Gulf of Mannar tourists will soon be able to visit the marine national park and take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the pristine coral reef, acqua plants, and aqua creatures. The initiative, which is being carried out under the support of GoMBRT, will include a glass-bottom boat, snorkeling gear, eco-huts for tourists’ shelter, and an exhibition center to showcase coral reef models and other marine-related items.
To promote ecotourism, to capitalize on the vast tourist potential along the long coastline, and to create jobs for local residents, the forest department has devised a strategy to improve tourism in Tharuvaikulam. The Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve Trust (GoMBRT) has been trying to establish tourist-friendly community-based ecotourism at Tharuvaikulam beach.
According to a senior official, ecotourism will consist of three components: first, a visit to the coral reef areas situated 3-4 kilometers off the beach; second, 2 kilometers of boating in the marine park’s buffer zone during the off-season; and third, snorkeling in shallow waters. He spoke about the ecotourism plans. He added, “The trust has purchased a glass-bottom boat with a boarding capacity of 20 persons for ecotourism. Since it is community-based ecotourism, the local villagers will be roped in for employment”.
According to R Raguvaran, range officer for Thoothukudi, an unique wooden jetty has been erected at Tharuvaikulam in order to promote ecotourism. Seven certified ecotourism volunteers who have undergone a lifeguard training course from a reputable institution in Mandapam will accompany the tourists on a ride. He added that the visitors would be provided with safety jackets and buoys, and the charge for each element will vary.
Bakan Jagdish Sudhakar, the wildlife warden of Gulf of Mannar, told the media that Tharuvaikulam community-based ecotourism will be the Gulf of Mannar’s second, following Ervady in Ramanathapuram. He also noted that more than 60% of ecotourism earnings would be used for conservation, while the balance 40% would be used for the development of communities.
