifestyles and traditions There will be more seasonal immigration in the areas If ecotourism becomes is seen as a promising revenue generation Ecotourism might disturb tribal culture and wildlife in the 134
government department (e.g. Forest and Tourism Department staffs) Large scale coffee planters areas Increase pollution and waste disposal Cultural absorption and separation Loss of income if the areas are put under well protection for ecotourism process Environmental pollution Medium scale coffee planters Unequal benefit sharing Ecotourism developers might recruit only educated and skilled people to work Rich people and executing agencies might control and benefit from ecotourism alone Conflicts of interest among local villagers Small or subsistence scale coffee planters More areas will be kept or used only for ecotourism and local people might have less access to agriculture resources Seasonal in-migrants might come more to earn their living from ecotourism or might not leave the tourism destinations Young villagers might adapt modern life and abandon local culture Crowded places to live Source: Baromey Neth, September 28 6.2.1 Local Authorities Perceptions: This group comprises head of gram panchayat and chiefs or leaders of the community organizations. They represent local people/residents in tourism destination, and their family members are more focused on the prospective of ecotourism to get more opportunities for the development of local economy and infrastructures in the areas under their administrations (Baromey Neth, 28). They were hopeful that ecotourism could help to improve the living situations of villagers by generating more job opportunities for local people run small businesses or sell their local products such as coffee, spicy ingredients and handicrafts to tourists. 135
They considered that economic encouragement through ecotourism development gives extra income to local residents. Generating more income-oriented economic activities to improve local economy and it can also help their region to be self-sufficient in terms of economic support (Baromey Neth, 28). They expressed that when ecotourism is fully functioned, it will give other incentives like service value, local development, development programs for local economic incentives and conservation of environment. This hope is promising because ecotourism is advocated by concerned NGOs and responsible department to be developed in Kodagu district. In this context, benefits for local people would be providing through ecotourism operation, financial and technical assistances from outside stakeholders. Providing essential facilities and services to carry ecotourism process in the district by these respondents are considered as a corresponding contribution to local infrastructure development which is one of the objectives of local panchayat. In addition, they supposed that the increasing involvement of government, funding organization, NGOs and development organizations to help the local people to benefit from ecotourism will also bring more talent trainings and environment awareness and education programs to the district. They said that the more people obtain these training programs, the improved knowledge and understanding they have about their living environments and the improvement of their quality of life (improved education, sanitation and health services ). However, these types of respondents also revealed that negative impact of ecotourism development on local communities and the environment of the district. Some knowledgeable respondents (environmentalist and educationist) clarified that without care and concern, ecotourism makes local panchayat and local people become more dependent on fund contributors, technical supporters, NGOs, and government 136
officials. They said that tribal people and local residents have narrow knowledge on the benefits of ecotourism development and participation of outside players in their locality. Frequently they suffer lower to these stakeholders. Because of their weakness, limited strength and poverty, they become fewer creative and pioneering and from time to time, they only would like to pray outsiders to help solve their problems. Only if they realize on external support, they are frequently seen as unable to identifying their requirements and suitable handling strategies for the improvement of their occupations and locality. In this case, these respondents statement that local people will learn to become self- satisfactory, only when human investment and local resources are increased before and throughout full development of ecotourism. The occurrence of more tourists and new development in the district would also origin environmental pollution and change of environment and cultural landscape and practicing culture of tourist places. A few local authorities observed that the buying capacity of tourists would lead potential local people build and increase basic needs of tourist to fulfill and satisfied them in term of quality and quantity. Increasing of waste and dumping it into the river caused to water pollution in the areas where tourists are visit. The traditional villages are replaced by crowded atmosphere due to established modern facilities and technologies. Some other respondents opined that the comparison of future development in ecotourism along with its consequence in Kodagu district to other neighboring district/state. They elevated benefits of ecotourism in terms of economic development for increasing of local community income source caused to leave or be forced to irregular to their studies due to more engaging in earning the money to help their families. In the process of ecotourism development, local young adults adapt tourist culture and modification of their daily lifestyle and customs of 137
