Ecotourism: Evironmentally Sound Practices

Ecotourism, with its focus on environmentally sound practices and generating widespread economic incentives to conserve, offers a timely opportunity for Sikkim to improve livelihoods and to protect its unique heritage.

Community ecotourism plans covering site-enhancement, trail and site maintenance, natural resource management and monitoring, and conservation education; Supporting fuelwood reduction measures by trek operators and local lodges; Supporting local NGOs working in ecotourism and conservation

Training in ecotourism services, e.g., for guides, lodge-owners, cooks, porters; Supporting new community ecotourism enterprises - vegetable growing, indigenous foods, fuelwood-saving equipment hire for treks, short guided treks;

Developing marketing strategies for community-based and travel agent ecotourism activities; Conducting market research and developing new ecotourism products, e.g., off-season activities

Arun