International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 03 | Mar 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Ecotourism integrated Conservation planning for Goshree Islands Anaswara K M1, Reshmi K C2 1 Student, Dept. Architecture and Planning, Govt, Engineering College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
2 Asst. Prof, Dept. Architecture and Planning, Govt, Engineering College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
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Abstract - Ecotourism has been a sustainable tourism
India has a mangrove forest cover of 4991 sq. Km, occupying only 3.2% of global mangrove forests. Sundarbans have the largest mangrove cover, occupying 43% and Gujarat has the second largest cover with 23% of the total cover in India. The two areas alone occupy 66% of the mangrove cover, surprisingly in adverse conditions of high energy tidal coast, experiencing two extreme situations [7]. The Goshree Islands in Kochi, Kerala, are known for their ecological significance and the presence of mangrove ecosystems. However, the increasing pressure from urbanization and fishing activities has led to environmental degradation in the region. Recognizing the importance of mangroves in ensuring ecological balance and supporting livelihoods, it becomes essential to study the status of mangroves on the Goshree Islands and explore sustainable conservation practices.
method that supports environmental protection while ensuring socio-economic gains for local communities. This research paper discusses how ecotourism is related to conservation, specifically the contribution of sustainable tourism towards the preservation of such vulnerable ecosystems. The study reviews existing literature on ecotourism, the conservation of mangroves, and India's prevailing conservation policies and programs. To create a viable ecotourism model, best practices of successful ecotourism operations globally are analyzed, and essential planning and conservation strategies that can be applied to the study area are identified. Site-specific analysis is carried out to evaluate mangrove conditions, tourism facilities, and conservation efforts through surveys and interviews with stakeholders. The research emphasizes that though ecotourism can promote conservation, poor infrastructure, absence of regulation, and limited community involvement constrain its effectiveness. The research concludes with strategic proposals for ecotourism development such as environmentally friendly tourism infrastructure, sustainable visitor management, and community-led conservation activities. Key Words: Ecotourism, Mangroves, conservation,
Ecotourism-integrated conservation will help mitigate the challenges and improve people's awareness through proper ecotourism development. This study explores integrated ecotourism planning as a tool for conservation while ensuring community participation and sustainable economic opportunities. Implementing low-impact tourism infrastructure, mangrove restoration, sustainable transport, and eco-friendly policies can create Goshree Islands
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aim
Ecotourism is a sustainable type of travel that offers tourists worthwhile experiences in natural environments, emphasizing environmental preservation, community service, and education. It is an essential tactic for protecting biodiversity, advancing cultural heritage, and creating favorable economic conditions for nearby communities. By combining ecotourism with conservation initiatives, it is made sure that travel-related activities enhance environmental preservation rather than worsen it. Ecotourism promotes the conservation of natural ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, forests, grasslands, etc.
To develop an ecotourism-integrated conservation planning for Goshree Islands
1.2 Objective
Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions worldwide. These regions are called mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves are breeding, feeding, and nursery grounds for many estuarine and marine organisms, including finfish and shellfish. Although mangrove forests cover less than 0.5 % of the oceans, they store more than 14 % of their carbon [3].
© 2025, IRJET
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Impact Factor value: 8.315
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To study the concept of ecotourism, methods, principles, and role of ecotourism in conservation
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To study the environmental importance of Mangrove and the current scenario of mangrove conservation in India
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To identify methods and tools from best practices of ecotourism planning and conservation
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Assess existing study area conditions and analyze ecotourism planning through surveys and interviews.
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To provide strategic recommendations for the ecotourism-integrated conservation planning for Goshree Island.
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