Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Ecotourism, defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people, is increasingly recognized as a sustainable development pathway for island territories. Both the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI) and Lakshadweep, possessing unique biodiversity and pristine landscapes, hold significant ecotourism potential. However, their fragile ecosystems and small island developing state (SIDS) status necessitate careful planning to avoid the pitfalls of unsustainable tourism. Recent initiatives like the Island Development Agency (IDA) aim to promote holistic development, but balancing economic growth with environmental protection remains a critical challenge. This answer will assess the ecotourism potential of both island groups and highlight the challenges associated with their sustainable development.
Ecotourism Potential of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with their diverse ecosystems ranging from rainforests to coral reefs, offer a wide array of ecotourism opportunities:
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to endemic species of flora and fauna, including the Narcondam Hornbill and the Andamanese Cobra.
- Coral Reefs: Renowned for vibrant coral reefs, attracting scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Havelock Island is a prime example.
- Beaches: Pristine beaches like Radhanagar Beach (Havelock) and Elephant Beach offer opportunities for relaxation and water sports.
- Tribal Culture: Opportunities to learn about the indigenous tribes (with appropriate permissions and sensitivity), offering cultural tourism experiences.
- Volcanic Islands: Barren Island, an active volcano, attracts geological tourism.
Ecotourism Potential of Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep, known for its atolls and coral reefs, presents a different but equally compelling ecotourism landscape:
- Coral Atolls: Unique coral atolls like Bangaram and Agatti offer exceptional diving and snorkeling experiences.
- Marine Life: Abundant marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful fish, attracts marine biologists and nature enthusiasts.
- Water Sports: Kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing are popular activities.
- Peaceful Environment: Relatively less crowded and more secluded compared to ANI, appealing to tourists seeking tranquility.
- Traditional Lifestyle: Opportunities to experience the traditional lifestyle of the local islanders.
Comparative Assessment: Ecotourism Potential
| Feature | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Lakshadweep |
|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity | Higher terrestrial biodiversity; rainforests, diverse flora & fauna | Primarily marine biodiversity; coral reefs, atolls |
| Accessibility | Better air and sea connectivity; more developed infrastructure | Limited accessibility; fewer flights and ships |
| Tourism Scale | Larger scale tourism; more resorts and hotels | Smaller scale, more regulated tourism; eco-friendly cottages |
| Cultural Tourism | Potential for tribal tourism (sensitive approach required) | Focus on traditional islander culture |
Challenges to Sustainable Development
Both island territories face similar challenges in achieving sustainable tourism development:
- Environmental Fragility: Coral reefs are highly vulnerable to climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing practices.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Limited carrying capacity of islands, inadequate waste management systems, and dependence on mainland supply chains.
- Water Scarcity: Freshwater resources are limited, and tourism can exacerbate water stress.
- Socio-Cultural Impacts: Potential for cultural erosion, displacement of local communities, and unequal distribution of tourism benefits.
- Governance Issues: Lack of integrated planning, inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations, and conflicting interests among stakeholders.
- Climate Change Impacts: Rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and coastal erosion pose significant threats.
- Dependence on Imports: High reliance on imported goods, including food and construction materials, increases carbon footprint.
Specific Challenges in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep faces additional challenges due to its remoteness and stricter regulations:
- Limited Infrastructure: Developing infrastructure without compromising the fragile ecosystem is a major hurdle.
- Restricted Access: The policy of restricting tourist numbers, while environmentally sound, limits economic opportunities.
- Dependence on Fisheries: Balancing tourism development with the traditional livelihood of fishing communities.
Specific Challenges in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
ANI faces challenges related to larger-scale tourism and tribal populations:
- Managing Tourist Footfall: Controlling the number of tourists to prevent environmental degradation.
- Protecting Tribal Reserves: Ensuring the rights and cultural preservation of indigenous tribes.
- Waste Management: Dealing with increasing volumes of waste generated by tourism.
Conclusion
Both Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep possess immense ecotourism potential, but realizing this potential sustainably requires a holistic approach. Prioritizing environmental conservation, investing in sustainable infrastructure, empowering local communities, and strengthening governance are crucial. Adopting carrying capacity-based tourism, promoting responsible travel practices, and diversifying economic activities beyond tourism are essential steps. A long-term vision that balances economic development with ecological integrity is vital for ensuring the sustainable future of these unique island territories.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.