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Development Of A Sustainable Ecotourism Plan For Horton Plains National Park  


Abstract Category: Other Categories
Course / Degree: B.A.
Institution / University: University of Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka
Published in: 2008


Dissertation Abstract / Summary:

The research is conducted in an era where the whole natural systems in the world are destroying, where the natural resources are diminishing and in an era where the environment has stood against the humans. The main concern of this research is to enforce the humans through friendship, relationship and togetherness in order to protect the natural environment.

Nature is created through differences in the world. The geological differences and climate changes contribute to the creation of the nature. However the humans destroy it without any proper plan to recreate the nature. It can be estimated that how much the humans create threats to their own by destroying nature, if the amount of natural forests destruction, environmental pollution and the threats against the natural phenomenon in a second are counted.

The environmental pollution can be minimized even in a era where the whole natural system comes to an end nearby, through techniques to environmental protection. In the twenty first century, a huge amount of nature lovers have formed in order to stand against the natural destruction throughout the world. The best example that can cite to prove the fact is the development of the Ecotourism Industry in the world.

Horton Plains is one of the hot spot in the world, which can be reflected through bio-diversity. Even though Horton Plains National Park has not yet recognized as a Ecotourism potential area, there are capabilities which it can be recognized as such. So the main objective of this research is to identify the main capabilities to recognize Horton Plains as an Ecotourism potential area. Later the suggestions will prove to be a advantage to the development of the Ecotourism field as well as the Tourism field in Sri Lanka.

Tourism is originated from the time of human evolution. In true terms it cannot be defined as how and when it originated.  From the time of human evolution, tourism originated locally and internationally in the tribes which has become a major economic process in many countries of the world today. Wealthy people have always traveled to distant parts of the world to see great buildings or other works of art, to learn new languages, to experience new cultures, or to taste new cuisine. As long ago as the time of the Roman Republic places such as Baiae were popular coastal resorts for the rich.

The trade of tourism develops according to the various geographical and climate levels of the countries which differ from one country to another. There has been a promote trend in the tourism over the last few decades, especially in Europe where international travel for short breaks is common. Tourists have higher levels of disposable income and greater leisure time and they are also better-educated and have more sophisticated tastes. “Miami” islands are recognized as the best tourism zones in the world. This situation has developed into the countries like Thailand, Singapore, Philippine, Sri Lanka, Central American countries, Australia, India, Middle East and Western countries.

However these forms of tourism are interconnected with each other. As the new millennium unfolds, we are becoming increasingly aware of the fixed, interconnected and precious nature of our planet home. Likewise, tourism is becoming an increasingly popular expression of this awareness. With advances in transportation and information technology, ever more remote areas of the earth are coming within reach of the traveler. In fact, tourism is now the world's largest industry, with nature tourism the fastest growing segment. In response to this increasing appreciation of nature experiences, a new travel ethic has arisen which is now called ecotourism. This term has become increasingly popular in both conservation and travel circles.

Horton Plains is one of the unique and rich biodiversity forest ecosystem which the nature has gifted Sri Lanka. This is one of the most important ecosystems in the world. However being ranked as one of the highest biodiversity site in the world, Horton Plains has experienced some bad effects with human intervention into the site. The Horton Plains National Park is the only national park situated in the wet zone of the country and falls within the Nuwara Eliya district. Situated 2300m above sea level this national park has different climatic conditions and habitat to all the other national parks. Almost all life forms in Horton Plains are adapted to the high altitude conditions. There are a lot of endemic flora and fauna found in the plains it. The endemicity among fauna is comparatively high. One would also find several endemic hill country birds in the Horton plains national park. The panoramic scenic beauty of the hill country could be witnessed within the park. The famous "World's End" and "Bakers Falls" are major attractions. The Kirigalpotta, second highest peak and the Thotapola, third highest peak of the country are also situated in the Horton plains. The park covers 31.60 km², and is a mixture of highland forest and wet grassland.

Horton Plains is very popular as a tourist attraction destination. The main attraction in Horton Plains is Worlds End. The beauty of the landscape, the flora and faunal heritage and the opportunities for recreation attract local and foreign tourists in large numbers. April, August and December are very popular months for local tourists to visit. The visitation by foreigners is higher in the normal tourist seasons September to April. Among the major problems arising from visitation are: littering, removal of plants, drunkenness, fires, and noise pollution. However Horton Plains is considered to be the best tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

A set of 60 questionnaires were prepared on order to analysis data. A sample of 60 tourists was selected who visit Horton Plains National Park and according to their ideas the conclusions are driven to the whole. 41 males and 19 females were mainly selected. Then they were categorized into 78.3% Sri Lankans, 3.3% Indians, 8.3% Englishman, 3.3% Germans, 3.3% Australians and 3.3% Spanish. Consequently they were categorized into the age ranges. There was one person more than 60 years of age, 11 people between 60-40, 29 in 20-40 and 19 less than 20 years of age.

The first consideration is on the fact on interested tourism in which the answer given to the question of the reasons to choose Horton Plains National Park. Amount of 36.6% have voted on Ecotourism. This indicated the priority given to Ecotourism by most of the tourists.

As indicated by the results of the research objectives Horton Plains National Park could be identified as Ecotourism potential. With the introduction, development and protection of the Ecotourism concept, environmental friendly activities could be identified.

The activities like bird watching and trekking could be developed according to the outcome. The trekking activities are been gradually decreasing due to the lack of the professional guiding to the activities. On the other hand, in consideration to the Worlds End trail, Kirigalpottha and Thotupola kanda trails are been less used. The reasons are the difficulty in the trails and no proper guidance to those trails. If these limitations are uprooted, Horton Plains National Park will be a more popular tourist destination among the tourists.

Activities like bird watching are more interested in the foreign tourists. The bird watching guides should be provided in order to improve their interests.

According to the distributed questionnaires it is evident that the concept of Ecotourism is more developing through out the world. Most of the tourists are concerned on the nature protection; therefore by giving the opportunity to walk freely within the Park will not disturb the nature of the Park.

The conclusion which can be made these ideas and data is to give the opportunity to observe the nature freely while protecting and improving the condition of the natural setting. If the rules are broken they should be punished and if a relevant idea on the nature and the Park itself can be given, then they will be more profitable to protect the nature in Horton Plains National Park.

Many difficulties have come across when the pilot survey and the field visit is conducted. On the other hand when the approval is granted for the research is the most difficult task. Because when the pilot survey is more than one day in the research area then the approval should be granted after three months. One of the other limitations is that the research should be conducted within the limits of Flora and Fauna Act.


Dissertation Keywords/Search Tags:
Eco Tourism, sri lanka, travel, nature, horton plains, tourism plan, DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM PLAN FOR HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK, tourism, agro tourism, adventure

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Submission Details: Dissertation Abstract submitted by Dhanushka Senarathna from Sri Lanka on 25-Jul-2011 08:26.
Abstract has been viewed 4553 times (since 7 Mar 2010).

Dhanushka Senarathna Contact Details: Email: senarathana@gmail.com



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