Planning for eco-tourism destination: a case of sangti valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Tourism has emerged as a dynamic force contributing significantly to socio-economic development globally, particularly in rural and ecologically sensitive areas. In India, tourism plays a vital role in generating employment and foreign exchange while fostering cultural exchange and regional development. However, the proliferation of mass tourism has often resulted in adverse environmental and cultural impacts, especially in biodiversity-rich and indigenous landscapes. In this context, eco-tourism—a responsible and sustainable form of tourism that emphasizes conservation, community involvement, and cultural preservation has gained prominence as a strategic alternative. This research investigates the potential for eco-tourism-led sustainable development in Sangti Valley, a picturesque and ecologically fragile region located in the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh. Home to the endangered, black-necked crane and inhabited by the indigenous Monpa tribe, Sangti Valley offers a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Despite its inherent assets, the valley remains underdeveloped in terms of tourism infrastructure and integrated planning, limiting its capacity to harness tourism as a viable development strategy. The study adopts a community-centric and spatial planning approach to assess and propose eco-tourism development strategies for the valley. The research is structured around three primary objectives: to understand the conceptual framework of eco-tourism and its relevance in Sangti Valley; to evaluate the current status and challenges in the existing tourism ecosystem; and to propose participatory, spatially informed strategies for sustainable eco-tourism development. A mixed-methods methodology is used, incorporating primary data collection through field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools, alongside secondary data from tourism authorities, government records, and scholarly literature. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, combined with Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), are employed to identify suitable eco-tourism zones based on environmental, cultural, and infrastructural parameters. The findings suggest that eco-tourism can serve as a critical interface between environmental conservation and socio-economic development in Sangti Valley. Strategic spatial interventions, coupled with local community engagement and policy support, can enable sustainable tourism infrastructure, promote cultural resilience, and ensure ecological protection. The study concludes with a development framework aimed at positioning Sangti Valley as a replicable model for participatory and ecologically conscious tourism in India's hill regions. KEY WORDS: Eco-tourism, Sustainable development, Sangti Valley, Biodiversity conservation, Black-necked cranes, Monpa culture, Community participation, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA).