George Thomas , Tresa Radhakrishnan

Abstract

The interdependence of man and mangroves has changed to a great extent over time. Earlier, man had a healthy two-way association with mangroves, that is, man encouraged the growth and colonisation of mangroves, and mangroves, in their turn, provide firewood, timber, medicine, food etc. However, in recent times man has started overexploiting mangroves leading to their destruction. In Kerala, small stretches of mangroves available are to be considered as the relics of a glorious past when thousands of hectares of land was covered with mangrove vegetation. The major problems concerning the destruction of mangroves in Kerala are lack of awareness among public, injudicial tourism activities and pollution from industrial effluents. Thus, for the amelioration of the available mangrove habitats we need a better awareness among public, popularisation of eco-tourism and the imposition of regulatory measures on industrial pollution and waste discharge into the mangrove areas. Large scale afforestation programmes can also play a vital role in the conservation of these fragile ecosystems.

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George Thomas , Tresa V. Fernandez

Abstract

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.

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