Promoting eco-tourism in the Sundarbans
Mangrove is a peculiar type of ecosystem in the inter-tidal region. Because of its interesting environmental conditions, it offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Naturally, mangroves can attract a large number of tourists and be a source of earning through national and overseas tourism. In many countries, tourism in the mangrove environment has been developed. Revenue earned through eco-tourism from one hectare in a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya, exceeds many times the most optimistic projected return from agriculture. There is also evidence that the economic benefits derived from forest-based eco-tourism surpass the revenue earned from timber harvesting. It is important to note that preservation of forests, specially mangroves can be compatible to tourism if well planned.
Eco-tourism is a sustainable form of land use, which contributes to environmental conservation, while providing accrued socio-economic benefits to the indigenous people through the non-consumptive uses and indirect values of the natural biological resources. Considering the vulnerable nature of our environment eco-tourism must be encouraged. Eco-tourism should be based on the following principles: (i) optimum multiple use of the resources; (ii) maximum sustainable use; and (iii) conservation and development of natural resources. Obviously, tourist products should be used in such a way that they are not destroyed. Tourists, who unmindfully or without caring litter the spots leftovers cause damage to the local environment and eventually the earth.
One way to handle such problems is to regulate tourists visits to each place. Restrictions can be imposed on the number of tourists, and on how they undertake their visit, before a site becomes overcrowded. Without controls, it is obvious that the more tourists visit a place, the more its ecological balance may be threatened or degraded. However, we do not restrict tourism. If we can apply the principles of sustainable development, tourism could be encouraged to grow. More forests could be declared as sanctuaries for tigers, deer, elephants and crocodiles to attract more tourists. There are good laws in Bangladesh to protect the environment but these are rarely enforced. The goal of eco-tourism development in Bangladesh should be to capture a portion of the enormous global tourism market by attracting visitors and using the revenues to fund local conservation and fuel economic development.
The Sundarbans is a unique ecosystem. Its exceptional scenic beauty and rich wildlife can be source of attraction to different levels of people and is convenient for outdoor recreation. Eco-tourism may be developed without causing damage to vegetation and wildlife. Because of weather condition tourism may be limited to winter months when the climate is fabourable. The only way to visit the Sundarbans is by water transport. Adequate water transport and accommodation facilities inside the forests are to be created to attract local and foreign tourists. In fact the recreational potentiality of the Sundarbans has never been utilized. Facilities needed for the tourists have not been developed. There is immense potentiality of the Sundarbans for earning through tourism. Eco tourism spots in this World Heritage site can easily attract the tourist from everywhere. Some of these sites are as following:
Katka is an eye catching and quiet island located in the north-west part of Sundarbans. Katka is an excellent and favourable spot, where visitors can enjoy bird watching, wildlife especially Royal Bengal Tiger and deer, roaming around by country boat through small creeks and canals and also by walking through the forest. One can also enjoy swimming and sun bathing at Katka's desolate white sand beach.
Kachikhali is a roaming and breeding ground for the Royal Bengal Tiger and is also known as "Tiger Point". There is a Forest Department resort, which is used by the tourists. Visitors spend their time by walking around the tiger point, Katka-Kachikhali beach and visiting the Egg Island or Dimer Char, a small island close to Kachikhali.
Nilkamal is a beautiful place along the Bay of Bengal. The World Heritage plaque was unveiled at Hiron Point of Nilkamal. The combined beauty of sea and green mangroves Nilkamal must attract visitors from the watchtower of Keorasuthi another attractive spot there. Thousands of spotted deer, birds and sometimes a Royal Bengal Tiger can be seen from the tower.
Dublar Char is an island famous for drying fish during the month of November-February in the winter season. This place is also famous for religious festival of Hindu community popularly known as "Rashmela" that takes place at the end of November. Visitors come here to see the life of fisherman and their unique fish drying. These dry fish or 'sutki' is exported to domestic and foreign markets as a delicacy.
The Sundarbans comprises 45 percent of the total productive forest of the country, contributing about one-half of the forest related revenue. About 50 to 60 thousand people work regularly and continuously for about six months, while the number of people entering the forest in a year can be as high as 3.5 million for minor forest product collection and fishing. Of these about 25 thousand work for fish drying, 200 thousand get engaged in shrimp fry collection in the rivers and creeks around the Sundarbans. About 2.5 million people live in the villages surrounding the Sundarbans, while the number of people within 20km of the forest boundary is 3.14 million. The main forest products are timber, firewood, thatching material, newsprint raw material, honey and wax, fish and crabs, shrimp fry and miscellaneous items. Of all the products the fishery of Sundarban represents the most important non-wood component which constitutes 5 percent of the total fish harvest of Bangladesh. Eco-tourism is a major component of the Sundarban Biodiversity Conservation Project. It comprises a range of integrated activities.
Although generally it has been said that tourism in Bangladesh suffers from a poor image, but eco-tourism potential, on the contrary, is rated high. Presently it is in a very early but promising stage of development. The Sundarbans is unique of Bangladesh. This is because of its majestic beauty, richness of biodiversity and tranquillity. There are many aspects to learn and enjoy from this largest mangrove forest.
The Sundarbans represents a charming mystery. It is home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. It provides a peaceful and relaxing refuge from the population density of Bangladesh. Every year innumerable people visit this unique forest. But most of them do not have any sound knowledge about eco-tourism. Their actions often harm the environment in many different ways. Sound pollution is one of them. Many visitors like to enjoy music very loudly, which can be upsetting to the quiet and serene environment. The development of eco-tourism in the Sundarbans should be given top priority both by the Forest Department and the Sundarbans Biodiversity Conservation Project.
Mohammad Asrafur Rahman is with the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University.
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