*better map of the sisters*

Seven Sisters Most states have: * Their own tribes * Own type of art * Culture * Dance * Music * Lifestyles * Own fairs and festivals (Wikipedia)

The Sisters Main Resources Tea-based products Bamboo Natural gas Silk Oil Handicrafts (Wikipedia) Abundant forests Exotic flora and fauna Great land for growing plantation crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs Natural beauty

Mizoram Mountainous region Scenic beauty Pleasant climate Tourism is still developing Currently building resorts and tourists huts (Wikipedia)

Environmental Impacts on Mountain Area Limited accessibility Fragile environment Currently encourage intense resource use Overexploitation of resources with little concern for environmental consequences (Jodha, 2000)

Environmental Impacts Contd Environmental degradation Depletion of forests Soil erosion Drying up of water sources Destroyed arable agricultural land (Karan, 1994)

Waste Management Issues Self generated solid waste from visitors Large number of visitors Amount of solid waste is also increasing Overloaded areas with growing stockpiles of garbage Could create water crisis (Kuniyal, 2005)

Waste Management Issues Pollution attributable to expedition, trekking and camping activities of trekkers Garbage includes food, glass, clothes, tents, dead bodies (Regmi, n.d.)

Endangered Tigers India claims that there are 5000 tigers Experts say this figure is actually closer to 3000 Tiger hunting was banned by the Indian government in 1981 Demand for tiger related goods (Thinkquest Team, 1997) Aranachal Pradesh has a tiger project (expand) (Conservation International, 2007)

Corbett National Park Located in a large Doon Valley in the lesser Himalaya. Protection of wildlife with dense vegetation Species include: Asiatic elephants, species of crocodiles, wild boars, deer and monkeys (Conservation International, 2007)

Considerations for Achieving Environmental Success Address the needs of the local people in regards to conservation and development, including tourism Locals should actively be involved as stakeholders in the protection of the environment Tourism should not increase pressure on local resources (ie: use alternative energy sources) Adequately dispose of human waste and other garbage (Wonderland India, 2007)

Environmental Recommendations Start more movements against ecological destruction Open more local movements against deforestation (Karan, 1994) Refusing, recycling, reusing, recycling Reduce waste Segregate waste into two categories: biodegradable and non-biodegredable waste (Kuniyal, 2005)

References Conservation International (2007, November 6 th ). Biodiversity hotspots. Retrieved November 6 th, 2007, from Jodha, N. S. (2000). Globalization and fragile mountain environments: Policy challenges and choices. Mountain Research and Development, 20(4), Karan, P. P. (1994). Environmental movements in India. The Geographical Review, 84, Kuniyal, J. C. (2005). Solid waste management techniques for the waste generated and brought down from campsites in the hill spots, trails and expedition tops. Waste Management & Research, 23(3), Regmi, P. (n.d.). Himalayas labelled the highest junkyard in the world. Retrieved October 25, 2007, from Wikipedia (2007, May 17). Seven sister states. Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Wonderland Treks and Tours (2007). Retrieved November 11 th, 2007, from