these tourist places. The local authority officers have said that seasonal in-migrants into the coffee estate is another indirect negative impacts of ecotourism on local people in the district. They mentioned that current seasonal in-migrants would consider living longer or permanently, while others would also come to tourist places when economic opportunities provided by tourism (ecotourism) increased. Ecotourism would in that way serve as a attracting tourists and inter-regional rural migrants who has liked to live here for getting better benefit from it. They opined that this group of people are never ending present poverty condition of the district, and it is more threat to local livelihood improvement and challenge to environmental governance. 6.2.2 Perception of Government Departments: Department of Tourism (DoT) and Department of Forest (DoT) have major role in the development of ecotourism activities in the district. This study has been selected both department for in-depth interview about impacts of ecotourism in the Kodagu district. The first expectation of this study from these stakeholders is economic impacts of ecotourism. This group of respondents was expected that ecotourism development would bring more jobs for local young generation. Local people could get more extra income through providing tourism service such as accommodation for tourist, selling local products in provision, food and trekking service other then agriculture. This is support to increase their abilities to work with the ecotourism process and improve their family status. Economic Incentives of ecotourism perceived by official staffs would promote environment awareness in people, natural appreciation and participation in conservation activities. These benefits would help concerned departments in terms of secure and sustain, particularly Department of Forest which is responsible for the management of 138
Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) national park, in natural resource conservation. There are three type of financial support to increase conservation process in Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) national park observed by this group of respondents, they are: (i) Collected entrance and vehicle parking fee, other service like jungle lodge and resort facilities and wildlife (safari) watching services, etc. (ii) Sponsors to conducting conservation programs (expenditure) and funds for maintenance of tourist places in sustainable manner. (iii) Receiving benefits from tourism (ecotourism), which is help to encourage local forest officer to complete their task assignments with good spirit and successful for funding organization to continue to support the management and conservation of Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) national park particular and Kodagu district in general. The government departments were hopeful that earning with ecotourism development would make sufficient and regular income for local communities, it would help the people who are involving illegal activities like hunting the wild animals and birds and lumbering, over-exploitation of natural resources. Decreasing over consumption of natural resources and pressure on it, would be change from the benefits of ecotourism development. Large area of the district might be approved and work under concerned department to get good result of sustainable development and better manage of utilization of local resources with continue of conservation awareness. In addition, these group of respondents opined that ecotourism could help to increase knowledge and experience through communicate between local people and tourists with exchange of practicing culture, it is a good example of increase tourist satisfaction in the district. When local people received more income from ecotourism development, they would ready or encouraged to study more to improve their knowledge and skills. At the same time, the parents would interest with their children education, it would increase learning capacity including international language 139
(English) and other than local languages like Tamilu, Telugu, Marati, Hindhi, etc. for daily contact with tourists. These respondents were also concerned about negative impacts of ecotourism. Among them were environmentalists working for conservation of forest and forest ranger in Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) national park, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talacauvery and Irrupu fall, they said their doubts over degradation of biodiversity, loss of natural habitats and environmental pollution which would be brought about by ecotourism. They also opined that the large amount of tourists presence may disturb the natural habitats and the quantity of flora, fauna and wildlife since these animals are not hardened to human activities. They took the case of Dubare Elephant Camp, which is known as one of the elephant training camp of Karnataka, as a live example. At that site, the quantity of birds has been increased constantly over the period of 2 years due to natural setting of the designation with global significance of environmental biodiversity site. However, continues increase in tourist volume would be cause declining amount of birds which can be observed significantly since 29 due to tourists activities like watch elephant and birds as one of the main attractions of the site. In addition that problem the waste material duping on the open river surface is usually observable after tourist visits. It is one of the example of lack of waste management knowledge in concerned officers or staffs and other stakeholders of ecotourism. Dubare forest is best example to the region filled with solid wastes (food removed paper and plastic bags, empty drinking water bottles, cans, etc.) and wastewater drained from household, and thus makes the area polluted. 6.2.3 Large Scale Coffee planter s Perceptions: Coffee is the major plantation crop of the district and coffee planters are more income holders in the district. These respondents s main intention is secure their coffee 14
