"Think Globally, Act Locally."

Report on Ecotourism Camp at Daringibadi
11^th. November 2005 – 13^th. November 2005

In recent years, a new type of nature-based tourism –“Ecotourism” has been gaining momentum. More tourists are seeking a new kind of tourism that provides them with the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world and enjoy the beauty and serenity of pristine nature.
Considering this rapid expansion in ecotourism activities all over the world, “DEERS” a public charitable Trust organized its first eco camp and workshop at Daringibadi–“The Kashmir of Orissa” from 11^th to
13^th November, 2005.

Our Aim
“DEERS” believes in implementing the conception that if properly planned and managed, ecotourism can offer many economic advantages for governments, private enterprise and local groups and communities. It can also act as an efficient tool for preserving the natural and cultural heritage. However, when practised incorrectly, ecotourism may have controversial effects on existing ecosystems, local communities and traditional cultures. For this reason, the main objective of this camp was to maximise the economic, environmental and social benefits of ecotourism and to create an eco-friendly village in Daringibadi which holds the real nature’s beauty and bounty.

Participations
About 35 people from Bhubaneswar and nearby areas, representing different stakeholders in the public and private sectors, NGOs like UTSHARGA and RESCUE, and universities, participated in this camp.

Work Shop
An extensive interaction between the local communities and the “DEERS” group members was arranged which mainly focused on three major themes like:
Theme 1 : Planning and regulation of ecotourism in Daringibadi. The challenge of sustainability.
Theme 2 : Product development, marketing and promotion of ecotourism; fostering sustainable products and consumers.
Theme 3 : Monitoring the costs and benefits of ecotourism to ensure they are equitably distributed amongst all players.

In the discussions, “DEERS” being aware of the fact that the ecotourism market requires a sensitive type of development, one that is in harmony both with the natural environment and the expectations of visitors interested in experiencing nature, has given importance on the most demanded market need, that are ecolodges.

 “DEERS” also emphasized on encouraging the locals for the production of more and more organic vegetables and development of the Coffee gardens.

“DEERS” also discussed on the plans for establishing mountain trekking facilities at the Sorada Ghati that will attract more and more visitors to the area.

“DEERS” also imparted  a training programme to 40 local participants on various aspects of development of Ecotourism and environmental issues.

Group Picnic
A group picnic was arranged by the “DEERS” at the most beautiful place of Daringibadi ie. Nature Lovers Paradise, an aqua recreational center where all the travelers had a great time.

Along with “DEERS” also arranged visits to the village school, organic vegetables
garden, coffee garden, Hill top View, Gajalbadi, Sorada Ghati, etc.

Here given is the list of tour highlights:

1^st Day: 11^th November 2005

Left Bhubaneswar at 4.00pm and reached Daringibadi at 11.00pm and made night stay at the local I.B.s Jagruti and Panthika.

2^nd Day: 12^th November 2005

Day started with 1 hr jungle trek in the morning with a tea break at hillside, followed with a little interaction with the village elders and children. Noon was engaged for Group picnic at Nature Lovers Paradise where importance was given on the organic food. Visit to the hilltop and Coffee garden was made at afternoon. At evening a meeting was arranged between Ecocamp participants and the local elders discussing about the planning, regulation and promotion of  ecotourism at Daringibadi. The discussions followed campfire with Folkdance & lore and an elegant moonlight Dinner at night.

3 ^rd Day: 13^th November 2005

Third day started with a morning walk in the village streets including bird watching, visit to the village schools and homes, visit to the vegetable gardens and homes. Idea exchange sessions with the village elders and an extensive training programme to 40 local participants on various aspects of development of Ecotourism and environmental issues was made at 11.00am follwed by 1 hr Ecotourism & Environmental Research Orientation Programme.

After the lunch session we departed for Bhubaneswar at 4.00pm and on the way visit to Kajalbadi and sunset view at Sorada Ghati was really wonderful.

The “DEERS” would like to thank all the participants for their valuable participation with the society. “DEERS” would also like to thank all the localites for their significant contributions in our idea exchange session and workshops.

This final report has been drawn up by the executive members of the “DEERS” organization.
 

Summary of discussions and conclusions

a) The importance of all types of participation by local communities in the development of ecotourism,
b) The role of national and local governments in ecotourism management,
c) The need for joint action by the different players in the development of products and of ecotourism destinations,
d) The impact of ecotourism activities on society, the economy and the environment as a key factor for sustainability.

Expenditure report