Economics of wildlife tourism – contribution to livelihoods of communities around Kanha tiger reserve, India

Abstract

Principles supporting ecotourism suggest a commitment to social responsibility and nature conservation. While nature conservation often appears obvious the social responsibility of ecotourism operations is not as apparent. On one hand, the task of nature conservation is entirely the responsibility of the protected area (PA) manager whereas, on the other, contribution to conservation through sharing of benefits with the community living around the PA should be a mandate of the tourism industry. In this research note, we have tried to examine whether the tourism industry in and around Kanha Tiger Reserve, India, is contributing to conservation by securing sustainable livelihoods for the local people. There is an urgent need for a national ecotourism policy that would ensure sharing of benefits and thus foster less dependence on forest resources.

Keywords:

• Kanha tiger reserve
• India
• wildlife tourism
• revenue generation
• livelihood