estate and its boundary to getting regular income through selling coffee and other spicy ingredients which are growing in their plantation. Though, when asked about positive ecotourism impacts, they opined similarly that ecotourism would increase more opportunities to local people in terms of different working sectors and increasing earning capacities. It also helps to reduce dependency rate of people on natural resources and reduce pressure on agriculture who have more engaged in tradition subsistence type of agriculture (especially tribal people). While, they explained that ecotourism did not important to their income, but it would act as major safeguard of their region through less effort to do it. different to other respondents viewpoints, this respondents have been perceived that ecotourism would also bring considerable amount of foreign exchange to utilization for other than tourism sectors and as well as would gain more income to local people, state and central governments through different types of tax paid form tourists and other tourism related business holders. Ecotourism development would offer to tourists what they expecting in their visiting from the local people, it would help rejuvenate traditional knowledge of local, culture and promote satisfaction of tourists with well representation of national respect and rich potentiality of tourism. In case of negative impact of ecotourism on local economy, they stressed their concern that they might lose their source of incomes and ecotourism linked jobs. They explained that in present situation their coffee cultivation in the district of the reserve forest under the authority and liability of the Ministry of Environment and Forest. Even though their coffee and lumbering businesses are approved by the Forest Department, they are subject to take permission. Therefore, they perceived that ecotourism development would help to strengthen the power of MoF-DoF in managing the boundary of the protected areas, and some parts of their coffee estate would be cut 141
for increasing of forest area and built infrastructure to tourists. Besides focusing only on their problems, this group viewed that ecotourism would cause some environmental problems, such as water and noise pollutions in the public places and even in residential areas. They assumed that this relies on the number of tourists, number of population growth in the district, and the management of responsible authorities and departments. 6.2.4 Medium Scale Coffee planter s Perceptions: This group is considered to be one of the most potential groups which have strong abilities to benefit from ecotourism development in the district. They have enough capitals (sophisticated tour and trekking vehicles, good home stays, money, and their children are more educated than the small scale coffee planters) to run businesses in ecotourism and needful services and products (transport, accommodation and food and beverage) to tourists. They do not depend solely on agriculture and its allied activities since they apply for cultivation land from the government and large coffee planters to cultivate their coffee harvesting activities in the plantations, such as along or inside the coffee processing unit and plantations. Additional coffee-related activities (coffee processing and trading) and other businesses (i.e. spice marketing) were also observed as preferable occupations of this group. According to the retired army person of madikeri town, this group represents about 3% of the total population in the district Resembling the answers given by other groups, medium scale coffee planters perceived that ecotourism would generate more economic activities for local people in Kodagu district. This would help to strengthen and enhance local-made products businesses and employment opportunities from which local people could benefit to reduce their poverty and improve their quality of life in other aspects, such as 142
education and social well being. Besides tourism profits could also be used to develop the locality of the people by constructing the roads and other infrastructure (health, education and transport facilities). In terms of its environmental impacts, this group is optimistic that following ecotourism development and law enforcement, the conservation of biodiversity and natural environment in the district would be improved. Ecotourism could provide additional economic returns to support the overall conservation process, while at the same time attracting other government, NGOs, funding organization and development institutions to increase conservation programs in the district. Regarding forthcoming negative impacts of ecotourism, this group perceived almost in the same ways as the small scale coffee planters did (see Section 6.2.5). 6.2.5 Small Scale Coffee planter s Perceptions The perceptions of small scale coffee estate owner s are regarded as the most critical responses among all interested groups. Being the most susceptible and lower group in the district, this group expressed different concerns on management issues and the future of the development of their families. These respondents considered themselves as the most potential group that developers should pay attention to when attempting to solve local livelihood problems not at the expense of natural resource base of the region. Receiving benefits from other development initiatives is central to their notices and choices. They explained that if ecotourism is not going to be developed properly to address human and environmental issues in the district, they will be the only group that will suffer from its negative impacts. It is found that the interests of local people in ecotourism is based on their expectations of potential benefits or livelihood involvements that ecotourism will bring to them in the future. 143
