Tourism industry turned into threat for Adivasis

The tourism industry has appeared more as a threat to indigenous peoples' cultural integrity and to their right to the land and forest rather than an economic opportunity, discussants told a roundtable yesterday.

The land acquired for implementing tourism projects end up depriving indigenous people of their traditional croplands and in some cases lead to eviction of people from their homes, they added.

The roundtable on tourism in areas inhabited by indigenous people was organised by ActionAid Bangladesh, Kapaeeng Foundation and Bangladesh Adivasi Forum in the capital's Cirdap auditorium.

"The tourism projects are being designed and implemented without representation of indigenous people," said Mangal Kumar Chakma, publication secretary, Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS).

"Any programme that harms ethnic diversity, tradition and nature is unacceptable," he added.

Bangladesh Adivasi Forum General Secretary Sanjeeb Drong said while tourism projects should have indigenous partnership, they should also not disturb the ecology of the area.

"Building wide roads through the forest and constructing fancy houses cannot be tourism," he added.

Prof Sadeka Halim said the projects controlled by Bangalees often attempt to "preserve and showcase" the indigenous way of life.

She added that the families affected by land acquisition for tourism projects should be provided proper compensation.

Civil Aviation And Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon said there were opportunities to promote elements of eco-tourism like trekking in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.