1. Why in News?

• Dhudmaras Village, located in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, has been selected under the Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP) by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
• The selection highlights its potential as a hub for eco-tourism and sustainable development, marking it as a global model for tourism-driven rural development.

2. Key Features of Dhudmaras Village

1.     Location:

o    Situated in Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP).

o    Surrounded by dense forests, the Kanger River, and rich biodiversity.

2.     Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP):

o    Declared a national park in 1982.

o    Known for its caves:

§  Kutumbasar, Kailash, and Dandak Caves: Famous for stalagmites (floor formations) and stalactites (ceiling formations).

o    Dominated by moist deciduous forests, including Sal, Teak, and Bamboo.

3.     Cultural Significance:

o    Home to the Dhurwa Tribe, a subgroup of the Gond Tribe.

o    The Dhurwa people speak Paarji, a Gond dialect, and their lifestyle is intricately tied to forests.

o    Visitors can experience tribal life through homestays, traditional food, and guided tours.

3. Recognition and Support

• Selected under the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP).
• Support Areas:
• Economic sustainability: Boosting local livelihoods through eco-tourism.
• Environmental sustainability: Ensuring conservation of natural and cultural assets.
• Tourism development: Enhancing infrastructure, visitor facilities, and tourism management.

4. What is the UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme (UNTRDP)?

1.     About:

o    Aims to promote development, inclusion, and innovation in rural areas through tourism.

o    Focuses on sustainable practices to combat depopulation.

2.     Evaluation Criteria:

o    Villages are assessed on nine parameters, including:

§  Cultural and natural resources.

§  Social and economic sustainability.

§  Tourism infrastructure.

3.     Three Pillars:

o    Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism:

§  Recognizes rural tourism destinations for their cultural, natural, and community-driven values.

o    Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP):

§  Assists villages in improving weak areas to qualify for full recognition.

o    Best Tourism Villages Network:

§  Offers a platform for collaboration and sharing best practices.

5. Significance of UNWTO and SDGs

• UNWTO:
• Established in 1975; headquartered in Madrid, Spain.
• Advocates responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism.
• Aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Relevance to SDGs:
• Target 8.9 of SDGs: Promotes sustainable tourism that creates jobs, preserves local culture, and boosts local products.

6. Implications for Dhudmaras Village

• Economic Boost: Tourism can provide employment opportunities for locals, especially the Dhurwa Tribe.
• Cultural Preservation: Homestays and tribal experiences can help preserve Dhurwa traditions and language.
• Global Recognition: Being part of the UNWTO programme places Dhudmaras on the global tourism map, attracting international visitors.
• Sustainable Development: Strengthens eco-tourism while conserving biodiversity and minimizing environmental impact.

Conclusion

Dhudmaras Village’s inclusion in the UNWTO Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme reflects its potential as a global model for eco-tourism and sustainable development. This initiative not only enhances the village’s visibility but also aligns with broader goals of inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability, contributing to India’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Answer:

Introduction

Dhudmaras Village, situated in Kanger Valley National Park, has been recognized under the Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP) by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This initiative aims to promote rural development through sustainable tourism while preserving cultural and natural assets.

Significance of Dhudmaras Village Recognition

1.     Economic Growth:

o    Eco-tourism provides employment opportunities and boosts local livelihoods, especially for the Dhurwa Tribe.

o    Encourages the local economy through tourism-related activities such as homestays, guided tours, and traditional cuisine.

2.     Cultural Preservation:

o    Promotes the unique Dhurwa tribal culture, language (Paarji), and traditions, preventing their erosion in a globalized world.

3.     Environmental Conservation:

o    Integrates biodiversity conservation with tourism, ensuring the protection of forests, wildlife, and cave ecosystems in Kanger Valley National Park.

4.     Global Visibility:

o    Brings Dhudmaras into the international spotlight, attracting global tourists and potential investment in tourism infrastructure.

Role in Achieving SDGs

1.     Target 8.9:

o    Promotes sustainable tourism that creates jobs, supports local culture, and preserves products.

2.     Goal 1: No Poverty:

o    Reduces poverty through inclusive tourism-based economic opportunities.

3.     Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities:

o    Focuses on preserving cultural and natural heritage while improving rural tourism infrastructure.

4.     Goal 15: Life on Land:

o    Ensures the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems through eco-tourism.

5.     Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals:

o    Encourages collaborations between local communities, UNWTO, and governments for holistic development.

Challenges in Implementation

1.     Inadequate Infrastructure:

o    Limited access to transportation, basic amenities, and visitor facilities.

2.     Community Involvement:

o    Ensuring active participation of local tribes in decision-making and benefit-sharing.

3.     Environmental Risks:

o    Over-tourism may disturb the fragile ecosystem of Kanger Valley National Park.

4.     Capacity Building:

o    Need for training locals in sustainable tourism practices and hospitality management.

Way Forward

1.     Strengthen Local Participation:

o    Empower local communities, especially the Dhurwa Tribe, through training and equitable benefit-sharing.

2.     Develop Sustainable Infrastructure:

o    Invest in eco-friendly facilities like solar-powered guesthouses, sustainable transport, and waste management systems.

3.     Collaborate with Experts:

o    Partner with national and international organizations for technical assistance in eco-tourism management.

4.     Promote Responsible Tourism:

o    Sensitize visitors to respect local culture and minimize environmental impact.

Conclusion

Dhudmaras Village’s recognition under the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme is a testament to the potential of sustainable tourism in fostering rural development. By integrating economic, cultural, and environmental goals, this initiative aligns with India’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, setting an example for other rural areas globally.

1. Consider the following statements about Dhudmaras Village:

1.     It is located in Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP), Chhattisgarh.

2.     The village is predominantly inhabited by the Gond Tribe.

3.     Dhudmaras is recognized under the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village Programme.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

2. Which of the following features is/are associated with Kanger Valley National Park?

1.     Presence of stalagmites and stalactites in its caves.

2.     Dominance of moist deciduous forests.

3.     Home to the Dhurwa Tribe, a subgroup of the Gond Tribe.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

3. With reference to the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village Programme (BTVUP), consider the following statements:

1.     It promotes sustainable tourism to combat rural depopulation.

2.     Villages under this programme are evaluated based on nine key criteria, including sustainability and tourism development.

3.     The programme exclusively focuses on eco-tourism in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

4. Which of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is directly associated with promoting sustainable tourism?

(a) Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
(b) Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
(c) Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
(d) Goal 15: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Answer: (a) Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

5. Which of the following tribes predominantly inhabit Dhudmaras Village?

(a) Santhal Tribe
(b) Bhil Tribe
(c) Gond Tribe
(d) Khasi Tribe

Answer: (c) Gond Tribe