1. Wildlife Tourism Session 6 th November 2012 Educating Tourists to Watch Wildlife Responsibly --------------------------------- Abhishek Behl (Founder / CCO) Wild Navigator (Division of Conservation Footprints Ltd) @A_Behl

2. Outline for Today Wilderness - our experience The effects of the Interim ban on tourism How can we use education as a tool for visitors?

3. The Wilderness – our experience The importance of a guide as a story teller Education is knowledge Wildlife Tourism - puts a value on nature

4. INDIA: The Interim Tourism Ban 2010, Activist filed (PIL) in MP State HC July 2012 - Interim ban in 41 Tiger Reserves Oct 2012 – Ban Lifted with New Ecotourism Guidelines/policies: –25% area for Tourism in Core Habitats –Conservation Fee (Lodges / Entry Fees) –Formation of LAC (Local Advisory Committee) –No Tourism infrastructure in Core Areas –To phase out Tourism in next 5 years

5. So what went Wrong ? © Sachin Rai

6. Good Education Good education drives good practices Tiger reserves have more than just Tigers Africa has the Big 5: India has the Magnificent 7 Ask yourself….. Do we see tourists briefed before entering the park? Learning about local cultures, environment & communities? Or Do we see tourists in a race to see the tiger & if they dont they go back disappointed & the guides get no tips? Is the current culture all about taking and not giving back?

7. How to Use Education as a Tool for Visitors International Travel Agents / DMCs Engaging with suppliers Correct marketing Feedback forms International Travel Agents / DMCs Engaging with suppliers Correct marketing Feedback forms Ground Agents / Travel Operators Go beyond One Species focus (Magnificent 7) Correct marketing Giving back to the destination Ground Agents / Travel Operators Go beyond One Species focus (Magnificent 7) Correct marketing Giving back to the destination Lodge / Accommodation Providers Visitor presentations Interpretation/Guiding Visitor experience forms Research/local projects Involve local communities Lodge / Accommodation Providers Visitor presentations Interpretation/Guiding Visitor experience forms Research/local projects Involve local communities

8. THANKS … -------------- Abhishek Behl @WildNavigator www.facebook.com/WildNavigator abhishek@wildnavigator.com