To develop guidelines for the integration of tourist in the conservation of Corbett Tiger Reserve

Student name: Ms Bansuri Das
Guide: Dr Joachim Schmerbeck
Year of completion: 2011
Host Organisation: The Corbett Foundation (TCF)
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Harendra Singh Bargali

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Abstract:
SUMMARY

As India‟s first tiger reserve, Corbett is also an example of how tourism and conservation can be at loggerheads. This report seeks to outline the various challenges CTR faces with respect to growing unregulated tourism promoted by private resorts. In parallel the report also uncovers the changing profile of the tourists coming to CTR and suggest guidelines for the integration of tourists in the conservation of CTR.

The methodology used for this research was a mix of primary and secondary research. Primary research was done through a set of questionnaire for each stakeholder of the tourism industry in CTR.

The main finding of this research is that tourism is not in sync with the conservational objectives of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Private resort owners were hosting events/ activities without understanding its repercussions on the wildlife and the local community. Tourism didn‟t create socio economic benefit for local community and tourists have no idea about their role in the conservation of CTR or about their impact on the wildlife, forest or local community of CTR.

The recommendations stresses on the imperativeness for creating awareness among the tourists about their role in wildlife protection which would help in the conservation efforts of protected areas across the country.