Two day workshop on ‘Responsible Tourism in Himalayas’ concludes at BGSBU
Rajouri: A two-day workshop on practising responsible tourism in Himalayas at eth Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) concluded on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, BGSBU, Prof Javed Musarrat said that Eco-tourism has emerged as one of the most important sectors of the international tourism industry.
Prof Musarrat urged the participants to come forward with their valuable inputs to various decision making agencies for the formulation and implementation of an inclusive ecotourism policy for the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
The VC said that education and awareness of the locals and tourists was the key to successful implementation of eco-tourism measures.
Suresh Gupta, Chief Wildlife Warden discussed various initiatives of the Wildlife Department to promote ecotourism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gupta also talked about the challenges faced by the department and sought the cooperation of general masses for the effective implantation of various initiatives taken up by the government for promoting Eco-tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Conservator of Forest Ecotourism, J Frankoi highlighted the Draft Ecotourism Policy of the state and invited the suggestions from various stake holders to come up with a long term policy framework for the development of eco-tourism in the state of Jammu of Kashmir.
Dr Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri, Registrar BGSBU said that one of the important outcome of this workshop would be the formulation of consultative group that will advise the government towards a comprehensive policy framework and an action plan to promote and develop ecotourism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Zarri said that getting locals connected with conservation practices at an early stage was the first step in ensuring participation of local communities in eco-tourism measures and thereby making tourism as a tool for conservation.
On the occasion a panel discussion was conducted by Dr Pankaj Chandan to discuss the various dimensions of draft ecotourism policy of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Danish Iqbal Raina, Organising secretary of the workshop presented the welcome address where as Vinay Kumar, Workshop Coordinator presented the vote of thanks.
Sabeha Mufti conducted the proceeding of the session. Around 180 delegates from different parts of the country participated in the workshop.
KV News
