Tea plantation in Bangladesh produces and exports a large quantity of high quality tea. Tea plantations are also the major eco tourism attractions bringing in a secondary revenue stream. Most of the 163 tea estates in Bangladesh are located in the North-eastern region. Sylhet, Srimangal Moulvibazar, Habigonj, Chittagong, Panchagarh are the main tea growing areas in Bangladesh.

Tea Plantation in Bangladesh – the Heart

The tea industry in Bangladesh annually produces about 55 -60 million kg of tea. It ranks 9th in the list of 30 tea producing countries of the world. Half of the tea produced is consumed at home and rest is exported to various countries likes USA, UK, Russia, Pakistan, Kuwait, Japan, Greece, India, France, Germany and many more. Bangladesh earns 2,000 million taka (Bangladesh Currency) every year from tea export, contributing about 0.8% of the total Bangladesh GDP. Bangladesh’s tea industry constitutes about 3.3 % of the country’s total employment by employing 0.15 million people directly in the tea industry and many more people are employed indirectly in other sectors related to tea.

Sylhet & Srimangal – the two major Tea plantation estates of Bangladesh 

Tea is the heart of Sylhet division. Situated in the north eastern part of Bangladesh, it produces over 40 million kg of tea annually from more than 150 tea estates spread over 40,000 hectares. Sylhet is known for its scenic beauty which is a prime attraction for the tourists. With annual rainfall of 5000mm, the climate in this area is mild and cool and is best suited for tea plantation. Known as “the land of two leaves and a bud”, its terraced tea gardens, eye-catching orange groves and pineapple plantations, tropical jungles and exotic flora and fauna attracts thousands of tourists, providing additional revenue as part of being the eco-tourism destination.

Srimangal is known as the tea capital of Bangladesh. Situated about 80 km from Sylhet, Srimangal is the actual center of tea plantation in Bangladesh. The Tea Research Institute is situated in Srimangal which is open to visitor all throughout the year. Lush green mountains covered with rich tea-plantations, tropical forests, waterfalls streaming down from the hills and lakes cutting through the greenery- all add to the attractions of this area.

Story of workers in Bangladesh’s Tea Plantations

The workers at the tea plantations are one of the most exploited workers with working hours ranging from morning till late night, the wagers received being only $0.47 a day. Such miserable pay severely affects the daily lives of the tea workers. If compared with wages of the Indian tea workers, the wages of Bangladeshi tea plantation workers is much lower. Nearly 300,000 workers are employed on the tea estates of which over 75% are women. Employers prefer to engage women for plucking tea leaves since they do a better job and are paid less than the men.

The tea worker communities are one of the most vulnerable people of Bangladesh. They deserve special attention of the State. But unfortunately they continue to remain socially excluded, low-paid, illiterate, deprived and disconnected. These conditions allow the profiteers from the tea industry to continue exploiting them. Deprived and exploited, the majority of the workers of tea plantation in Bangladesh live an inhuman life.

With abundant flora and fauna, Sundarban ecotourism has emerged as one of the most desired ecotourism destinations in Bangladesh. Sundarban is the world’s largest estuarine mangrove forest and the home to the majestic Bengal Tiger and the Sundari trees from which it derived it name- Sundarban. The rich variations of wildlife and maze of canals and small streams that make Sundarban ecotourism the most beautiful ecotourism spot of the world.

The Sundarban is spread over a vast area of 10,000 square km, of which 2/3rd area is in Bangladesh and rest is in India. It is the world’s biggest delta formed from the sediment deposited by the three great rivers, the Ganges, Brahmaputra and the Megha.  It consists of three wildlife sanctuaries (Sundarban East, West and South) which help in promoting ecotourism in Bangladesh. Situated at the heart of two countries- West Bengal and Bangladesh, Sundarban is also the UNESCO’s World heritage since 1997. This very fact makes it prime property for Sundarban ecotourism.

Why Sundarban Ecotourism?

Spread over an area of 2585 sq km Sundarban is considered as the biggest tiger reserve in Asia. The Sundarban Royal Tigers are famous for its ferocious nature as there have many incidence of man eating in the history. It is assumed that the salty water that the tigers drink makes them aggressive. Yet the Royal Tiger attract a huge tourist flow each year to its home netting huge revenue through Sundarban Ecotourism for the government of Bangladesh.

1. The elephant are enjoying the beauty of Sundarban ecotourism. 2. Deer which is commonly seen in the Sundarban 3. The famous mangroves of Sundarban. 4. The Royal Bengal Tiger 5. The rarest bird species which is found only in Sundarban Ecotourism.

