Tamil Nadu govt. plans community-led ecotourism project in Rameswaram

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has initiated the process of preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for developing community-based ecotourism infrastructure on Rameswaram Island, aiming to generate local livelihoods while promoting conservation of the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.

The Wildlife Division, Ramanathapuram, has floated a Request for Proposal to appoint a consultant to prepare the DPR under the World Bank-assisted Tamil Nadu Sustainable Coastal Restoration (TN-SHORE) project.

According to the Terms of Reference, the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust currently has 252 Eco Development Committees covering around 2,550 self-help groups, which are engaged in providing alternative livelihoods to fisher families. The proposed ecotourism initiative seeks to build on this network by creating employment opportunities through community-managed tourism while ensuring biodiversity conservation.

The objectives include harnessing the blue economy through responsible ecotourism, strengthening infrastructure managed by local Eco Development Committees, creating jobs for local youth, improving awareness of marine ecosystems among visitors, and training young people as eco-guides, lifeguards, scuba diving professionals and kayak instructors.

The proposed infrastructure includes a Mangrove Nature Park and coral boating facility at Kunthukal, featuring a visitors’ orientation centre, mangrove nursery, marine and coral interpretation centre, mangrove walkway, observation platform, marine café, information boards and marine safaris through coastal and mangrove areas.

At Dhanushkodi, the proposal envisages a marine bird interpretation centre, bird observation platform, pergola, awareness boards, selfie point and a marine café. The consultant will be required to undertake field inspections, DGPS surveys, soil testing and other environmental assessments before preparing the DPR.