The fragile environment, ever growing tourism and the quest for sustainability: A case study from Duars, Alipurduar, West Bengal

Abstract

The Duars region of the northern part of West Bengal is picturesque with dense forests, hills, tea gardens, plantations and many rivers and streams. The Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR), one of the many protected areas in the region, is one of the most biodiverse regions of the country. It boasts of many endemic plants and animals. It is the home for the endangered Indian Tiger. Besides this, the BTR is the source of income and livelihood of many local and ethnic populations residing in an around the reserve. The cultural and historical heritage of the BTR is also noteworthy. Therefore, the reserve is congenial for tourism and many ecodevelopment activities have been planned and executed in the area. However, natural disasters, increasing human population, indiscriminate use of natural resources human wildlife conflict and growing pressure from anthropogenic activities has led to a loss of biodiversity, The reserve faces many management issues and challenges. The current study aims to do a thorough sectional analysis of the problems of biodiversity conservation and management in the BTR and suggest mitigation measures for the same.