Mangrove and Tourism: Management Strategies

Mangrove ecosystems, despite their unique characteristics and multifarious uses undergo deterioration all over the tropical regions of the world. This paper focuses on the role of tourism in the conservation and maintenance of the mangrove ecosystems. A novel term, 'mangrove-resort' was suggested and criteria and guidelines for the development of such a system have been put forward. A perfect harmony between these widely differing aspects is possible, provided the administration is exellent and appropriate to the needs of both tourism and conservation of endangered ecosystems. In Kerala out of eight major mangrove areas three are noted tourist centres including the famous bird sanctuary, Kumarakom which is at present under the control of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Apart from these, Mangalavanam (Cochin) and Mahe(Pondicheny) are suggested for the development of 'mangrove-resort' areas. The interrelations between various components of the two systems with their feed-back interactions are discussed.