SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN UTTARAKHAND: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Ecotourism has emerged as a vital driver of sustainable development in Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state known for its ecological diversity and cultural richness. This paper explores how ecotourism contributes to regional economic growth while addressing environmental sustainability and community empowerment. By analyzing secondary data from research reports, government policies, and academic studies, the paper highlights the dual impact of ecotourism: generating employment, enhancing local entrepreneurship, and boosting Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), while also raising concerns about ecological fragility and over-tourism. The study emphasizes the role of eco-friendly infrastructure, community-based tourism models, and policy interventions in promoting responsible travel. It also identifies challenges such as inadequate waste management, carrying capacity issues, and the need for greater stakeholder participation. The findings suggest that with strategic planning, Uttarakhand can leverage ecotourism as a model for sustainable regional development.