Ministry of Environment and Forests GOVERNMENT OF INDIA PRESS STATEMENT 4% May 2010 My attention has been drawn to some news reports that the Ministry of Environment and Forests is planning a ban on tourism in tiger reserves. I would like to state categorically that there is NO SUCH PROPOSAL. ‘The MoEF believes that tourism is essential and that the revenues from tourism must flow back directly into the management of each of the tiger reserves so that local communities can benefit. The advantages of tourism should be felt by these local communities who should be encouraged to develop a stake in the protection of these tiger reserves. This policy of ploughing back is already in place in most reserves and it will be in place in all ‘Project Tiger’ reserves very soon. ‘The MoEF has been concerned with the reports of mushrooming tourist lodges around tiger reserves such as in the case of Corbett National Park. Thais why the MOoEF is working on detailed guidelines for promoting eco toursim, i.e. tourism that is ecologically sustainable and is in line with the carrying capacity of the particu Jar reserve. Tourism in the 39 ‘Project Tiger’ reserves, particularly in the core areas, will be strictly regulated. . Jairam Ramesh Minister of State (1/C) t (yb Environment and Forests, Government of India