Tourism For Conservation – Conservation for Tourism
That what we at Jungle Lore Birding Tours by Asian Adventures strive for, as we encourage people across the world to come to India and explore this Incredible Land.
We have just completed 2 years in the Eco-tourism industry. It wasn’t easy to keep pace with the fast-developing world which is synonymous with deforestation, littering, pollution, etc. But through are grit and determination, we have maintained high standards of Eco-tourism throughout these years. We rather take pride in where we stand today, under the able guidance of our founder, Mr. Mohit Aggarwal who comes from the Kumaon Hills and is an avid nature lover. Thinks twice before disposing of even his used-up pen!
The entity that we know as Asian Adventures has taken numerous conservation measures across the nation and now we desire to put more effort to upscale it. Tourists who have traveled with us remember us not only for extending an incredible experience but also for maintaining the highest quality standards and transparency each time.
But then how did it all begin and how are we taking it forward? Spare a few moments to read, while we share a brief…
01. ECO-STAYS
It all began with providing lodging accommodation to tourists which is not only environmentally friendly but also constructed without deforestation. Thus, each of our stays is amid thick jungles and is done with stones and minimum possible wood. No concrete, no plastic, no harm to the environs.
2. ZERO-LITTER, NO PLASTIC ZONES
We are very strict about no littering, no plastic. So every tourist who travels with us has to carry biodegradable or cloth bags to deposit waste they create (say during a birding tour) and later dispose of it at the garbage bins. Moreover, plastic is banned at all our stays. You will be provided with biodegradable cups/bags/plates if need be.
Asian Adventures also supports Chintan, the experts of toxic waste who are currently working with our help on micro solutions for garbage disposal in the Himalayan village, Pangot. near Nainital, Uttarakhand. This initiative is called the Zero Waste Pangot Drive.
Asian Adventures also funded the training programs of the Bagh Foundation in Nandaur Tiger Reserve, the study conducted by NSI on the impact of garbage on the wildlife of Pangot.
3. CONSERVATION EFFORTS AT NATURE RESERVES
Since conservation is a key philosophy at Asian Adventures, it has supported the electronic fencing at Kaziranga, sponsored the Oriental Bird Club with a vision to promote traveller interest in birds and their protection and initiated some measures for wildlife protection at Corbett Tiger Reserve.
4. SUPPORTING SELF-RELIANCE FOR CONSERVATION
What will the youth from the jungle regions do, if there is no bread-earning opportunity? Obviously, he will resort to means like selling off his land for construction of a resort. Or maybe employ himself in the development sector which indirectly means felling of trees for more and more construction in some way or the other. We ate Asian Adventures are closely working with denizens in selected Himalayan regions in order to turn them into self-reliant individuals and groups.
How do we do it?
For instance, we have provided training in Pangot to youth to be Bird Guides. On the other hand, we help them set up village-dhabas like the ITTUSA RESTAURANT at Heritage Village in Jim Corbett (also called Chhoti Haldwani). In short, we train them towards means of livelihood where they do not turn to nature for its destruction to make money. Asian Adventures, thus has bigger and better plans for not only providing best experiences of various hues and shades to the tourists that avail its services but also make them partners in the drive to protect the Blue Planet, Earth.
5. PROMOTE HOME STAYS OVER NEW RESORTS’ CONSTRUCTION
We are also working desperately with residents of the Himalayan region to transform their houses into homestays. Imagine if this happens, like it is happening in Ladakh, how many trees we can save through existing accommodation?! New resorts mean doing away with more trees, while homestays mean retaining the green cover! And in this way, we not only help the locals become self-reliant but also take responsibility for keeping the charm of the region preserved and contributing their part in conservation.
6. WHY NATURE TOURS ARE OUR USP
Taking people close to nature, close to the local wild inhabitants of the region, taking them close to the love of nature, helping them soak in the Aura of un-touched environs – this is our USP. Why do we do it? because till you feel the love of nature, you won’t give the same love back to nature. Only when you feel enchanted by the Aura of the greens and the wild animals, then you will join our efforts towards Nature Conservation. It is as simple as telling you not to throw stones at monkeys in the city, who jump at you for food. Why? Because to give space to your home, their homes (trees were done away with). This is the reason that all our tours promote nature conservation – they help you empathize with the natural habitats and inhabitants of the region and thus save them.
FUTURE PLAN: JOIN US, THE MORE THE BETTER
Any individual or organization which desires to extend a supportive hand in this direction is warmly and duly invited. Join us the more the better. After all our next generations deserve clean air, lush green forests, the song of the birds, and gushing waterfalls. And if we don’t join hands today, perhaps it will be too late. So come one, come all!