In pursuit of its objective of “Conserving Nature for future generations”, The Ecotourism Society of India (ESOI) has announced its 4th workshop on “Environmental Law & Responsible Tourism” on April 30-May 1, 2010 at Hotel Jehan Numa Place, Bhopal. During the two-day workshop, ESOI will discuss major issues related to wildlife and architectural norms. For the same, ESOI will bring in architects and lawyers to speak about eco-friendly architecture as well as environmental law.
The workshop is being conducted in partnership with WWF-India, and co-sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, PATA India Chapter as well as Madhya Pradesh Tourism Devt. Corpn.
The workshop will be held in three sessions. The Introdutory Session will be presided over by M.P. State Chief Secretary, Shri Avani Vaish, the Techenical Session will be presided over by Shri Dhruv Narayan Singh, Chairman, MP Tourism Development Corporation, and the Concluding Session will be Presided over by Shri Sujit Banerjee, Tourism Secretary, Govt. of India, who has been very forthcoming and proactive on the urgent need to realize and act to conserve nature and all its beautiful creatures, before these tourism destinations are vanquished.
This is part of series of workshops being organised by ESOI in various States to sensitize the tourism service providers on the interface of environmental and forest law with tourism industry, as well as on the mechanisms to achieve Sustainable Tourism in the country. The interactive sessions shall also share the concerns, experiences and challenges as practitioners of Responsible Tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mandip Singh Soin, President of ESOI said that Responsible Tourism practices have gained momentum and grown in great dimensions over the past few years, with well-informed overseas travellers making prudent choices in destinations and services.
“At the same time”, he added, “nature based tourism is increasing in the country, especially in Madhya Pradesh and it has environmental impacts as well. As ecotourism is based in national parks, sanctuaries, restricted areas and ecologically sensitive areas, the role of Govt. policies and Environment laws* becomes important.
The challenges in the hands of tourism service providers are, therefore, in keeping update and sharing operative experiences in implementing environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism practices.”
The topics for discussion will include: how to protect wildlife; how to build eco-friendly lodges at wildlife areas; how can tourism help local communities etc. ESOI is expecting an attendance of 80 members from various travel trade organisations for the workshop. According to Krishna Kumar Singh, the participants will mostly comprise of lodge owners, forest and tourism department officials and travel and tour operators.
The registration fee is being kept at a nominal amount of Rs.2,000/- per person, which shall include tea/coffee, lunch and dinner for 2 days. The session shall begin from 12 noon on 29th April and ends at 5:45 PM on May 1 followed by dinner. For registration one can email to esoi.bhopalworkshop@gmail.com and the program schedule and registration form can be downloaded from the Society’s website www.ecotourismsocietyofindia.org