Sustainable development is a widely discussed phenomenon in recent years. Mainly ecotourism came into focus instead of regular tourism due to thinking about sustainability. Bangladesh is counted as a hub of natural scenic beauty in the world. Natural, cultural, historical places are available in the greeny Bangladesh which make it the destination of thousands tourists from the whole world. Furthermore, ecotourism ensures economic, social and environmental development which ultimately leads to sustainable development.
Tourism is commonly known to all. But ecotourism seems new due to its unfamiliarity in world tourism. "Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people," according to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). Mass tourism is far different from ecotourism from different aspects. Number of tourists is not any considerable matter in mass tourism but is a prime matter in ecotourism. Approximately 0.528 million (5.28 lakh) foreign tourists visited Bangladesh along with 5.0 million local tourists in 2012. It will definitely be outnumbered after a few years compared to the capacity of the tourism sector of our country. Adaptation to ecotourism might decrease the number of tourists but don't be confused! Earnings will be manifold due to its extraordinary attraction.
Economic benefits of ecotourism are much higher than those of mass tourism. Ecotourism emphasises quality tourism and less consumption of resources. Cost of ecotourism is less due to adoption of natural components instead of building construction. Though cost of ecotourism is lower, the profit is higher. So earnings are greater in amount. The Sundarbans, Sylhet and Chittagong Hill Tracts areas are naturally decorated. So these might be ecotourism destinations in Bangladesh without any change in structure. But other important amenities have to be supplied by the authority. Some 100 million US dollar was added to the national economy from tourism in 2012. It was less than 1% of total GDP (gross domestic product). Ecotourism may make it triple after adaptation.
Involvement of local people with tourism is a significant characteristic of ecotourism. They get special facility to run business and other activities in tourist spots. Local people get priority in employing tourist guides due to their familiarity in local area. Small businesses can grow up based on tourist spots by local people. So employment opportunities will increase after adopting ecotourism in Bangladesh.
Urban poverty is a growing concern for the Bangladesh economy. Urban migration plays the main role of urban poverty in Bangladesh. Its larger ratio compels economists to rethink about poverty reduction strategy. Most of the migration happens due to not having any work in rural areas. Ecotourism may create the opportunity of working in one's own area which will reduce the proportion of migration along with reduction of urban poverty rate in Bangladesh.
Environmental conservation is another attractive feature of ecotourism. Most of the tourist areas are highly populated due to the mismanagement of the authority. Especially in Cox's Bazar, Saint Martin's Island and Patenga sea beaches creates there is water pollution by the garbage thrown by tourists. In addition, staying in beaches at night, making fire and even cooking increase CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) in air which leads to global warming. Sea level rise and massive floods take a huge economic toll every year. Ecotourism may lessen this loss in a small scale by its strict rules of environmental conservation. Each and every tourist has to maintain the rules set by the authority undoubtedly.
Bangladesh is almost an ecotourism destination due to the presence of plenty of locations across the country. Rich culture including indigenous varieties, wetlands, sea beaches and mangrove forests are lucrative places for ecotourism. Saint Martin's Island may be the hub of ecotourism for beautiful coral and green water. Largest mangrove forest in the world - the Sundarbans -- may also be the finest place for ecotourism thanks to its natural beauty and multi-variety of flora and fauna. Indigenous culture in CHT is a wonderful product of ecotourism and historical places like Mahasthangarh, Shalbon Vihar, Ahsan Manjil will add extra value to this industry gorgeously.
Bangladesh should go for ecotourism. Benefits from ecotourism can be guessed from above discussion. Our nearby countries Nepal and Maldives adopted ecotourism and the contribution of GDP from this industry has been outstanding over the recent years. Some sort of initiatives need to be taken to start ecotourism industry in Bangladesh. Taking an effective policy by the government is most important in this context. Foreign experts on ecotourism may be hired to develop it to get the highest benefits.
Another crucial matter is to maintain cooperation with different departments that will be involved with the establishment of this industry. Ministries of tourism, forestry, land and finance are to be involved with the implementation process as a communication gap among ministries is big problem in Bangladesh. Public Private Partnership (PPP) should be welcomed by the government to get immense profit from it. The latest eco-resort industry needs to be encouraged by the government as well to lead tourism into ecotourism.
Another essential matter is to maintain political stability in Bangladesh to attract tourists. Otherwise ecotourism will fail to get its value. Though it is high season for tourists to visit our country, it has been predicted that foreign tourists would not visit Bangladesh due to current political turbulence. The Cox's Bazar beach was almost empty at the time of celebrating the New Year - 2014!
To sum up this writing, it is urged that effective measures need to be taken by government and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation to establish ecotourism industry in the country. Where Nepal improves this industry based on mountains only, we can do it more easily based on rivers, wetlands, mountains, forests, archeological sites. At this, sustainable development will be ensured along with huge economic benefit.
The writer is a student of the Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka. E-mail: zaid.dsdu@gmail.com
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