Another prime reason for the flourishing Sundarban ecotourism scenario is the ecological diversity of the Sundarban which supports a large variety of flora and fauna. It is home to many endangered and threatened species such as the Bengal Tiger and Fishing Cat. Within the forest habitat there are about 50 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, around 60 species of reptiles, about 8-10 species of amphibians apart from freshwater sharks and dolphins inhabiting the waters and about 400 species of fishes.

What to See?

Sundarban is also famous for its mangroves. It is the world largest mangrove ecosystem of the world. Sundarban got its name from one of the most commonly found trees known as Sundari. This vast mangrove ecosystem provides the safe habitat to all the animals in this forest. It also gives support as a habitat to a variety of reptiles, amphibians and birds. Some of the more commonly found trees include Passur, Garjan, Genwa, Dhundal, Goran, Kankra, etc.

The best time to for engaging in Sundarban ecotourism is to visit the Sundarban National Park from October to March. The best way to venture into Sundarban is to travel by boats. Small launches and dinghy are easily available that will take you deep into the water channels and creeks. Some of the most famous Sundarban ecotourism spots are Katka, Hiron Point (known commonly as Nilkamal), Dublar Char, Sajnekhali Watch Tower and Tiger Point (Kachi Khali). Katka is the best stop to see tigers and bird watching. Hiron Point is a resting place and also great for spotting tigers and other wildlife. Dublar Char is an Island best suitable for fishing. Sajnekhali Watch Tower houses a museum, a Bonobibi Temple and a crocodile park within its premises. Tiger Point or Kachi Khali is another best place to see tiger.

Sundarban Ecotourism Endangered

The biggest threat to this world’s most beautiful ecotourism destination is the growing human populations that depend on the forest’s ecosystem for timber, fishing, honey and shrimp farming. All these human activities are causing the ecosystem to degrade. Moreover growth of industries on the bank of Hugli carries a huge load of pollutants to this mangrove ecosystem further endangering the very basis for Sundarban ecotourism.

Well as far as Bangladesh ecotourism is concerned very few people may be aware of its natural wealth, its flourished flora and fauna. Bangladesh ecotourism is very wide because of the fact that it is the country of huge, mostly unknown and untouched natural splendor and reserves.

Natural reserves of Bangladesh are just unique and mesmerizing. This natural world of Bangladesh ecotourism is cool, calm and collected of hills and vales, rivers, forests, lakes, sea and beaches & the evergreen landscape of Bangladesh is situated in the northeastern side of the South Asia sub-continent.

Bangladesh topography is chiefly flat. The plain is criss-crossed by the world’s 3 forceful river systems namely the Padma (which is actually the Ganges), the Meghna and the Jamuna and their innumerable tributaries. The eastern and the northeastern part of Bangladesh join India while its southeastern part is adjoining Myanmar which is primarily hilly with dense forest.

This area encompasses Chittagong and the three Hilly Districts of Rangamati, Khagrachori & Bandarban with an average elevation of 610 m running parallel to each other in the north-south direction. Also the hill slopes are generally surrounded by thick forest. Whereas along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in south and southeast of the country, lies the Sundarbans. Sundarbans are vital part of Bangladesh ecotourism and famous as a swampy tropical mangrove forest which is the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Above mentioned areas are all ideal for the expansion of Bangladesh ecotourism. Bangladeshi climate comprises annual rainfall ranges from 160 to 400 cm, hot – humid summer and cool – dry winter. And the best period to enjoy Bangladesh ecotourism is November to March, when the temperature ranges between 13.3 and 26.5 Celsius

As a vacation, Bangladesh ecotourism or natural tourism is truly hard to beat. Being a small country in South Asia Bangladesh is actually covered in 144,470 square kilometers only, but there is absolutely a lot to see, enjoy and do here.

Eco-tourism can bring more tourists and improve the quality of life in rural areas, but it should be planned to avoid disrupting local cultures and the environment, according to Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr., Chairman of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).

Kalaw urged planners tourism 17 Asian countries participating in a course of Trainor, “to involve local stakeholders in the formulation of development strategies for eco-tourism and create ecotourism products. “The tourism or eco-tourism in particular, can help strengthen the local economic development through a strategic partnership that includes local stakeholders, private businesses and organizations of civil society,” said Kalaw.

DAP president spoke before the 24 participants in an intensive two-week course design and management of eco-tourism, promoted by the Asian Productivity (APO). Kalaw said that sustainable development of tourism offers an alternative approach to diversify the economic base of local communities be given the right infrastructure and supportive environment.

“However, these are becoming constantly threatened by many factors including the increasing demand of a growing population, pollution, resource degradation and sustainable resource management, among others, we must address,” he said.

A course of two weeks is the DAP, the International School of Tourism and sustainable tourism. Colombo Plan Secretariat of the co-sponsors. The course will run until 24 June at the latest ISST main campus in Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines.

Peacock Committee for the Protection of Ganjam district has urged the government to declare Pakidi hilly area, which houses a large number of peacocks, as an ecotourism destination. “If the series Hill was declared a site eco-tourism, it will attract visitors from across the country and abroad, contributing to the development of backward area,” said Samir Pradhan, president of the commission.

Pradhan presented a memorandum Prime Minister Naveen Patnaik, who also owns a portfolio of forest. The committee received the Biju Patnaik award for nature conservation, the highest honor the state to protect the environment, in 2006, his efforts to protect and preserve the national bird habitats.

When the monsoon clouds loom over Pakidi, droves of peacocks descend on the villages of Sobhachandrapur, Amuabadi, Kerikerijhola, Bharatapalli, Cheramaria, Sameiguda. Flocks of the national bird were also sighted in areas like Karnoli, Khadabahaga, Pakidi and Kirtipur, Pradhan said. He attributed the love and affection showered by the villagers on the birds as the main reason for their rising numbers in the area and for the spread of their habitat.

“While the chances of sighting of peacocks are slim in most places in the country, one is sure to spot the national bird here,” he said, adding there is almost no poaching in the area.

The committee has estimated a Rs 40 lakh project to develop the area as an eco-tourism destination. The project includes two cottages, a dormitory, an interpretation center, a watch tower, an approach road to the tower and water harvesting structures.

“The approach road to the hill range is in a bad shape. No tourist can reach the area even on a motorcycle,” the committee president said. The roads urgently need repair to boost tourism here, he added.

Forest officials also support the proposal of nature tourism. Hill area is worthy of eco-tourism spot with Bhetanai Balipadar near-Aska, where a large number of dollars black roam freely, “said senior forestry official. Balipadar-Bhetanai area is about 10 km from the series Pakidi Hill.

Bill Stilwell loves nature. He loves it in the scientific sense of so many creatures live in a habitat. He loves the art of landscape full of color, texture, light and shadow. And he loves in a romantic sense of the life instinct great wild places. All this was evident during Stilwell’s presentation of Manitoba Wild at Red River North Regional Library in Selkirk last week.

“I tried to design this book as a place where you can go for a ride, and en route you will need something past that is really a crossroads,” said Stilwell. “And when you reach this point is to do this combination and experience to do so. And when you get there, you have not finished, he said. “So you have to spend time hiking or walking or cycling.”

More than a dozen people gathered at the library Feb. 2 to hear Stilwell talk about his third book of provincial scenic gems. Both Manitoba Naturally and Scenic Secrets of Manitoba became bestsellers; Outdoor Writers of Canada named Manitoba Naturally the best outdoor book in Canada.

Stilwell, who lived in the Tri-S and Interlake areas for a number of years, included 10 regions across the province in Manitoba Wild including the Interlake.

During the presentation, Stilwell talked about the research process for Manitoba Wild. The Neepawa resident personally made at least three trips to every site included in the book. He also read excerpts from Manitoba Wild during his presentation, and showed a number of slides; all of various photographs included in the book.

Some of the notable Interlake features were Netley Marsh, Grindstone Point and Lundar Beach.
“I just love Canada geese, and I love working in the Interlake because I’m always surrounded by them,” Stilwell said.
He mentioned that most of Manitoba Wild was written on-site at the various places he visited. Notebook in hand, he would jot down impressions as he waited for the right photo opportunities.

Some people in attendance last week had already been to several of the various scenic spots Stilwell included from around Manitoba. Others plan to visit as many more as they can.

Joyce Latimer, of East Selkirk, said she decided to attend the presentation because she likes wildlife, especially owls and other birds, and hopes to visit some nearby places from the book. She recognized a few areas to which she had already been.
Jeff and Ruth Riesen live in the RM of St. Andrews near Oak Hammock Marsh, and have been fans of Stilwell’s work for years; systematically visiting the places featured in his books.

“I like nature and we’ve been following his books for a long time now,” said Jeff Riesen.

“These places are laughing all the time and you do not think of anything to see,” says Riesen. “She opens her eyes.” Stilwell and only the will. “I’m trying to get you off the beaten track a bit ‘you without getting caught,” he said.

The first village eco-tourism has developed in a joint venture with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) came up with some of the most beautiful temples in ancient Indonesia. According to a report in the ETN, the project around the village of gravel, which is located near the famous temple of Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was built around 850 AD?

