Garo Hills Community Based Eco Tourism Initiative

Eco Tourism community mobilisation meeting 

The BBL’s stunning natural beauty, rich and diverse wildlife, and its unique tribal culture make it an ideal destination for the promotion of Eco-Tourism.  Samrakshan Trust ,(www.samrakshan.org), a wildlife conservation organization dedicated to conservation of rich biodiversity of Meghalaya, particularly South Garo hills. In 2010, Samrakshan Trust under its incentive based conversation programme launched a Community-based Ecotourism Initiative in Garo Hills which is blessed with rich natural values but are under serious threat from illegal coal mining. The prime motive is to provide the local community an alternative livelihood and an incentive to conserve the forests and the area’s bio-diversity. Samrakshan and the local community make every effort to ensure that its tourism is eco-friendly. The very essence of eco-tourism, that the eco-system remains unaffected by tourism, is at the heart of Samrakshan's eco-tourism policy. In order to ensure equitability and that the majority of the benefits reach the members of the local community Samrakshan has developed a robust community-based model for its Eco-Tourism Initiative.

Not only is the local community involved in conducting the tours, but a percentage of revenues from every tour are given back to the local community. The Community Development Fee and percentage of profit is being used for Community development and conservation activities. Community entrepreneurship groups have been set up by the local community to run and manage Eco tourism and ensure that the benefits reach local community.

The president of Siju Eco Tourism and Conservation Society Mr. Plinder Marak is handing over the cheque to the secretary of Siju Village Council during the Community Eco Tourism benefit sharing meeting at Siju