Eco Tourism Plan

On
Posadi Gumpe

VR Gireesh
BA sociology
24HSOC13513
 INDEX

● Introduction
● Preliminary assessment
● Stakeholder engagement
● Eco tourism goals & Objectives
● Carrying capacity
● Infrastructure
● Visitors management
● Conservations of ecosystem in the
area
● Community involvement and benefits
● photos
 Introduction

Posadi Gumpe is a picturesque hill station located

in Kasaragod, Kerala, known for its lush green
landscapes, cool climate, and serene atmosphere.

Perched about 1,000 feet above sea level, it offers

sweeping views of the Arabian Sea on one side and
the verdant Western Ghats on the other, making it a
favored spot for nature lovers, trekkers, and
photographers.

The area is relatively unexplored and maintains a

peaceful, off-the-beaten-path charm, with rich
biodiversity that includes unique plant and animal
species.

Posadi Gumpe is ideal for those seeking a tranquil

retreat and eco-friendly tourism, offering a blend
of natural beauty and cultural significance with
minimal crowds
 Preliminary assessment

Posadi Gumpe, located in the Kasaragod district of

Kerala, is a relatively lesser-known but scenic hill
station. Nestled at about 1,500 feet above sea
level, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding
hills, forests, and coastal areas, particularly the
Arabian Sea on clear days. The area is known for
its natural beauty, tranquility, and untouched
landscapes, making it ideal for nature lovers,
photographers, and trekkers seeking a peaceful
getaway.

This spot is not as commercially developed as

other tourist sites in Kerala, which adds to its
charm but also means fewer amenities for
travelers. Visitors often engage in short treks,
nature walks, and picnics while enjoying the
serene environment. Since it's close to both the
Karnataka-Kerala border and the Western Ghats,
Posadi Gumpe also holds ecological significance
and a diversity of flora and fauna typical of the
region.

Getting there can be challenging due to its remote

location and limited public transport options. The
best way to reach it is by car from nearby towns
like Kasaragod or Mangalore.
 Stakeholder engagement

Local Communities: Engage residents through community

meetings to support local employment in guiding,
homestays, and crafts. Prioritize sustainable practices to
protect their environment and lifestyle.

Local Government: Partner with authorities to approve

development that aligns with local plans and ensures
ecological preservation.

Tourism Authorities: Work with Kerala Tourism to

promote Posadi Gumpe responsibly, enhancing visitor
facilities while avoiding mass tourism.

Environmental Organizations: Collaborate on ecotourism

guidelines to safeguard biodiversity, ensuring
low-impact tourism.

Adventure Groups: Partner for trail development, guided

tours, and education on conservation to attract
eco-conscious tourists.

Local Businesses: Encourage eco-friendly amenities and

local business growth, avoiding large-scale
commercialization.

Tourists: Educate visitors on responsible tourism to

preserve the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
 Eco tourism goals & Objectives

● Preserve natural beauty and biodiversity.

● Empower local communities economically and
culturally.
● Establish waste management systems and
promote eco-friendly infrastructure.
● Train locals in eco-tourism skills and create
income opportunities through crafts and guided
tours.
● Implement visitor education programs on
biodiversity and conservation practices.
● Conduct studies to prevent overcrowding and
assess environmental impacts.
● Incorporate cultural experiences to foster
appreciation for local heritage.
 Carrying capacity

Environmental Capacity

● Maximum Daily Visitors: 200 visitors.

● Soil Erosion: Can tolerate a 10% increase in erosion
before needing action.
● Wildlife Disturbance: Limit of 50 visitors in sensitive
areas during breeding seasons.

Socio-Cultural Capacity

● Community Comfort: Residents are okay with up to

150 daily visitors.
● Cultural Events: Can host 100 people in local events
without overcrowding.
● Economic Benefit: Need at least a 30% increase in
local income from tourism to be worthwhile.

Infrastructure Capacity

● Parking Spaces: 50 vehicles, allowing for 200 visitors

total.
● Restrooms: 2 restrooms, each serving up to 100
visitors.
Infrastructure devolpemnt

Sustainable Design

1. Eco-Friendly Materials: Use locally sourced and

sustainable materials, like bamboo and mud, to blend
with the environment.
2. Energy Efficiency: Install solar panels and
energy-efficient lighting to reduce fossil fuel reliance.
3. Water Conservation: Implement rainwater harvesting
and low-flow fixtures to minimize water use.
4. Waste Management: Set up recycling and composting
stations, educating visitors on proper waste disposal.