Although the gravel has a rich background of music and handcrafted, about 60 percent of population living below the poverty line here. The project is expected to improve housing most of the villagers and to create a sustainable, eco-friendly business model of hospitality is based on historical and cultural heritage.

The village will be thrown open to foreign tourists within three years to showcase architectural marvel of Indonesia’s temples, folklore and cultural performances. The three-year project will have family homes with additional space and facilities to accommodate eco-tourists who visit the historic Central Java area.

All the houses are earthquake resistant, and comes standard with its need for guarantees that will not damage the environment. The initial phase of the project will train more than 250 villagers in the operating room of the eco-tourism, including clothing management, preparation of traditional, cultural, entertainment and marketing of traditional arts.

Tumbuan James, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia said that the project has established a shelter and economic opportunities for the whole community of Soran. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization founded on the belief that everyone should have decent housing, safe and affordable place to live. And APP is one of the world’s largest pulp and paper, which joined the mission of the habitat as part of its social responsibility program.

Forestry Commission, through its Management Support Centre (RMSC), has developed five southern dry forest reserves in the Winneba forest site District Community eco-tourism.

Reserves are Ahirasu number one and two, Akrabong, and Obotumfo Abasomba, all in Awutu Senya district. They are officially designated globally significant biodiversity areas because of their low levels of biodiversity in terms of plant and animal species.

The Director of the Resource management Support centre, Mr. Edward Obiaw, announced this in an address read for him at a ceremony to outdoor the achievements made in developing the reserves into ecotourism sites at Awutu Bewuanum.

He said initially, the government, under the Global Environmental Facility Small Grant Programme, provided 30,000 dollars to implement the programme which started from 2007 to 2009.

He said the Forestry Commission, under the National Resources and Environmental Governance Programme, was supporting the initiative while further funding was being sought.

Mr. Obiaw said the tourism attraction of the reserves was being developed to be compatible with their biodiversity conservation status, while the capacity and livelihoods of the communities around were being enhanced.

The Awutu-Senya, District Chief Executive Dr. Nuhu Adams, said the protection and conservation of the reserves should not be the sole responsibility of forestry staff and the biodiversity advisory groups, but that of the entire people.

Mr.Alex Boakye, Central Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourist Board, appealed to the commission to involve the youth in such initiatives.

The Winneba District Manager Services Division of Forestry, Mr. Ernest Kwarteng Nkansah, said the reserves had undergone some form of bushfires, but noted that the formation of groups EC Biodiversity Strategy Advisory (CBAG) the reserves were protected by these bushfires.

One of the most exclusive Island of Bahrain has great probable for ecotourism and education, according to one expert. The Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Malik Island, which derives its name from a local Islamic leader historic, naturally rocky coast, making it one of the other Islands was not affected by coastal expansion.

Surrounding waters contain a variety of organisms that make it an ideal place to enjoy the natural characteristics of coastal and subtidal, said the University of Bahrain, Environmental Biology Professor Dr. Naser Humood. Bird watching is another feature of the island and, sometimes, Socotra cormorants can be seen, he added.

“The coastal and subtidal areas are full of fascinating organisms, including green and brown algae as well as several species of tube-worms, gastropods, bivalves, sea stars, sea urchins and cattle fish,” said Dr Naser.

Location
“Pearl oysters are widely distributed around the island. Populations of gobies are also observed in high densities. “Physical characteristics of the island include its location near the mainland, water clarity and slope and depth suitable for snorkelling activities.

“The island could be utilised for either training on snorkelling or diving for exploring the island’s biodiversity.” Dr Naser said the island couldn’t be compared to Hawar in its potential to attract ecotourists from around the world, but on a national level it held great promise.

He said the island was only about 1km off the eastern coastline of Askar which meant it was easily accessible and good for mobilisation. As a resource for environmental education, the island could prove beneficial to university students, especially since it had naturally occurring rocky shores that are limited on the mainland, said Dr Naser.

Students can also explore the diversity of the island, which provides an open laboratory to examine marine organisms, he added. “Several educational studies can be carried out, including classification, identification and ecology of tidal pools,” said Dr Naser.

“The shallow subtidal water provides ideal opportunities to students and snorkellers to engage in exciting and significant water investigations.” He said that if the island was to be developed for ecotourists then an in-depth scientific environmental study was needed.

Its development should also be carefully monitored to ensure that it is not harmed, said Dr Naser. “Ecotourism is about enjoying the benefit of the environment, but in a balanced way so that activities have minimal impact,” he said. “We would like to do a survey of biodiversity on the island, the flora, plants, sediment and quality of the water.”

