Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Preservation in Uttarakhand: A Case Study of Community-Managed Ecotourism Initiatives in an Indian Himalayan Region State

Abstract

This chapter critically examines the effectiveness of community-managed ecotourism initiatives in promoting sustainable tourism and cultural preservation in Uttarakhand. It aims to identify current challenges, and propose innovative solutions to align tourism development with cultural and environmental preservation. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative analysis of tourism data with qualitative interviews from various stakeholders. The findings underscore the economic benefits of tourism, such as job creation and infrastructure development, while highlighting significant environmental and cultural costs, such as ecosystem degradation and cultural commodification. The case studies from Uttarakhand illustrate successful implementations of community-managed projects. Based on these insights, the chapter proposes a comprehensive framework for sustainable tourism in Uttarakhand. The chapter concludes by discussing the broader implications of these initiatives, reflecting on the scalability and transferability of local successes to other regions.