POTENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL COMMUNITIES BY COMMUNITY-BASED ECOTOURISM A CASE STUDY OF RURAL VILLAGE PASTANGA, SIKKIM HIMALAYA, INDIA

Abstract

Poverty is one of the most pressing global problems of the world today. One promising option to provide employment opportunities for the inhabitants of underdeveloped rural areas is the development of ‘pro-poor tourism’. Poverty alleviation tourism can generate environmental benefits in addition to economic, social and cultural ones. This study aims to discuss the possibilities of poverty alleviation of rural communities through the development of community-based ecotourism. The introductory part of the study briefly defines the theoretical frameworks of the concept of poverty and ecotourism in the context of sustainable development. Using the specific example of the Mid-Himalayan Rural village of Pastanga (India), show the potential areas for developing community-based ecotourism with respect to the local development opportunities. In the same way that is draw on our own research as well as available statistical data from the East Sikkim and Questionnaire Survey-2021. The case study presents the current extent of adventure trekking tourism and highlights the trends, characteristics and significance of trekking in Pastanga-Khedi eco-trail. The paper also propose strategies for exploring the trekking potential through the emphasis on ecotourism in the study area. In conclusion, we propose solutions for the regulated development of the area in a participatory way by the concerned stakeholders by implementing activities related to the Community-Based Ecotourism.