Ecotourism offered numerous opportunities for the youth and one should use these opportunities for career growth, said Tourism Department’s Regional Joint Director Ramana Prasad.
Speaking as the chief guest at the two-day seminar titled, ‘Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges’, organised by the Department of Commerce, Sanjay Gandhi Government Degree and PG College in Pileru of Annamayya district on December 12, Thursday, Mr. Ramana Prasad also stressed the need for ensuring that the tourism development did not come at the cost of the environment.
The seminar was conducted with financial support from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi.
The keynote speaker, Y. Venkata Rao, from Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, pointed out that ecotourism had recorded a growth of 20–30% since the 1990s, contributing 6% to the global per capita income. He also underlined the importance of preserving the environment and safeguarding natural resources for future generations. Furthermore, he pointed out that ecotourism had a promising future in Asia and suggested adopting the best practices, followed in Europe, in this domain.
M. Sudhakar Reddy, principal of the college, who presided over the seminar, said Andhra Pradesh, with its long coastline, rich forest cover, mountain ranges, and river systems, had immense potential for ecotourism. He urged governments to implement robust policies to utilise these resources effectively to lead the State on the path of development.
Vice-principal Shivaram Reddy, faculty members G. Ranganatham, Rafi and Sandhya Adoori, convenor Venkataramanaiah and students were present.
Published – December 12, 2024 10:53 pm IST
