Ecotourism in Bagalkot District, Karnataka, India. An assessment of the inhabitants awareness level and attitudes

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Authors: Nichola  Anastasia Ramchurjee, Suresha S

Department of Environmental Science, Yuvaraja’s College Autonomous, Constituent, University of Mysore, Mysore, 570 005, Karnataka, India. nichola_ramchurjee@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The  aim  of  this  paper  is  to  explore  the  scope  to which  the  local  residents  of  the Bagalkot district  have  positive  attitudes  and  awareness  towards  ecotourism  impact  of  sustainable development.    The  investigation  was  based  on  three  primary  factors,  namely  social  and cultural  impacts,  level  of  awareness  towards  ecotourism  and  empowerment  of  the  local community. The  study  revealed  that  the residents  showed  a  high  degree  of  awareness  and sensitivity  regarding  the  socio-cultural  issues.  They are  in  need  of  training  and  education related to ecotourism in order to improve their lifestyles, economy and resource management.

Their  involvement  in  ecotourism  programs  would  be  a  potential  strategy  to  promote  and support sustainable development in the area.