|
Abstract:
|
"The present exercise is an attempt to focus the socio- economic-ecological benefits of Andaman & Nicobar Islands to the local and global society at large. The Islands have maintained bio-diversity through establishment of 9 National Parks, 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 2 Biosphere Reserves in the Region. The Islands are one of the last vestiges of the three interconnected natural ecosystems, namely Tropical Rain Forests, Mangrove Swamp, and Coral Reefs. It is expected that the planned attempts being made by the administration would definitely help to develop the Andaman & Nicobar Islands into a new tourist heaven of international repute for the lovers of environment in near future. Tourists visiting the Region have immensely benefited by the recreational and aesthetic value of the National Park. The estimates of ecological benefits to the global society through tourism have been estimated by using the Travel Cost Method. This, to some extent has helped in quantifying the benefits as well as ecological value of the National Parks.
"Till now, there has been about 84.01% of total geographical land under actual forest cover area; in which about 95.14 percent is covered by giant evergreen forest or dense forest or luxuriant forest. In one extreme, we find the Andaman & Nicobar Islands having 100% productive forest area. The products of Andaman & Nicobar forest are richer than that of the Indian forests as whole. Mainland Indian and foreign markets do not have any knowledge about Andaman & Nicobar forests flora and fauna. The forests of the Islands are rich in biodiversity with almost 2000 plant species and over 5100 animal species.
"The forests possess many positive attributes such as natural beauty and cultural heritage; to provide a source of inspiration and an irreplaceable asset; to help maintain the diversity of the ecosystem species, genetic varieties and ecological process including the regulation of water flow and climate which are vital for the support of all life form; to protect genetic varieties of species which are vital in meeting human needs, for instance, in agriculture and medicine; to have significant scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and spiritual value and to provide major direct and indirect benefits to local and national economies.
"The local people - tribal as well as non-tribal population derive socio-economic benefits from the forests of the Region. These benefits are reflected in the dependence of locals for their daily subsistence fuel, fodder, NTFPs - which is a major source of their livelihood in the absence of alternative employment / livelihood opportunities. Almost 100% rural households closest to forests collect NTFPs for own consumption. Largest percentages, i.e., 98% sample households collect firewood for their day-to-day use. Average per-head man-days engaged in collection is estimated at about 48 days per year. The estimates of direct / indirect income / employment opportunities to the locals have been quantified to give some rough estimates of the economic benefits of the Islands. Forest related occupations are principal source of income for 11% households and collection of NTFPs is principal occupation for 45% tribal households."
|