‘A thriving ecosystem can create vibrant tourism hotspots,’ says environmental expert Pradip Shah  

September 26, 2023 Priyanka Nath Wild Nature 0

A thriving ecosystem can create vibrant tourism hotspots," says environmental expert Pradip Shah

On August 16, 2023, while India was awakening from its Independence Day celebrations, tragic news about a massive ecological disaster in Himachal Pradesh overwhelmed the nation. Unfortunately, this is not the first time India’s favorite tourist destination has experienced a spate of calamities. In December 2022, a landslide struck Urni village in Kinnaur, and extreme climate events, floods, and land erosion have become commonplace.   A study conducted by the Research and Advocacy organization ‘Gene Campaign’ revealed that the construction of hotels and infrastructure for tourism development had resulted in extensive deforestation in Himachal. According to their findings, over 80,000 trees were felled to make way for highways and power plants.
 
Citing The Global Development Research Centre (GDRC), a study that underscores the importance of safeguarding species-rich ecosystems, Pradip Shah, Founder and Director of Grow-Trees.com, points out, “A thriving ecosystem can create vibrant tourism hotspots. However, picturesque places bear the brunt of unsustainable tourism due to commercial constructions and deforestation caused by land clearing. Simla, once considered the crown jewel of hill stations, is today facing acute water scarcity. Joshimath in Uttarakhand has been facing land displacement, and this August, Mandi district became the epicenter of disaster when heavy rains and a torrential  Beas river swept away houses and highways. “
 
The environmental expert, who popularised the concept of ‘Greet with Trees’ and ‘Tree Bank’ through Grow-Trees.com, added that mismanaged tourist influx could also impact local resources and infrastructure, including water, energy, and waste management.
 
 “As per the statistics provided by ‘The World Counts,’  tourism contributes to more than 5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and there is an anticipated 25 percent increase in carbon dioxide emissions from tourism by 2030 compared to 2016. Hence, there is a pressing need to devise strategies to address this issue, and one of the ideal solutions is to plant more trees and manage waste responsibly,” said Mr Shah.
 
Asserting that trees serve as the ultimate CO2 storehouse, with the byproduct being oxygen production, a vital element for human life, Mr Shah said: “Trees also play a crucial role in restoring ecological balance. They provide sheltering habitats to birds and animals. Their roots stabilize soil and prevent erosion, which is particularly vital in tourist-heavy areas with fragile ecosystems.”
 
Also highlighting the importance of the UN’s ‘Decade of Ecosystem Restoration’ plan, which aims to plant One trillion trees by 2030, he said it is crucial to integrate sustainability into tourism.
 
 “Popular tourist destinations tend to be overexploited for their natural resources and land, which is why sustainable tourism practices are the need of the hour. A collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including administrators, residents, and local businesses, must ensure that environmental concerns are not sacrificed for commercial gains. Those actively promoting tourism growth should also devise policies supporting the environment. Replenishing degraded ecosystems with afforestation should be a central component of these proposed strategies,” concludes Mr Shah.

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National Tourism Day (January 25) is also an occasion to recognise the impact of afforestation on India’s growing tourism sector In 2022, the Ministry of Tourism formulated a national strategy for sustainable tourism, pinpointing seven key areas crucial for inclusive, carbon-neutral, and resource-efficient tourism. Among these strategic pillars, biodiversity protection takes centre stage, highlighting the importance of planting more trees and conserving existing green cover. On National Tourism Day, Pradip Shah, environmentalist and co-founder of Grow-Trees.com explores how tree plantation not only aligns with the national strategy but also plays a vital role in preserving the ecological balance of our tourist destinations. Promotes sustainable tourism There is a growing trend to focus on eco-tourism while visiting hill stations and verdant, eco-sensitive regions where trekking and similar activities are allowed. The tourism department and tour operators also bear the responsibility to safeguard natural resources and ensure that the wilderness remains as enjoyable in the future as it is now. Planting more trees and enhancing the green cover in such areas can ensure that the benefits of a healthy environment are extended to the next generation. Planting and preserving trees enhance the basic tenets of responsible tourism. Mitigates the effects of mass tourism The rich biodiversity of forested zones and wildlife sanctuaries is increasingly drawing a large number of visitors. However, the surge in mass tourism to these areas also brings forth major challenges, including excessive land use, pollution, fodder extraction and heightened human-wildlife conflicts. Environmental organisations are actively addressing these issues. Recognising the strong connection between tree planting and ecological health, Grow-Trees.com has launched projects like 'Trees for Ecotourism™️' in the forest region of Gnathang near Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in East Sikkim. The primary goal of such projects is to improve forest health while alleviating the adverse impacts of mass tourism. Fights Climate Change In its 2023 report, 'A Healthy Forest for Healthy People,' the UN emphasises that sustainable forest management and the prudent use of resources are pivotal in the battle against climate change. Trees help us to combat climate change mainly due to their natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. In cognisance of this fact, Grow-Trees.com has planted more than 19 Million trees nationwide and in Africa. Once fully grown, these trees will absorb 380 Million kg of CO2, annually showcasing the crucial impact of trees in addressing climate change. Mitigating the effects of global warming also contributes to creating an ecologically balanced environment, which is of utmost importance for the growth of the tourism sector. Enhances scenic beauty With an endless variety of species, trees offer an aesthetic and calming green cover to urban zones. Some of the most famous and tourist friendly cities in the world are known for their gardens, tree-lined avenues and public parks abundant with foliage with diverse green textures and flowers. In the concrete jungles of big cities, they also help to reduce the heat island effect, regulate microclimate, mitigate air pollution and improve hydrology. Green zones in cities make them livable and pleasing not just for the residents but tourists who may be visiting or passing by. Promotes job creation Tree planting projects create multiple job opportunities for local communities. Once completed, such projects need regular monitoring, watering, and preservation, ensuring that the local populations will remain connected to their maintenance. Conserving trees and biodiversity also creates a feeling of ownership among them. 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