A set of answers derived from a review of theories on prospective impacts of ecotourism in the different ecotourism activity places and from officials or employs of various institution, departments and organizations has used to ask individual respondent at the end of the expert interview. Each of them was allowed to choose one of the scaling items for each indicator of impacts. As the Likert Scale Analysis was used in the study, five scale measurement at which 1 refers to lowest quantity of impact and 5 refers to highest quantity of impact. The results of the Likert Scale Analysis on impacts of ecotourism from the points of view of experts and stakeholders of ecotourism are interpreted in the following sections: 6.3 Perception of Environmental Impacts Table 6.2 and figure 6.1 reveals that ecotourism initiative in Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park and Dubare Elephant Camp protected areas would give considerable amounts of positive impact on ecology, ecosystem, biodiversity and natural resources management (Vishwanatha, et al., 214). According to Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) programs of Karnataka state (198), ecotourism is to be developed as a responsible mechanism to help safeguard natural resources, natural environment and biodiversity. 144
Table 6.2: Perceptions of the interviewed experts on environmental impacts of ecotourism Scaling Items Positive Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism Increase environment education and conservation awareness among concerned ecotourism stakeholders 1 2 3 4 5-5 2 Reduction in environmental efforts 3 3 - Conservation status becomes important in Nagarahole ( Rajiv Gandhi ) National Park and Dubare Elephant Camp Increased conservation and preservation of natural and cultural resources Improved environmental and cultural characteristics in terms of quality Well-preserved water resources, water bodies, and natural habitats - 3 4 1 1 35 3-35 4-45 - Increase in abundance and diversity of flora and fauna - 35 4 - Increase in the aesthetics of the areas 3 3 - Increase in water, air and other environmental qualities 3 2 - Total Score 8 22 28 27 5 Scaling Items Negative Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism Decrease in abundance and diversity of flora (i.e. forests, semi thick forests, evergreen forests, shrubs and bushes, etc.) Decrease in abundance and diversity of fauna (i.e. birds, aquatic life, wildlife, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 2 35 2-2 3 - Displacement and change of migration patterns of fauna 35-145
Change in fauna behavior 5 35 3 5 Decrease in the aesthetics of the areas 4 2 - Decrease in water quality 1 2 3 3 1 Decrease in air quality 35 45 2 - - Destruction of natural habitats (i.e. reptile, mammal, birds and wildlife habitats, etc.) 3 2 2 3 - Decrease in sensitivity of ecosystems 3 35 2 - Noise pollution 3 2 1 Soil erosion and landslide 3 35 2 - Loss of nutrient quantity and quality 3 45 - - Change of stream order of the river and its creek system 3 35 2 - Decrease in water resources and water bodies in terms of quality and quantity 3 4 - Decrease in landscape characteristics and quality 35 3 2 - Decline of historical sites, cultural monuments and heritages due to low carrying capacity of the sites 3 2 2 5 Traffic jam in the densely populated tourism places - 35 35 3 - Total Score 36 5 47 34 3 Source: Baromey Neth, September 28 Notes: The level of impacts varies from 1 which represents low quantity of impact to 5 represents high quality of impact 146
Positive Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism Increase in water, air and other environmental qualities 2 3 Increase in the aesthetics of the areas 3 3 Criteria of Positive Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism Increase in abundance and diversity of flora and fauna Well-preserved water resources, water bodies, and natural habitats Improved environmental and cultural characteristics in terms of quality Increased conservation and preservation of natural and cultural resources Conservation status becomes important in Nagarahole ( Rajiv Gandhi ) National Park and Dubare Elephant Camp Reduction in environmental efforts 1 1 4 35 45 4 35 3 35 4 3 3 3 5 = Very high 4 = High 3 = Medium 2 = Low 1 = Very low Increase environment education and conservation awareness among concerned ecotourism stakeholders 2 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 Respondents Rate Figure: 6.1 Positive Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism 147
The Likert Scale Analysis has shows that the high percent of environment impact of ecotourism has been observed in conservation awareness in local people, administration authorities and whole ecotourism related stakeholders. The interview with experts confirmed that increase and improve the conservation knowledge in all stakeholders of ecotourism in the district is in positive. Both the conservation awareness and natural appreciation may support the preservation of natural wealth and as well as the natural environment and landscape in the district. The over depended of the local people on forest resources and ecological biodiversity to support their daily lives and economic activity would be change the real condition. Such a practice of local communities, ecotourism development will generate high positive environmental impacts of ecotourism on the increase in fauna and flora species in the district in order to diversity