Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary (Sikkim, India) and Promotion of Ecotourism: Perspectives from Ground Zero

Abstract

Fambonglho wildlife sanctuary (FWLS) as an ascent ecotourism project in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, India, was studied. FWLS is much known for its biotic richness and the main crowd-puller is it’s over 280 avian species. Steady rise in tourist influx is being observed between 2011-2014 with a growth rate of 46.41 per cent, 0.47 per cent and 16.99 per cent in the year 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Maximum tourist visits were recorded in the year 2014 with a total visit of 253 visitors. Within the last two decades, October received highest number of visitors and July received the least. The sustainable use of Nature and benefits accrued to the stakeholders, especially at the grassroots level, has to be balanced with a visible tilt sustainability of natural resources. Emphasis is laid on bringing in quality homestay arrangement in Fambonglho which has to play a pivotal role in making ecotourism a successful venture in the FWLS.