Need for Community based Eco-tourism at Barachaka

 (  Recent posts from many on Barachaka surfaced my memories. I am reproducing  my past experience again. It was posted in my Development blog:2012)

My recent visit to Barachaka tribal village near Chhatna, Bankura attributed to a strong mind-set for developing community based Eco-tourism there.  Creating an eco-tourist spot in Barachaka would definitely impact the tribal and nature. Rural tourism has been growing in a tremendous way.  A minimum effort and outlook can make appropriate tourism development here using habitats, landscapes, natural endowments, local culture and tribal values. Responsible tourism at Barachaka would help  generate awareness of and support for conservation of migratory Pelicans. The most value of tribal of the village for those birds is an exemplary living example for present and future generations- the practice of co-existence between birds and humans.

The concept of eco-tourism has changed from earlier thoughts. Now a day it does not identify eco-tourism as a centre of nature observation crowded by visitors and a place of marketing. The International Ecotourism Society has rightly defined ecotourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people.

The term ‘community-based ecotourism’ takes this social dimension a stage further. This is a form of ecotourism where the local community has substantial control over, and involvement in its development and management, and a major proportion of the benefits remain within the community.

. Some further general characteristics of ecotourism have been identified by UNEP and the World Tourism Organization as:

• involving appreciation not only of nature, but also of indigenous cultures

prevailing in natural areas, as part of the visitor experience,

• containing education and interpretation as part of the tourist offer;

• generally, but not exclusively, organised for small groups by small, specialized

and locally owned businesses,

• minimizing negative impacts on the natural and socio-cultural environment;

• supporting the protection of natural areas by generating economic benefits

for the managers of natural areas;

• providing alternative income and employment for local communities;

• increasing local and visitor awareness on conservation

Barachaka-is uniquely situated in the heart of Bankura District.   This village is entirely inhabited by Santhals. They have been maintaining  their sanctuary  of sacred groves with different kinds of trees along with the traditional norms of not cutting or damaging trees. They worship the sacred place .Its a pride to them. For the last 35 -40 years Pelicans are taking shelter in the mini-forest of the village.

Pelicans know that the place is safe for them. Coexistence of Pelicans and tribal at the same place is a rare event. Tribal love them. They constantly watch them and keep them safe from poacher’s hand.  A big lake is there serving fish for Pelicans. Apart, some water-bodies also supply food for Pelicans. This situation is going on . Tribal do not catch fish from ponds so that pelicans do not get fish.  Nature’s love is the morale of the village.   Within short distance from Barachaka one can go to Susunia or G-Ghati,Amarkanan  for pleasure .Chatna-the place of Chandidas is also an another attraction from here. There are vast untapped lands for plantations. Keeping all these information a-priori  there can be a community managed tourism centre here.

 The process of developing community based tourism needs planning,developing and managing resources and available natural resources . Visitors’ provision for access to natural and tribal culture heritage ,accommodation ,transport and arts& handicrafts of local people  are to be prioritized before launching such program.

.

Appropriate recreational and special interest activities, such as trail walking,photography and participatory conservation programmes, may also be part of Ecotourism. This kind of sustainable use relies on local knowledge, provides significant local income, and encourages communities to place a high value on wildlife, resulting in net Conservation benefits.