"Thenmala Ecotourism" is the first planned ecotourism destination in India. Thenmala is a small village at the foothills of the Western Ghat Mountains and predominantly a forest area with a lot of human interventions at the periphery.

HOW NATURE BASED?

The nearby Wildlife Sanctuary (Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary) is the most important ecotourism resource. This is considered as a unique destination development initiative with "Thenmala" the village as a focal point with small community led ecotourism developments within a radius of 50km from Thenmala in the foothills of Western Ghat Mountains. Investment is to the tune of 1.6 Million US Dollars. Development period was 3 years. Stakeholders include Government Departments such as Tourism, Forest, Irrigation, local self Government and local communities, scientific institutions etc. The main components of the destination are ecofriendly general tourism products and ecotourism products.

The Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary

The etymological meaning of the name *Shenduruney* has been derived from a tree species locally called, "Shenkuruny" or "Chenkuruny" (Gluta travancorica) an endemic tree mainly confined to this area. The Government declared Shenduruney as a Wildlife Sanctuary on 25th August 1984. The construction of the Parappar Dam across the confluence of the Shenduruney Kazhuthurutty, and Kulathupuzha rivers had resulted in the creation of an artificial lake of about 26 Sq. Km. which spreads along the middle of the sanctuary.

Location - southern part of the Western Ghats (8'50 and 8'55 N; 77'5 and 77' 15 E)
District - Kollam
Taluk - Pathanapuram
Total area of - 100.32 Sq. km.

• Rain Forest, Deciduous Forest, Man Made Forest
• Myristica Swamps And Shola-Grasslands
• 1500 flowering plants (3800 in Kerala State)
• 43 mammal species
• 200 species of birds (475 species in Kerala State)

Chenkuruny tree (Gluta travancorica)

Map of Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary

HOW ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE?

a. Contribution to the Conservation of Natural Areas

Initially 30 acres of degraded forest areas were taken up and protected from biotic interferences, which now became fully covered by trees and being used by visitors for small wilderness trails, riverine walk, canopy walk etc. This area has been divided into 3 zones and planned as a familiarisation zones so that impact on the larger ecosystem, "the sanctuary" is kept minimum. Another conservation effort is the deer rehabilitation programme where the deer that stray out from nearby forests are taken to this center and being helped to survive.

Nakshatravanam (Star Forest) - A unique system to popularise tree planting.
The predictions forecasted for a man are based on the Nakshthra or the constellation in which one's Moon was placed at ones birth. The entire Zodiac comprises of 360 degrees. Therefore, there are 27 Nakshthras or constellations in the Zodiac.

Each of these Nakshthra is associated with a tree. These trees are of medicinal, social, aesthetic or economic value. There is a belief that it will bring good fortunes if one plants one's own tree (pertaining to his star) in his home. In this proposed programme a nursery of these 27 trees are established and visitor are encouraged to visit and if interested, they can buy the same. Definitely people will see that these plants survive once they purchase it. Hence ultimately ecotourism contributes to the greening i.e. protecting nature.

b. Environmental Practices in the Development and Operation of Ecotourism Facilities, Establishments and Services

Waste Management: Vermi Composting technique is being practiced. Only local architecture and locally available materials are used in construction. Battery Powered Vehicles are used to transport tourists through forests to Boat landing in order to signify the importance of non-polluting sources of energy. Local cuisines are also promoted. Local accommodations are encouraged in destination. Environment Impact Assessment has been done and parameters of sustainability has been laid down by a leading Research Institute - Kerala Forest Research Institute.

HOW EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION IS A MAJOR COMPONENT?

Society associates with Protected area (Wildlife Sanctuary) authorities in the field of the nature education activities. Special concession rate in ecotourism zones are offered for school children, college students and those who attend Wildlife Sanctuary Nature camps. Special nature education classes (1/2 to 1 hour) is conducted in forest environment by the trained staff for the students on demand. Good signages and tree labeling are provided in all pathways and nature trails. During trekking programmes, trained local guides are utilised for education. Local youth are given training on interpretation and helped to avail self employment opportunities in ecotourism.

HOW LOCAL PEOPLE ARE BENEFITED?

Local youth were trained to use self-employment opportunities i.e. as guides etc. The trekking programme is being managed by the local group of people residing nearby with support of the private sector. Direct employment given to people belonging to the area / district. Apart from that the shops established by the Society for selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and for running the cafeteria etc. are entrusted to local "woman group" i.e. local women self help groups. Employees are also given training frequently. Ecotourism products such as trekking etc are managed by local community with the help of forest department.
 

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