and abundance. Though, experts of social service have opined that attraction to maintain only the natural ecosystem and biodiversity resources or to increase the environmental governance of the ecotourism destinations for ecotourism development without consideration about fundamental occupation of the people or distribution of ecotourism benefits would guide to constant failure of ecotourism succession in the district. Along with, it would create the more amount of environmental degradation likely in the ecotourism sites. Some interviewed experts suggested that to increase the tax on violation of environment protection and effort in environmental governance are not only measures to good result of ecotourism development. If not, there are suitable policy frameworks on natural resource utilization, training programs to development of skill and joint benefit sharing methods, the comprehensive development plans via ecotourism would remain as impossibility. One of expert respondent, represents educationist said that poaching activities have more in individual local people who 148
have least in education background and not well participation in local development. Due to the ecotourism development in the district would be another cause for the increasing of poaching of locals. Provided they feel or would feel in this way, they would continue to harm the environment in ecotourism places. From a social point of view, some expert respondents did not view this as the only result of local discontentment, but also the results of people s poverty, livelihood shock and loss, and the way ecotourism developers or planners would underplay the problems they encounter (Vishwanatha, et al., 214). The support of existing institution, dispute among ecotourism stakeholder on sharing of interest (ecotourism revenue and forestry production revenue) will generate negative response from different stakeholders, particularly from the local communities. The observation from some interviewed expert, there are many factors contributing to present laziness of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited in Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park and Dubare Elephant Camp, and these might also hinder ecotourism success at some point (Vishwanatha, et al., 214). The lack of staffs forces, less knowledge of anti-poaching techniques and complicated support tools, unclear statement of responsibilities, no support for legal framework and almost immediately and so forth. yet, one of the most critical policy disadvantages that have not been thoroughly deemed necessary by government, NGO and contributers is the poor remuneration of the project support staffs at local level (Vishwanatha, et al., 214). 149
Negative Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism Criteria of Negative Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism Traffic jam in the densely populated tourism places Decline of historical sites, cultural monuments and heritages due to low carrying capacity of the sites Decrease in landscape characteristics and quality Decrease in water resources and water bodies in terms of quality and quantity Change of stream order of the river and its creek system Loss of nutrient quantity and quality Soil erosion and landslide Noise pollution Decrease in sensitivity of ecosystems Destruction of natural habitats (i.e. reptile, mammal, birds and wildlife habitats, etc.) Decrease in air quality Decrease in water quality Decrease in the aesthetics of the areas Change in fauna behavior Displacement and change of migration patterns of fauna Decrease in abundance and diversity of fauna (i.e. birds, aquatic life, wildlife, etc.) Decrease in abundance and diversity of flora (i.e. forests, semi thick forests, evergreen 5 5 5 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 4 4 45 45 5 = Very high 4 = High 3 = Medium 2 = Low 1 = Very low 1 2 3 4 5 Respondents Rate Figure: 6.2 Negative Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism
Even though the results in figure 6.2 reveals that a few negative environmental impact have received from more number of expert respondents confirmed the flow of tourists to the ecotourism sites, large in size but lack of conservation awareness and environment education. It has caused for present environmental problems and decreasing of density of fauna, flora, ecological biodiversity, scenic beauty of nature and quality of the environment in the district. The opinion of environmental and tourism experts, the faster rate of ecotourism development crossed limit would bring a lot of future problems. The low quality of eco-tourist with arrival of mass tourists would behave foolishly or less awareness on natural resources, natural habitat and local environment. Less knowledge on ecotourism principles and mismanagement plans will bring great loss and destruction of the tourism places. This kind of tourists also have related to the carrying capacity of the places. As well as decrease in great quantity and diversity of fauna and flora (e.g. change of animal activities and movement due to close exposure of tourists), damage of natural habitats (e.g. sensitive trailing or zoning system) and the quality of the environment, the respondents also expressed three other possible risks. They explained that large volume of tourists in the tourist places would cause noise pollution (e.g. sound of the boats run by diesel or petrol engine), and traffic jam in densely populated places (particularly those close to the boating places e.g. Dubare Elephant Camp). These are narrow threats to introducing and encouragement waste management, waste separation and waste transportation in Bhagamandala and Talacauvery region (Vishwanatha, et al., 214). 1
