Ecotourism is a term that encompasses many of the tenets of ‘sustainable tourism', and prioritizes both ecological and developmental considerations above the traditional concerns of the tourism industry. Addressing the fundamental environmental and social impacts of the world's fastest growing industrial sector is therefore central to the pursuit of sustainability.

Ecotourism Education

In order to address the crucial issue of ‘appropriate' forms of tourism management and planning, CEE is working with the University of Central Lancashire, UK, to jointly develop a Masters Degree programme in Ecotourism. The programme will engage Indian tourism professionals, tourism students, government employees and others engaged in tourism management and planning, in order to promote the values and practicalities of ecotourism for the social, economic and environmental benefit of the nation.

CEE has been selected as an Implementing Partner for the Endogenous Tourism Project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in three sites in the North East – Kamalasagar (Tripura), Durgapur ( Assam ) and Sualkuchi ( Assam ). The goal is to promote local culture and craft based eco-tourism for sustainable livelihoods and integrated rural development. CEE will be involved in training and building the capacity of youth in ‘guiding' skills, interpretation skills, communication skills, etc. CEE will develop marketing support materials such as brochures, training charts, posters, etc, and would also facilitate creation of village kala kendra (craft museums) and vishram sthals (rest houses) by developing panels, exhibitions etc.