Exploring Sustainable Tourism in the Western Ghats of Karnataka: Community Participation, Ecological Risks and a Policy Framework

Tourism has enormous potential in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, owing to the presence of biodiversity, forests, scenic beauty, waterfalls, wildlife and heritage. But, increased tourism activity in the region may lead to adverse impacts on the environment, including infrastructure expansion, waste generation and natural habitat disturbance. This study looks at sustainable tourism development in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, specifically in relation to tourism development, community involvement in tourism development and ecologic conservation. For this study, the approach employed is descriptive, exploratory and conceptual, based mainly on secondary sources and institutional literature. This study analyzes the tourism potentials and challenges, involvement of local community in tourism development and destination management and the need for integration of tourism with ecology and environment. Based on thematic analysis, this study suggests an integrated policy framework related to ecological carrying capacity, community involvement, responsible tourism infrastructure development, waste management, climate risk management, biodiversity conservation and institutional coordination. The study makes the case for a change in focus from tourism promotion to destination stewardship, whereby the considerations of economic development, community wellbeing and ecological preservation would be taken into account. The framework presented here could help stakeholders such as policymakers and tourism authorities develop sustainable tourism in Western Ghats of Karnataka