6.4 Perception of Economic Impacts: According to Table-6.3 and figure 6.3 reveals that all expert respondents have opined that positive ecotourism impacts to generate more amount economic aspects inkodagu district. They believed that the development of ecotourism in these areas would bring huge amount of economic returns to help encourage the local economy and support the livelihood process of locals and regional development moderately. This could happen when the net ecotourism income improve on all related costs involved in the management and operation of ecotourism businesses as well as exceed the costs of environmental conservation (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). However, the amount of economic revenue or productivity which exceeds the rate of ecotourism products and services that the local people and authorities are going to make actually relies on how well the ecotourism activities are established and managed on the process and environment of development (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). Simply, some expert respondents opined that it is enterprising to know that the possible economic benefits forcefully go beyond the economic expenses of development by figuring out every cost value in precise numbers (e.g. environmental cost). 2
Table-6.3: Perceptions of the interviewed expert on economic impacts of ecotourism. Positive Economic Impacts of Ecotourism Change in generating job opportunities (i.e. increase in job availability which represents on expertise of local people) Scaling Items 1 2 3 4 5 2-3 3 2 Foreign revenue for the local and regional development 1 2 35 1 Increase money flow in the local economy (i.e. increase income of local communities) 2-3 35 Increase in money for local development 3 Increase in economic profit for the business improvement of local households Increase in and development of local small and medium economy enterprises - 2 45 1 3 4 - Increased markets for local products and services - 35 Increased contributions and funds for conservation of natural resources and sustainable development of local economy - 4 3 Total Score 95 1 27 2 11 Negative Economic Impacts of Ecotourism Increase in the cost of living (i.e. increased prices of local products and imported goods) Seasonality of income or employment causing unstable local economy Scaling Items 1 2 3 4 5 35 35-4 2 - Expensive place to live 3 45 1 - High income in out-migration of local people 3 35 2 - Low productivity of renewable and nonrenewable resources - 5 5 - - Economic linkages to outside business owners 3 3 - Too tourism economic dominant activities 2 4 - Total Score 9 2 24 5 - Source: Baromey Neth, September 28 Notes: The level of impacts varies from 1 which represents low quantity of impact to 5 represents high quality of impact 3
Positive Economic Impacts of Ecotourism Criteria of Positive Economic Impacts of Ecotourism Increased contributions and funds for conservation of natural resources and sustainable development of local economy Increased markets for local products and services Increase in and development of local small and medium economy enterprises Increase in economic profit for the business improvement of local households Increase in money for local development Increasing money flow in the local economy (i.e. increase income of local communities Foreign revenue for the local and regional development Change in generating job opportunities (i.e. increase in job availability which represents on expertise of local people) 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 3 4 35 3 3 35 3 3 3 35 4 45 2 4 6 Respondents Rate 5 = Very high 4 = High 3 = Medium 2 = Low 1 = Very low Figure : 6.3 Positive Economic Impacts of Ecotourism 4
Increase in local economy and conservation budget through high positive economic impacts of ecotourism can be obtained from different sources. These are: the entrance fees; trading of tourism and other local products and services (i.e. local accommodation, food, vehicle facilities for local trip, guiding and selling of local handicraft and services for ecotourism activities etc.); contributions of the tourists for conservation and local empowerment, grants of government budget for biodiversity conservation, contributions from environmental NGOs and supporter agencies, special consideration taxes on tourism-related businesses permit, training and consultation services for other local-owned ecotourism sites (home stays and recreation centers ecotourism becomes a model of development). Although there are probable benefits from ecotourism development in trekking and waterfalls compared with ecotourism process in river rafting places (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). Some experts, especially those from national park and elephant camp management projects, were apprehensive with the institutional understanding and framework for the utilization of tourism income for conservation and local development in the areas. They make cleared that if the government is not ready to give encouragement by not taking or take less ecotourism income to combine the government budget or if the executing agency s officials is going to continue mishandling the income for their own benefits, ecotourism development in national park and elephant camp would face difficulties (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). Other than, if concerned governmental and non-governmental agencies, including contributors, are willing to set different suitable institutional arrangement strategies to raise funds to support ecotourism in study area within a principle of participatory approach, the situation would be better off (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). A tourism expert interviewed related this issue to the complexity or simplicity of ecotourism 5
