Landscape development for wellness tourism at Malvan-achara, Sindhudurg sidtict, Maharashta

Abstract

The aim of the thesis is “Landscape Development for Wellness Tourism at Malvan- Achara,” Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. The stretch of Malvan- Achara region comprises of around 32000 hectares area. Thesis solution is finalised in two stages, first is in the form of regional policies & second stage is detailed proposal is given for Wellness Tourism centre that will act as prototype model for similar region characteristic in terms of its policies, guidelines, concept & ideas. As per ENVIS bulletin India is among the 17 mega biodiversity countries & 25 biodiversity hot spot of the rich & highly endangered ecoregions of the world. Malvan- Achara region is also comprises of unique coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, corals, sandy beaches, rocky beaches, khazan land. These ecosystems act as a shelter for many marine & terrestrial flora & fauna. They also act as food, resources & contribute to ecological services such as carbon sequestration, erosion control, protecting in land areas, water purification etc The main aspect of the thesis is to study existing unique coastal ecosystems & growing tourism in the region & propose sustainable tourism in the form of Wellness tourism. Due to increase in global environmental issues putting these ecosystems under threat as well as increase in resources demands & growing tourism sector in to this region is seeking immediate solution for Malvan- Achara region. This site is identified by Environmental information system (ENVIS) amongst 106 other sites in India under Important coastal marine biodiversity area (ICMBA) for immediate conservation action. Area around Sindhudurg fort in Malvan city is declared as Marine wildlife sanctuary & protected area by Indian government in the year 1987. The core of this marine wildlife sanctuary is 3.218 sqkms. Sindhudurg fort in Malvan city is archeological site of India (ASI) & it is a great attraction for the tourist. The region is also comprising of unique features like estuary, creek, islands, rocky beach & sandy beach. Initial aspect of the study was to understand history, architecture, heritage, tangible & intangible values developed over the time in relation to the human history. The diverse ecosystems are studied under the landscape natural layers analysis, this provides the information regarding natural processes. In last decade tourism sector is very well flourishing in the region, it is thrived & focused on natural, cultural & seascape. Clean beaches, historical Sindhudurg fort & delicious food of fish & curry is the main attraction for the tourist. But the lack of knowledge amongst tourist & local people about the natural environment making adverse effect on the ecosystems. ‘Wellness tourism’ is the fastest growing sector amongst all other tourism types that hold the 14% share of all tourism spending in the year 2018. The proposal will suggest about development of wellness tourism that will promote & conserve the coastal ecosystems, livelihood there through various awareness program & practices, which will account for social, economic & environmental Impacts & will fulfill the need of tourist, locals & the environment over there.