The Journey of Himalayan Ecotourism

In the wake of catastrophic climate change and an unprecedented level of demand on the global tourism industry, the term 'ecotourism' has become common. However, the impact of such goodwill initiatives is limited. There are only a handful of entities whose concern for the environment ultimately culminates into initiatives which make a positive impact.

Operating in the remote Tirthan valley of Himachal Pradesh, Himalayan Ecotourism is one such organisation. While establishing the enterprise in 2014, its founding members had a singular vision in mind: to create sustainable models of development in the Himalayas while preserving and regenerating natural resources. Today, Himalayan Ecotourism is a thriving body of environmental experts and local residents who work together towards the betterment of a diverse and fragile ecosystem.

The initial motivation for the residents of Tirthan valley to join this movement was better employment opportunities through responsible tourism. This consequently resulted in greater awareness among them, and tourism formed the financial backbone of their conservation work. Thus, in combining their expertise with that of the area residents, experts at Himalayan Ecotourism have succeeded in creating a feasible business model geared towards reversing the effects of decades of deforestation and negligence.

How does the model function? Operating under Himalayan Ecotourism is the GHNP community-based Ecotourism Cooperative, a community of local residents working to preserve the forest that is their home. Their efforts are collaborative rather than competitive, and the results are reaped by all – the community as well as the environment. In generating economic self-reliance through tourism, Himalayan Ecotourism builds its conservation work around the interdependence of community and nature where every individual is a key player.

What may be considered Himalayan Ecotourism's greatest achievement is having instilled a sense of ecological responsibility where it was previously absent. It's foundation lies in mutual trust, and the organisation's commitment to personal interaction and financial transparency ensures equal opportunities for growth in a space conducive to learning and creativity.

Shivya Nath, a renowned travel writer from India, calls Himalayan Ecotourism the “only organisation in the region based on fair-trade principles.” On being shown the entire breakdown of costs for her trek, she felt that such transparency could revolutionise the travel space. By implementing such business ethics, this social enterprise has brought people together for a cause, and into a system where the locals themselves are the initiators of change.

We have carried out numerous projects relating to forest fires, afforestation and other issues requiring immediate human intervention. With the intention of imbibing children with the shared sense of affiliation to the ecosystem, we have involved students from schools in the area as active participants in the conservation project. Himalayan Ecotourism promotes a symbiotic relationship between ecosystems and economic progress. In protecting the environment, the community not only helps maintain the ecological balance, but also instigates its own development. The coronavirus pandemic, arguably a consequence of ecological imbalance, has resulted in zero income for people dependent on tourism but they have become aware that a balanced equation between nature wellness and community development is crucial to sustain a healthy life.

The success of the community, however, has not come easy. Navigating the political tangles and lack of local administrative support was difficult. There was also stiff competition from existing businesses. Overcoming such obstacles, Himalayan Ecotourism today functions as an instrument of ecological improvement and economic growth. It also looks forward to future collaborations with local businesses and similar organisations in order to expand to regions beyond the Tirthan valley. With environmental, social, and economic responsibility at its core, Himalayan Ecotourism has successfully established a model of sustainability. It is a social contract of integrity and transparency, one that leads from the heart.

Sneha Garg

The writer is a member of Himalayan Ecotourism. Views are personal.

Picture By: Chinmoy Sonowal