Livelihood Security and Sustainability of Ecotourism Destinations in Kerala

Abstract

Ecotourism is one emerging subsector in tourism, which has immense potential for Sustainable Development. This development of nature-based tourism in Kerala and the associated tourist demand for the destinations is invariably providing livelihood opportunities and wellbeing of the local communities. The paper unveils livelihood security of the community members and sustainable ecotourism development of the destination. Altogether, 600 samples have been collected from three zones based on active community participation in ecotourism programmes. The data was further analysed using Chi-Square, ANOVA, Correspondence Analysis, and Factor analysis. In addition to this, the Standard of Living Index (SLI) was constructed to understand the wellbeing of the community and Income Poverty Dynamics were estimated to highlight income advancement of the community. The result obtained from the study shows a clear-cut picture of community members in terms of their livelihood pattern and how it helped the community members to overcome the burden of poverty visa- vis sustainable development of the destination. As a result, the marginalised sections inhibited in the forest areas have benefitted immensely from the nature-based ecotourism programmes. The community perception indicates that ecotourism has brought environment and economics benefits, participation of local communities and preservation of local culture.