Community Empowerment and Conservation through Ecotourism: A Case of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India

Ecotourism is a type of sustainable tourism that aims at conservation of the environment through maintaining a balance between conservation and empowerment of local residents. However, for developing countries like India, proper implementation of ecotourism is questionable. The present study has selected Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (BKWS), Odisha, India, which is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India. An attempt is made to examine how far ecotourism has been successful in empowering the locals socially, culturally, and psychologically through their involvement in different organizations and its implications in achieving the conservation goals. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. The study uses a variety of econometric techniques and case studies for finding the results. The study finds that with the creation of employment opportunities locals also have been made aware for participation in community development programs, including ecodevelopment clubs and self-help groups. However, these organizations have failed to empower the communities. Although some positive attitudes have come in discussions, the results mostly indicate that ecotourism certainly has not met the principles of empowerment. Organizational participation has therefore not been successful for the reduction of dependence on natural resources in Bhitarkanika. The support of the locals is highly essential for successful conservation policy. Thus, proper strategies need to be designed for an inclusive ecotourism approach in BKWS and beyond, one that is socially effective, psychologically and politically empowered, culturally progressive, and environmentally sustainable.