Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

POTENTIAL OF ECOTOURISM AS A SOURCE OF INCOME: AN EXPLANATORY STUDY AROUND KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK, INDIA

Daisy Das and Anuradha Gogoi

Abstract

This paper tries to assess the extent to which ecotourism activities are providing income to the people engaged in this activity. Ecotourism is nature based and environment friendly. There is great potential of ecotourism in Kaziranga National Park (KNP), which is situated in the state of Assam, India. KNP is a protected area and famous for one horned rhinoceros. Our paper is based on a field study conducted in the villages around the park. Our study finds that ecotourism is providing livelihood opportunities to the people but in the peak season only. Therefore, people have to diversify their livelihood. At the same time it has also been found that ecotourism activities are well developed and concentrated in the central zone of the park. Our study recommends expansion of ecotourism activities of various natures so that the potential is fully explored. This will also promote biodiversity conservation in the long run.