Restoring the mountain ecosystem from the adverse effects of development initiatives and tourism requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, effective policies must be implemented to regulate and manage tourism activities in mountainous regions. This involves setting carrying capacities for popular destinations, enforcing strict waste disposal regulations, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Government bodies and local communities should collaborate to monitor and control the influx of visitors to prevent overcrowding and habitat degradation.
Additionally, reforestation initiatives play a crucial role in ecosystem restoration. Deforestation, often linked to infrastructure development, must be counteracted by planting native trees and vegetation. Community-based afforestation programs can engage residents in preserving their natural surroundings while providing economic opportunities. Furthermore, it is essential to establish buffer zones around ecologically sensitive areas to shield them from the direct impact of development projects.
Education and awareness programs are vital components of ecosystem restoration. Tourists and locals alike need to be educated about the fragility of mountain ecosystems, the importance of biodiversity, and the long-term consequences of unsustainable practices. This knowledge can lead to a sense of responsibility and foster a collective commitment to conservation.
Investment in alternative livelihoods for local communities can reduce dependency on resource-intensive industries. This can include promoting sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly handicrafts, and nature-based tourism activities that contribute to the local economy without harming the environment.
Tag: Developmental issues.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to briefly write about the mountain ecosystem and tourism activities.
- In Body,
- Write negative impacts of human activities and tourism on mountain ecosystems.
- Also, suggest measures to restore the mountain ecosystem.
- In Conclusion, try to mention the overall significance of the mountain ecosystem.
Answer:
As per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), mountains cover about 22% of the Earth’s land area and are home to approximately 13% of the global population. Deforestation, habitat degradation, and pollution from tourism activities have led to a loss of biodiversity and disruption of delicate ecological processes, threatening the sustainability of mountain ecosystems.
Negative Impacts of Development Activities and Tourism on the Mountain Ecosystem:
- Deforestation and Habitat Destruction: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), between 1990 and 2022, the world lost 420 million hectares of forest cover, with mountain regions being particularly affected by deforestation due to development and urbanization projects.
Example: In the Western Ghats, a mountain range in India, deforestation and habitat destruction have been prevalent due to infrastructure development, urbanization, and agricultural expansion.
- Soil Erosion: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that soil erosion rates in some mountainous regions have increased by up to 10 times the natural background erosion rates due to improper land-use practices associated with development and tourism.
Example: The Himalayan region, particularly in Uttarakhand, has experienced significant soil erosion due to unsustainable land-use practices linked to tourism and development.
- Water Pollution: A study conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) revealed that in popular mountain tourist destinations, water bodies showed higher levels of pollution due to improper waste disposal and tourism-related activities.
Example: In the hill station of Manali, Himachal Pradesh, a popular tourist destination, water pollution has become a major concern.
- Loss of Natural Resources: The Global Forest Resources Assessment 2022 reported that over 90% of forests in mountain regions have been significantly affected by human activities, including unregulated resource extraction for economic gains.
Example: The Aravalli Range in Rajasthan has witnessed severe resource extraction, including mining of minerals and stone quarrying, leading to substantial loss of natural resources.
- Climate Change Impacts: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that mountain regions are experiencing temperature 2dc increases at a rate that is twice the global average, leading to glacier retreat, alterations in precipitation patterns, and shifts in vegetation zones.
Example: The Western Himalayan region, including the state of Jammu and Kashmir, has experienced significant temperature increases over the years, affecting glaciers and snowfall patterns.
- Wildlife Disturbance: A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology highlighted that 80% of wildlife populations in mountain areas experiencing high tourist activity showed altered behavioral patterns and reduced reproductive success.
Example: In Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, a popular destination for adventure tourism, activities such as river rafting and trekking have led to disturbances in the natural habitat of wildlife species, such as aquatic birds and terrestrial animals
- Uncontrolled Tourism Growth: A report by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) indicated that some mountain destinations have experienced a 50% increase in tourist arrivals over the last decade, leading to concerns of over tourism and environmental degradation.
Example: The hill station of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh has faced challenges of over-tourism during peak seasons, leading to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and strain on local resources.
Measures to Restore the Mountain Ecosystem:
- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Since its enactment, the Forest (Conservation) Act has been instrumental in preventing the diversion of approximately 5,00,000 hectares of forestland for non-forest purposes in India, including mountain regions.
Example: In the state of Uttarakhand, the Forest (Conservation) Act played a crucial role in preventing the diversion of 10,000 hectares of forestland for a proposed industrial project.
- National Afforestation Programme (NAP): Through the NAP, India has afforested and reforested over 6 million hectares of degraded land across the country, contributing to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation in mountainous areas.
Example: In the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh, the NAP initiative successfully transformed over 2,000 hectares of degraded land into lush green forests by planting native tree species.
- National Mission for a Green India (GIM): GIM aims to increase forest cover by 5 million hectares and improve forest quality on another 5 million hectares. It is a significant step towards enhancing carbon sequestration and ecosystem services in hilly and mountainous regions.
Example: In Uttarakhand, the GIM initiative focused on improving the quality of existing forests through sustainable forest management practices.
- Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP): The IWMP has covered over 21 million hectares of degraded land in India, leading to increased water availability, reduced soil erosion, and improved ecological conditions in mountain regions.
Example: In the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the IWMP played a vital role in rehabilitating degraded watersheds.
- National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS): NMHS has funded numerous research projects on Himalayan ecology, climate change impacts, and sustainable development. These initiatives have contributed valuable data and insights for conservation efforts in the region.
Example: NMHS funded a research project on the impact of climate change on alpine ecosystems in Sikkim.
- Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) Notification: The ESA notification has identified and demarcated ecologically sensitive areas covering approximately 60,000 square kilometers in the Western Ghats and 57,000 square kilometers in the Himalayan region, ensuring their protection from destructive developmental activities.
Example: The ESA notification identified ecologically sensitive zones in the Western Ghats, leading to the suspension of a proposed large-scale hydroelectric project in the region.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): NMSA has facilitated the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices on over 10 million hectares of land, including mountain regions, helping to prevent soil erosion and improve land productivity.
Example: In Himachal Pradesh, NMSA initiatives promoted sustainable agricultural practices like terrace farming and agroforestry.
- National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH): NMSH focuses on promoting green building practices and sustainable urban development in hilly and mountainous regions, contributing to reduced environmental impact and resource conservation.
Example: In the hill town of Shimla, the NMSH encouraged green building practices and the use of renewable energy in construction projects.
Conclusion:
- However, to provide a better standard of living to the mountain communities and to meet the overall needs of the economy, a linkage between development and conservation needs to be formed. he Niti Aayog’s Sustainable Development of Mountains of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is the right step in maintaining and restoring the ecology of mountains.
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