Dr Naser was speaking following a study he conducted with the help of Bahrain University senior demonstrator Khalil Al Wedaei. The results of the study were presented at a seminar held at the Bahrain University’s Biology Department.

Dr. Naser said that the purpose of this study was to examine the potential of eco-tourism in Bahrain. “Hawar Island is one of the best destinations for eco-tourism, but we started trying to determine the potential for other destinations offshore,” he said. “We wanted to see if the water was clean enough activities because the coast, pollution and emissions of eastern industry. But we found it good for snorkeling.”

Northern Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) approved a development application for a proposed eco-tourism on Waterfall Way is Fernmount. The proposal comes in 18 tourist cabins with two bedrooms, a conference center and associated infrastructure. It would be developed in five steps; step 1 involves the construction of six huts and a tent for temporary functions.

The property currently extends to 200 dairy cows by the Perry family behind the proposed eco-tourism. Tanya Perry said the family was unwilling to disclose the total cost of the project at this time.

“The process of application development has taken two and a half years working exclusively on local expertise to develop successfully,” she said. “The work is now beginning a detailed plan of construction submitted to the Council, which includes deadlines for the first two steps.” “Denis Atkinson has done a great job of bringing together a group of local experts, who really behind the project,” said Mrs. Perry.

She said the concept for the development was an Ecological retreat in harmony with the unique natural habitat of the Bellingen Valley, in harmony with the farming use of the land and in harmony with the local community. “Ecological principles are not at the cost of farming and local communities, they enhance them. This is an important foundation of the development.”

“I grew up in the valley when the term greenie was considered hostile; greenies were seen to be forcing a minority view on long established farming practice. Today eco is the new buzz word and it is our future as the world realises natural resources once destroyed impact everyone’s quality of life. Bellingen is a special place, we all benefit in maintaining and promoting it,” Ms Perry told the Courier-Sun.

She said the development was not a total destination resort, meaning it did not contain recreational entertainment such as pools and gyms you would typically find in a resort. “The emphasis is on visitors getting out and experiencing all the local area has to offer.” “The Eco-development will have an animal conservation program and focus on promoting ecological principles such as the materials used, energy use, recycling, protection of wetlands and forests and education programs as well as offering a conference centre with the scale to host meetings and events such as conferences and weddings.

“Our family has been farming in the Bellingen valley for the last seventy years, like most young people my sister Louise and I had to leave the valley to gain employment. This has seen us both travel Australia and internationally to attend conferences. We have never experienced anywhere else the unique combination of rainforest, beach and artistic country charm the valley has to offer. I suppose we simply look forward to inviting people home,” Tanya Perry concluded.

Chair of the Northern JRPP, Garry West said: “The proposed development is not a ‘total destination resort’ and will therefore be of economic benefit to the local community as guests are likely to make use of local shops, services and tourist facilities during their stay”. “Additionally, the tourist accommodation provided by the development would contribute to the continued viability of cultural events in the local area,” the Chair said.

“The proposed development will also provide a function facility that is not available elsewhere in the shire.” “The proposed development complies with all relevant planning instruments and, while the capacity of the proposed tourist accommodation is much greater than other tourist cabin developments in the shire, it is considered that the size, scale and location of the development are acceptable.”

The proposed development application includes:

A conference centre with the capacity to host functions for up to 120 people;

18 two-bedroom cabins, providing accommodation for up to 72 people;

Associated infrastructure (new internal roads, upgraded roads, electricity, telecommunication services, on-site wastewater disposal, storm water treatment facilities, installation of water tanks, on-site parking provision);

The clearing and under-scrubbing of vegetation; and

Planting and regeneration works, involving planting of up to 1,480 trees in 4 locations on the site.

Other elements of the proposed development include:

Buildings will be low density and low rise and barely visible from Waterfall Way or other properties;

Construction materials will be natural and include timber and limestone;

Minimal earthworks will be required as the cabins will be erected on piers, the conference centre will be located on flat land and internal roads follow the contours of the site; and

Revegetation works will occur on the frontage of the site.

The development application was referred to the JRPPs because it is classed as regional development, and provided for accommodation for more than 25 persons.

Mayor Mark Troy welcomed the decision to approve the tourism development.

“The proposed conference center can accommodate up to 120 persons is located on the coast and Bellingen Shire and Coffs must be good coastal region. Accommodation and Conference Center adds a new dimension to the tourism industry, “Cr Troy said. “It’s nice to see a local family who have the confidence to make this significant investment family property,” he said.