Eco-tourism and institutions: Comparison of turtle sites in Goa and Maharashtra

Abstract

Sea turtle population faces increasing threats in India due to multiple reasons. We studied two turtle nesting conservation sites in Goa and Maharashtra to understand the dynamics of tourism and turtle conservation in these areas. The turtle nesting period which starts from October to March coincides with the tourist season in both the states. The two different models of turtle conservation - on the one hand in Goa, there is a conflict of interest between tourism and conservation goals. And on the other hand in Maharashtra, tourism activities with collective action are used as a strategy to promote turtle conservation. Our study finds that with community involvement alongwith turtle conservation eco-tourism could be promoted without any conflict. The Velas model of turtle conservation and nature-based tourism followed in Maharashtra has possibilities of replication to other nesting sites and may have solutions to the sustainability of turtle conservation in this country.