development which depends on state politics and the politics of donors and civil society organizations working in the areas (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). Most of the expert respondents confirmed that ecotourism would help to bring positive benefits (direct, indirect, induced and multiplier or spillover) in many circumstances (even as primary or additional advantage) to local people in Kodagu district (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). They explained that although economic opportunities which local people will get might vary depending on individual characteristics, location and the level of involvement, they will be increased and dispersed if ecotourism is developed properly (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). Ecotourism was perceived to provide high economic impacts on the increase of employment opportunities which draw to local expertise / skills, capacity and technology and on the increase of markets for local products and labor services (Table 6.3) (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). Following tourist arrivals (mainly international market segments) and sustainable operation, more small and medium scale enterprises in the areas would be developed to accommodate the ecotourism industry, due to possible medium economic impacts of ecotourism (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). This would open wider chances for small trade businesses in the localities and sprinkle trade exchange between Kodagu district with other nearby district or state around this. Most respondents projected that while receiving more income opportunities, local shop owners would count up their earnings from the local production with tourism earnings to improve their livelihoods (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). 6
Negative Economic Impacts of Ecotourism Criteria of Negative Economic Impacts of Ecotourism Too tourism economic dominant activities Economic linkages to outside business owners Low productivity of renewable and nonrenewable resources High income in out-migration of local people 2 2 3 3 3 35 4 5 5 Expensive place to live 1 3 45 Seasonality of income or employment causing unstable local economy 2 4 Increase in the cost of living (i.e. increased prices of local products and imported goods) 35 35 1 2 3 4 5 6 Respondents Rate 5 = Very high 4 = High 3 = Medium 2 = Low 1 = Very low Figure : 6.4 Negative Economic Impacts of Ecotourism 7
While economic returns would be generated to foster local economy and development and conservation, ecotourism development in Kodagu district will also produce a range of medium economic impacts and a high impact (increase in the cost of living) on local people/communities (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). The results of the expert interviews supported that as a result of tourist demands and increased services/products, the living expenses in the areas would be higher (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). The prices of basic commodities and other goods necessary for the locals but are needed to cater to tourists might be increased and thus causing Kodagu district to become expensive places to live for the poor or vulnerable tribal people (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). They explained that when people realize that they are the marginal group of development, they would intent to increase other economic activities which lead to the exploitation of natural resources (Vishwanatha,S and Chandrashekara,B., 214). However, when there is less job opportunity, they would have to force to leave for other nearby district or cities to seek available jobs. In this case, the out-migration of Kodagu district residents would decrease the labor productivity of the area. Moreover, it would lead to social problems for these coffee planters and the host regions. Most respondents pointed out that as vulnerable tribal people have less capital to invest and are not empowered or welcome to join the development, only a minority rich coffee planters or outsiders could be able to run businesses in the district 6.5 Perception of Socio-Cultural Impact It is unquestionable that ecotourism development would also affect the host culture and social system everywhere in the world. These effects could be both positive and negative. Positively, the locals (even not all) would be able to receive benefits from ecotourism, either directly or indirectly (Vishwanatha, et al., 214). 8
Table 6.4: Perceptions of the interviewed expert on socio-cultural impacts of ecotourism Positive Socio-Cultural Impacts of Ecotourism Improvement in infrastructure, both in terms of facilities and services Better services (increase in diversification of local services) Cultural and natural appreciation (i.e. encourage host communities and ecotourists to value cultural and natural assets) Improved environmental education (i.e. a more environmentally informed communities) Recognition, strengthening, revitalization and preservation of local culture and cultural-historic resources Increase in employment opportunities or job availability and job quality which draw on local cultural knowledge Scaling Items 1 2 3 4 5-2 2 4 2-35 2 35 3 - - 2 35 2-35 3 2-2 3 Established ecotourism interest in the areas - 35 Stimulation of local livelihood approaches 3 Local empowerment and control over resources and development in the areas - 45 Prevention of people s out-migration 1 3 2 Increased people s active participation in local development - 2 35 3 Improve gender equity 1 4 1 Reduction in domestic violence through equal participation in household earning and development between men and women Established sustainable livelihood alternative for local communities 2 35 3-1 2 35 1 Use of local labor and expertise - 3 4 Increase people s sense of pride - 3 2 9