Ecotourism for the Coral Islands of India
Published: Nov 30, 2012
Photo: Prasad
The International Ecotourism Society of Washington, USA defined eco tourism as ‘responsible travel to natural areas, which conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people.’
Abstract: Lakshadweep needs to practise ecotourism to promote tourism and at the same time to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the region. This will also provide a sustainable livelihood option for the islanders.
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE
Already have an account? Log In
Keep reading with one of these options :
OR
MORE ARTICLES
Hazy Ridge Boundaries: In Conversation with Chetan Agarwal on Encroachments, Forest Governance, and Conservation Policies.
The Delhi Ridge, an extension of the Aravalli Hills, is the last remaining natural forest in the capital and a crucial ecological barrier that shields the Indo-Gangetic Plains from desertification. It...
Catalyzing Change: Youth Activism Combating Air Pollution
Youth activism is playing a crucial role in shaping environmental policies and driving public awareness. Young leaders are taking action today, advocating for urgent responses to climate issues and in...
Can The State be Sued for Air Pollution Deaths: In conversation with Senior Advocate Raj Panjwani on accountability and enforceability of air quality regulations.
The increasing levels of air pollution continues to raise concern and remains a significant environmental issue contributing to climate change, posing adverse effects on the health of the people and t...
Emission Markets and Congestion Tax: In Conversation with Dr Anant Sudarshan on experimental economics for mitigating air pollution
As air pollution continues to be an issue of great concern across India, there is an urgent need to engage with various stakeholders to help mitigate the debilitating health hazard caused by air pollu...
Term Power
What is ...
Aminidivi, of Amini Island, is the oldest socio-ethnic group of Lakshadweep with a population of around 7656 and a highest population density of 2956 per sq km (Census 2011). Proficient in handicrafts the communities here use coral sandstone, found in abundance in the island, to make floral designs on hard coral stones and walking sticks from coconut and tortoise shells.
Koya are the land owning community of the island. Although the majority of ethnic groups in Lakshadweep island are Muslim, yet the social division is based upon three main categories – landowners, sailors and labourers are still palpable.
Malmi are a distinct human community of Lakshadweep. Connoting the term sign of ways, the people of Malmi group are predominantly sailors who work for the Koya in transporting merchandise.
The Melacheri were the original labour class of the islands and formed the major part of the population of the Lakshadweep group of islands. Their traditional occupation is to collect coconut tree nuts and tap neerah-the sweet coconut toddy. It appears that the name has its origin in their traditional place of residence on the western side of the island - mala meaning west, Cheri denoting the name the village.
A very popular water sport in many parts of the world - used widely to view and observe the coral varieties and reef species. The isles of Lakshadweep has limited scuba diving options - mainly at Bangaram, where a resort has been established for the purpose.
An island which comprises of ten exotic villages and a rich biodiversity, with a special affinity to Maldives - with the early settlers hailing from there. Even today the language spoken in Minicoy - Mahl, bears special resemble to the Maldivian tongue of Dhivehi. Endowed with natural scenic beauty, the villages are governed by a strict administrative structure which are led by a Bodukaka (big brother) who represents the menfolk and a Bodudatha (big sister) who represent the women folk of the region.
One of the inhabited islands of Lakshadweep, the Kadmat Island, has a population of 5389 persons (Census 2011). Their language of communication is Malayalam.
The most popular and well developed island in Lakshadweep, Kavaratti is located between the islands of Agatti and Andrott. It has a desalination plant as well as a naval base to its credit.
An island of coral that encircles a lagoon either completely or partially. Most of the world's atolls are in the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean has only 8 atolls, which are located just east of Nicaragua.