Title: Training Module: Sustainable Tourism for Biodiversity Conservation
KeyWords: biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, capacity building
Year of Publication: 2019
ISSN No: NA
Author Name: Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi
Details:
INTRODUCTION
Sikkim is one of the most beautiful states of India located in the womb of Eastern Himalayas. The state shares its boundaries with Bhutan in east, Nepal in west, Tibetan plateau in north and West Bengal in south. Sikkim is apportioned into four districts – North district, East district, South district and West district. It is a mountainous state and one third of its area lies above 3000m, of which a large area is covered by glaciers, snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. The presence of world’s third highest mountain peak- Mount Khangchendzonga adds to the glory of Sikkim. The state of Sikkim is blessed with enormous water resources. The mighty rivers of Sikkim are Teesta and Rangeet. Teesta river originates from Cho Lhamo lake in North Sikkim. River Rangeet flows from the western parts of Sikkim merges with Teesta at Melli near Sikkim West Bengal border. Glaciers are one of the most important physiographic features of the state. They are mostly found in the North district. The most important glacier is Zemu Glacier, which is 26 km in length and is situated at the base of Mt. Khangchendzonga.
The climate of Sikkim is highly varied due to factors related to wide range of elevation and also partly due to diverse configuration of surrounding high mountains, valleys and water bodies. The state can be divided into five distinct climatic zones: subtropical humid type, semi temperate type, temperate type, alpine snow forest type and alpine meadows. Sikkim has a suitable climate for agricultural and horticultural products. It supports multiple crops; viz., rice, wheat, maize, millet, barley, urad, pea, soya bean, mustard and large cardamom. Sikkim is the top producer of large cardamom, contributing over 80 per cent to India’s total production.
Among all the Indian states, Sikkim is undoubtedly the richest in biodiversity relative to its small area (7096sq.km.) Total forest cover of Sikkim is 3,392 sq.km which comes to around 47% of the total geographical area of the state (State of Environment report, 2016). The economy of the State is primarily agrarian, though there are other pivotal sectors like tourism, industries, mining etc. The picturesque landscapes, rich biodiversity and pleasant climate makes Sikkim a sought-after tourist destination. Sikkim is predominantly a rural state. Urban population of the state is just 25% of the total population. The population of the State comprises many ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups, each characterized by their unique culture and traditions that exhibit strong bonds with nature.