The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, nestled in the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea respectively, showcase breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecosystems, making them prime candidates for ecotourism development. These island territories are not only renowned for their pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush forests but also for their rich cultural heritage. However, as these regions increasingly become focal points for tourism, there arises a pressing need to assess their ecotourism potential while concurrently addressing the challenges linked to sustainable development. Striking a balance between promoting tourism and safeguarding the delicate island ecosystems poses a significant challenge. This examination is crucial to ensure the preservation of biodiversity, protection of indigenous cultures, and the overall well-being of these ecologically sensitive areas.
Answer
Ecotourism i.e. environment-friendly travel can be a boon for Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands. This can facilitate economic and social integration of relatively secluded islands along with strategic advantages.
The ecotourism potential of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are:
Rich ecotourism resource density: according to the ministry of tourism, 7 out of 8 major ecotourism resources are in these islands which facilitate activities such as bird watching, trekking, snorkeling, scuba-diving, and parasailing amidst scene views. Rich flora and fauna with high endemism.
Traditional knowledge to be tapped: large ecological and social science knowledge that needs to be tapped for areas less understood by mainland logic. This will boost ecotourism.
Ecotourism potential of Lakshadweep islands:
11 islands are earmarked for eco-tourism projects by Niti Aayog in Lakshadweep islands. e.g. Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam, Suheli. The potential for the same is:
- Innovative initiatives for the eco-tourism industry:
● Developing of sea-weed industry.
● Country’s first water villas to be built in blue lagoons.
These can reduce the import bills of hotel industries as well as develop a model for eco-tourism.
- Desalination projects:
● Each has a capacity of 1.5 lac liters per day in Amini and Kalipeni Islands to ensure a supply of fresh water to the islands. - Island Development Authority:
● Identification of 10 islands( 5 each from Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshwadeep) for the development of the tuna fishing industry and community-based tourism to boost livelihood options and build a sustainable approach for a thriving maritime economy is envisaged.
Challenges with sustainable development of island territories:
- Threats to the Indigenous population:
● Health hazards to secluded PVTG e.g Shompen, onge, Jara was due to low
immunity.
● Encroachment on tribal lands e.g. expansion of Port Blair Airport on sentineles lands in 2015.
● Low carrying capacity of islands: The region’s unique geography and ecology place natural limits on the development of the archipelagos.
● Difficulty in CRZ clearances: even if granted multiple conditions will be put on projects leading to delays overhead charges etc.
● Threats to endemic species: the intrusion of humans will cause anthropogenic impacts
e.g. plastic littering, carbon emissions, etc. This will threaten the endemic species due to
ecological disturbances.
● Chinese belligerence in Andaman Sea: recently Cocos islands were detected as having Chinese infrastructure. Therefore any development in these islands has chances of Chinese interference which needs to be diplomatically resolved.
As India looks to maintain and strengthen its advantages in the Indian ocean, leveraging island territories is important. However, careful estimation of tourism potential with a sustainable approach is the need of the hour.
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