Visitor Facilities

1. Information Center: Create a center with educational

displays on ecology and culture, offering maps and
resources for tours.
2. Restroom Facilities: Build clean, accessible restrooms
using water-saving technologies.
3. Parking Areas: Design for 50 vehicles, including bike
spaces to promote eco-friendly transport.
4. Trails and Pathways: Develop marked trails with
natural surfaces, including benches for visitor
comfort.
5. Cultural Spaces: Provide areas for local artisans to
showcase crafts and for community events.
6. Eco-Lodges or Campsites: Establish eco-friendly
accommodations with sustainable practices for
energy and water use.
 Visitors management

Access Control Systems

1. Entry Points: Designate main entry and exit points to

manage visitor flow and enhance security.
2. Reservation System: Implement an online booking
system to limit daily visitors and manage peak times.
3. Entry Fees: Introduce a nominal fee to support
conservation efforts, with discounts for locals.
4. Visitor Passes: Use wristbands or digital passes to
monitor access to specific areas.

Interpretation Program

1. Educational Signage: Install informative signs with

QR codes for visitors to learn about local ecology and
culture.
2. Guided Tours: Offer guided tours led by local guides
to share insights on biodiversity and traditions.
3. Workshops and Events: Organize hands-on workshops
and seasonal events to engage visitors in local
culture.
4. Community Involvement: Involve locals in developing
the program, providing training for guides.
Conservations of ecosystem in the
area
● Conduct regular surveys to monitor flora and fauna,
using methods like camera traps and community
involvement in data collection.
● Establish key indicators (e.g., water quality, soil
health) for assessing ecosystem health and utilize
remote sensing technologies for monitoring changes.
● Designate critical habitats as protected areas,
empowering local communities for sustainable
management and enforcing laws to protect
endangered species.
● Implement patrols to prevent poaching and manage
invasive species threatening local ecosystems.
● Collaborate with universities and NGOs for research
on biodiversity and integrate local knowledge into
conservation planning.
● Conduct ecological impact assessments before
development projects to evaluate potential ecosystem
impacts.
● Engage local communities in conservation efforts
through education and training programs.
● Create a centralized database for ecological data and
share findings with stakeholders to raise awareness.
● Advocate for policies supporting biodiversity
conservation and seek funding for conservation
initiatives.
● Use adaptive management practices to adjust
strategies based on research and set clear,
measurable conservation goals.
Community involvement and benefits

● Create Community Management Committees:

Establish at least 3 committees to facilitate local
decision-making and foster community ownership
in conservation efforts.
● Develop Local Tourism Enterprises: Aim to create
5 new tourism-related businesses within the next
2 years to generate income and showcase cultural
heritage.
● Implement Training Programs: Provide training
for 100 community members annually in
sustainable practices and tourism management to
enhance local employment opportunities.
● Support Artisanal Crafts: Increase the marketing
of handicrafts by 30% over the next year,
boosting local income and promoting cultural
identity.
● Create Transparent Revenue-Sharing Systems:
Implement a revenue-sharing model that
allocates at least 50% of profits from local
resources back to the community.
● Improve Local Infrastructure and Healthcare:
Upgrade essential services, targeting
improvements in 2 key infrastructure projects and
1 healthcare facility within the next 3 years.
Implementation Framework

● Planning Phase:
○ Conduct detailed site planning and develop
marketing strategies for tourism, aiming for 2
comprehensive plans completed in the first
year.
○ Create financial plans with a target budget of
$50,000 for sustainable funding initiatives.
● Operational Phase:
○ Establish regular monitoring and evaluation
processes with quarterly reviews of
conservation initiatives to ensure
accountability.
○ Integrate stakeholder feedback at least twice
a year to enhance project outcomes and
ensure community voices are valued.

Monitoring and Evaluation

● Key Performance Indicators:

○ Track environmental health metrics with a
target of improving at least 3 key indicators
(e.g., biodiversity levels, water quality) within
2 years.
○ Measure community participation in
initiatives, aiming for at least a 70%
involvement rate among residents.
● Evaluation Methods:
○ Conduct annual environmental audits and
social impact assessments to ensure projects
meet ecological and community standards.
○ Collect visitor feedback through biannual
surveys to improve tourism experiences and
PHOTO GALLERY:
CONCLUSION

Posadi Gumpe offers a unique opportunity to balance

conservation and sustainable development through
well-structured ecotourism initiatives. By conducting
thorough assessments of natural resources,
socio-cultural dynamics, and infrastructure,
stakeholders can collaboratively develop strategies
that protect the area's biodiversity while enhancing
community well-being. Through effective
participation mechanisms and transparent benefit
distribution, the local population can actively
engage in and benefit from ecotourism, fostering
pride in their cultural heritage and natural
surroundings. Overall, the integration of sustainable
practices will not only preserve Posadi Gumpe's
ecological and cultural integrity but also promote
economic growth and resilience for future
generations.