Eco-cultural Tourism in Sigiriya
Promotion and Development of Eco-cultural Tourism in Sigiriya Region The project was initiated with the objective of promoting ecologically and culturally-responsible tourism in the region, while providing adequate support to local community development and environmental conservation.
Nature and cultural tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the Sigiriya region. The diverse eco-cultural resources in the area generate employment, while causing a threat to the environment-sensitive areas in the wildlife sanctuary. Without careful management, the pressure exerted from the tourism industry that favors to seek these resources would them cause irrevocable damage. CES recognizes that the maintenance of these sensitive resources will ensure the stability of tourism in the region. CES is also aware of the potential of and conflicts faced by the development of tourism in the area over the last few years. Thus, we believe that there is more to be done to strike a balance between the two and to create an atmosphere conducive to commercial operators and environmentalists to interact positively. CES recognizes Eco-cultural tourism as a powerful tool that
favors environmental conservation through increased public awareness of environmentally-sensitive areas and resources and stimulates action and mobilizes support to prevent the degradation of such environments.
CES in collaboration with Wild watch International a recently established private tour group focused on promoting environment-friendly tourism and concern groups The programme is also exploring potential links with other environmental conservation groups with similar interests.
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