A conceptual framework for indigenous ecotourism projects – a case study in Wayanad, Kerala, India

ABSTRACT

This paper analyses indigenous ecotourism in the Indian district of Wayanad, Kerala, using a conceptual framework based on a PATA 2015 study on indigenous tourism that includes the criteria: human rights, participation, business and ecology. Detailed indicator sets for each criterion are applied to a case study of the Priyadarshini Tea Environs with a qualitative research approach addressing stakeholders from the public sector, non-governmental organisations, academia, tour operators and communities including Adivasi and non-Adivasi. In-depth interviews were supported by participant and non-participant observations. The authors adapted this framework to the needs of the case study and consider that this modified version is a useful tool for academics and practitioners wishing to evaluate and develop indigenous ecotourism projects. The results show that the Adivasi involved in the Priyadarshini Tea Environs project benefit from indigenous ecotourism. But they could profit more if they had more involvement in and control of the whole tourism value chain.

KEYWORDS:

• Ecotourism
• indigenous tourism
• Adivasi
• Kerala
• South India
• framework for indigenous tourism

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank five anonymous reviewers for their comments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes on contributors

Tatjana Thimm is professor for tourism management at HTWG Konstanz, Germany. Her research focus is on indigenous tourism, destination management and cultural tourism. Her regional focus is on Spain, Argentina, India, New Zealand and Canada.

Corinne Karlaganis works for the University of Bern, Switzerland and Uravu Eco Links in Kerala, India. Her research focus is on sustainable tourism and indigenous tourism. Her regional focus is on India, Kerala, specifically Wayanad.

Notes

1 There are two Central Acts and one Kerala State Act for legal protection of Adivasi: The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 and Amendment Act, 2015; The Scheduled Castes and The Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989; and The Kerala Restriction on Transfer by and Restoration of Lands to Scheduled Tribes Act, 1999.

2 The Priyadarshini estate consists of around 1000 acres of land the government of Kerala has provided for the rehabilitation of bonded labourers.

3 The problem is that KELSA often has very inexperienced lawyers. Also, in remote areas it is very difficult to get access to lawyers and justice. The common man often does not understand the language of law and as many Adivasi are illiterate they are not able to take advantage of the laws that were enacted for their protection. The government mentions 100% literacy, but there are many school dropouts due to poverty. They can write their name, but not read properly (interview with advocate K.K. Preetha on 27 December 2016).

4 The Additional Tribal Sub Plan is the legal basis and includes livelihood, infrastructure, houses, a cultural centre, etc.