"A basic low cost and low impact Ecotourisum facility will be developed under the Japanese aid project with the full involvement of the local communities in Gujarat," Jagdish Prasad, conservator of the forest of the Gujarat Government Forest Department said.
Ecotourism will be developed at 91 villages in all of the seven protected areas, including Shoolpaneswar sanctuary, Ratanmahal sanctuary, Jessor sloth bear sanctuary and Vansda national park, he said adding that the wildlife wing of the Gujarat forest department will have the overall responsibility for the implementation of the ecotourism development.
The site development includes construction and management of eco-lodge, provision for furnishing of the eco-lodge, development of nature trails, construction and management of information centre com gift shop, audio-visual equipment and brochures, Prasad said.
Also support from the Gujarat government's tourism department and Gujarat State Tourism Development Corporation will be sought to market the sites to potential tourists, in addition to making business relation with private tour operators, the conservator said.
"The Eco-development activities will consist of helping the forest department in conserving the protected area concerned through awarness building and overseeing community members to ensure they do not encroach, tresspass, graze, steal,light fires or hunt, creation of community assets and household livelihood improvementy," Prasad added.
