Question : ECO-TOURISM POLICY



(a) whether the Government has eco-tourism policy for conservation and protection of forests in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of funds provided to various States under this policy, State/Union territory-wise;

(d) the details of work undertaken in various States under this policy, State/Union territory-wise;

(e) whether the Government also proposes for conservation of natural resources under the said policy; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) To (f) Action has been taken to formulate guidelines for forest and wildlife eco-tourism within the ambit of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger has a component for fostering ecotourism in Tiger Reserves.