The Mangrove Foundation, a Maharashtra government organisation that aims toward coastal and marine biodiversity conservation, has now achieved another milestone by establishing an eco-tourism village in Marambalpada.
The eco-tourism village near Virar has a one-of-its-kind boat safari, bird-watching mangrove boardwalk, serene nature trails and more.
Natural resources to the rescue
The Mangrove Foundation works to improve the livelihood of the coastal community of the state and plans to establish Mangrove as a corporate giver, leveraging the collective strength of the team with the objective of donating amounts that make a difference and have a visible impact.
“The development of the centre will boost eco-tourism in Marambalpada and also help generate additional revenue for locals and encourage them to enhance efforts to conserve mangroves.”
Virendra Tiwari, additional principal chief conservator of forests of Mangrove Cell
Mangrove & Marine Biodiversity Information Centre at Marambalpada (Virar) is now open for visitors
Centre has 3 information galleries & two open air viewing decks, lower deck overlooking the dense Mangrove canopy & upper deck overlooking River Vaitrarnahttps://t.co/U9VhvP5gK8 pic.twitter.com/ay7bCT66pi
— Mangrove Foundation of Maharashtra (@MangroveForest) July 2, 2022
Since we are on the subject of eco-tourism, it wouldn’t hurt to know that Kerala’s Thenmala was the first planned eco-tourism destination in India. Kumbalangi, the eco-tourism village, uses natural resources to propagate tourism. It is located 30 minutes away from Fort Kochi and the families there work on crab farming, dry coconut, fishing and coir weaving.
360-degree bird’s eye-view of mangroves
Coming back to the Marambalpada eco-tourism village, an eco-tourism village, like the one set up by the foundation near Virar, uses a social entrepreneurship approach.
These villages showcase peaceful rivers, water springs, a conserved forest and their very own biodiversity. A Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Information Centre has also been set up in the village at an estimated cost of ₹45 lakhs that is funded by the Mangrove Foundation and NGO Inner Wheel Club. The centre has been designed in a way that it offers a 360˚ bird-eye view of the mangroves to the visitors.
Additionally, the boat safari in the eco-tourism village is being set up at an estimated cost of ₹10 lakh. Reportedly, this 12-seater boat safari will be operational after the monsoon.
“The unique aspect of the centre is the top viewing deck that offers a 360-degree bird’s eye-view of mangroves.”
Sheetal Pachpande, ecologist and deputy director (Projects) of Mangrove Foundation
The land required to establish the centre has been provided by Maharashtra Maritime Board. To take further steps in helping the environment, the centre has been built using three containers in order to not harm the areas nearby.
This is done as per law since the newly formed centre lies under the category of coastal regulation zone (CRZ).
With this eco-tourism village being set up in Maharashtra, India is one step ahead in improving welfare of the community, respecting natural surroundings, conserving the environment and augmenting a sense of belonging.
Eco-tourism stands for responsible travel and we encourage everyone to explore the arena further.
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