Eco Tourism And Environmental Law - Balancing Conservation And Sustainable Development In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 13
- 1 min read
K. Adhitya, VIT School of Law, Chennai.
Dr. Arun D Raj, Professor, VIT School of Law, Chennai.
ABSTRACT
Ecotourism is a growing sector that aims to balance environmental conservation with sustainable economic development. In India, with its vast biodiversity and cultural heritage, ecotourism has emerged as a vital tool for promoting conservation while providing economic benefits to local communities. This paper explores the intersection of ecotourism and environmental law, assessing the effectiveness of regulations in ensuring responsible tourism. It highlights key environmental laws, including the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Environment Protection Act (1986), which govern ecotourism activities. The study also identifies challenges such as over-commercialization, inadequate enforcement, and greenwashing, which threaten the sustainability of ecotourism. Furthermore, the role of local communities is emphasized, as their participation is crucial for successful conservation initiatives. Emerging trends such as technological advancements, the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the impact of climate change on ecotourism are also examined. The findings suggest that while ecotourism offers significant potential for conservation and economic upliftment, it requires stronger regulatory frameworks, improved enforcement, and stakeholder collaboration to achieve its goals. The study concludes that with appropriate policies, eco-tourism can be a powerful tool for sustainable development while preserving India’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Keywords: Ecotourism; environmental law; conservation; sustainable development; community participation; greenwashing.
