Tiger tourism needs better policing, not
banning
The Supreme Court in India has lifted a ban on tiger tourism in Indian
reserves, while simultaneously asking local governments to regulate visitors.
In July the Supreme Court ordered a complete ban on tourism inside tiger
reserves. The Indian government's hopes to encourage tourism whilst boosting
conservation.
Tour Operator For Tigers (TOFT) comment
on Indian Supreme Court judgement
The Indian Supreme Court's judgement is good news, with the present ban being
lifted on wildlife tourism that was imposed in July.
The ban has ensured the airing of a myriad
of opinions that this highly contentious topic had generated, as well as some
ecotourism guidelines that only time will tell if they will have the desired
effect - to stop poor tourism and incentivise the very best Ecotourism
practices. The ban has also badly affected hundreds of thousands of local
livelihoods either directly or indirectly.
TOFT Opinion
This is good news. TOFT has always welcomed new and visionary guidelines; we did call for and help to advise on guidelines that take into account evidence based science, park geography, ground reality, carrying capacity and community and management issues, as well as drawing on the best of practices from around the world, instead of just producing a centrally pronounced diktat.
This is good news. TOFT has always welcomed new and visionary guidelines; we did call for and help to advise on guidelines that take into account evidence based science, park geography, ground reality, carrying capacity and community and management issues, as well as drawing on the best of practices from around the world, instead of just producing a centrally pronounced diktat.
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