What is Ecotourism
Ecotourism essentially means ecological tourism, where ecological has both environmental and social connotations. It is defined both as a concept / tourism movement and as a tourism sector. Born in its current form in the late 1980s, Ecotourism came of age in 2002, when the United Nations celebrated the "International Year of Ecotourism". The tourism industry defines it as being "environmentally responsible travel to relatively undisturbed areas, to enjoy and appreciate nature and accompanying cultural features and to become aware of the need for preserving natural capital and cultural capital. Ecotourism should have low visitor impact and should contribute to the well-being of local populations." However, this is a vibrant, new movement and there are various definitions.
There shall be provision for learning process for a visitor in the Ecotourism destination
The quick visit to a Sanctuary cannot be called as Ecotourism, but can be termed as mass tourism.
Why Ecotourism in Pullippadam
About five years back Pullippadam was infamous for poaching. But with the support of Vana Samrakshana Samithi poaching has been stopped completely. This had affected the livelihood of a lot of people who are poor. So most of these ex-poachers are now engaged in illegal sand mining from Chaliyar River. Present rate of sand mining is beyond the capacity of the river. Hence to protect Chaliyar, the best option is to provide alternate employment to this section of society through Ecotourism.
Two by third of Pullippadam village is forest rich in bio-diversity and timber. Ecotourism is the best alternative at the moment for protecting this natural resource.
Pullippadam has a lot of tribal settlements (indigenous people and life style). They lead an ecologically sustainable lifestyle. At this juncture of time world has realised that the modern life style is not sustainable and sustainable lifestyle is a major area of interest.
A few private investors in Global Investors Meet have shown interest in investing in Pullippadam for Ecotourism.
Pullippadam Akshaya centre is given the duty of tourism development.
Pullippadam has a variety of forests (evergreen rain forests, deciduous forests, bamboo forests and grass lands), waterfalls and natural wonders like Daivathan kallu (a rock hill considered as god by tribal community) with in trekking distance.
More than a century old scientifically managed forests.
There are hills and forests very suitable for adventurous trekking.
The ex-poachers from Pullippadam know the forest in detail that they can be good guides.
The Western Ghats (which includes Pullippadam) has been declared as one of the eighteen mega bio-diversity hotspots by IUCN. Ecologically Pullippadam is a part of the buffer zones of Western Ghats where virgin forest interacts with country.
To reach Pullippadam, tourist has to cross Chaliyar River by country boat, which would be a pristine experience for the tourist. (There is an alternate route also).
There are a number of tourist spots around Pullippadam. Tourists can stay in Pullippadam and visit these places.
A few European tourists have already stayed in Pullippadam for about hundred days and villagers and tourists are very comfortable each other.
It is these tourists who suggested the Ecotourism potential of Pullippadam.
Good climate: In general Kerala has a hot humid climate. Where as in Pullippadam humidity is moderate and hence quite comfortable.
Non-polluted air and water. Due to low population density, the Choliform count in water is very low compared with average Kerala.