As we see the setting sun we start wondering whether the sun is giving a final bow to this beautiful earth. Vast destruction of habitat and environment does create a sense of helplessness and loss. Well, there was a sadness within me, which prompted me to do what the fashionable thing to do. I am an eco-tourist by choice not compulsion or fashion. I believe in all things natural. I was born with an extreme case of curiosity and grew up in the bush in Eastern India. Father being a forest officer; often took us for jaunts deep into the forests, off the beaten tourist’s tracks. We did not have enough neighbors to so to the odd rabbits or mongoose used to be the only friend’s I ever had, and have course the tall trees, surrounding our bungalow.



I learned through observation. I watched and listened and before too many seasons had passed I knew first hand the life cycle of frogs, foxes, jackals etc. The lessons I learned didn't come with value judgments. These animals just "were" and their behavior was unique to each species and in some cases such as the three-legged mama jackal, unique to each individual. I loved the smell of wild flowers as we went for evening walks with my mother alongside the jheel in Hazaribagh. I learned to identify the wild berries from poisonous ones to the useful ones. Hazaribagh National Park was more or a bird sanctuary where we could get to see variety of birds. My father was an avid birder and would keep his field glasses on one side and Salim Ali’s book on the other. The moment we used to see an unusual bird my father would either one of us to identify it.

These were the days when spanking was still an acceptable method of disciplining a child. I brought home a bouquet of flowers for my mother and I got walloped because Dad was very annoyed when I plucked the flowers from his garden. Anyway this was nothing but value addition for me. Consequently, I learnt to admire the flowers only in their natural surroundings and to this day I never present a bouquet on any occasion.

Where to Begin

Let's talk about you. How do you start? You obviously can't live my childhood and have my parents so, the next best thing is to start in your backyard. If you live in an apartment, your local park will do and if you don't have one of those, any place birds are, like house sparrows or pigeons are good. Make a mental note of the surroundings. Every living creature needs three things for survival: Water, shelter and food.

Now observe what is living there from plant to animal life. The questions to ask and to observe for answers are:

·What shelter is there? Look for both natural and human provided

·What food source is there? Is it native, introduced or human provided

·Where does the wildlife get its water? Does rain collect in a low spot and if so is the plant matter of a different species or density? Does the low spot keep water in a puddle for a short time?

Becoming Curious and Arousing it

Your curiosity is piqued.

·You need more information and you probably want to go further a field.

·Look in your local bookstore for local plant and animal guides.

·Those written at a local level are extremely helpful in getting to know the broader ecosystem. The authors usually have favored spots where you can find some of the gems in the guide.

·Start looking at the history of your area. Both from a natural and a human point of view.

·Why did a community build up around your place? How is it different now?

·Their needs for water, shelter and food had to have been met. Go to another area and observe if it is different from your first. What are the differences? Is wildlife different? You are now beginning to look at the bigger picture and putting the smaller parts into the whole.

ECOTOURIST Is On His Way

You are on your way to becoming an Ecotourist.

·You have an understanding of your immediate area, now other areas are intriguing you.

·Look for clubs, continuing education courses, anything that will put you in touch with others who share the same interests as you.

·Continue reading. If a particular region fascinates you, say The Himalayas, or the islands of Andaman and Nicobar or Lakshadvip catches your fancy, read about birds, insects, plants, people. Get as much book knowledge as you can. You will be much better prepared.

On an ECO-TOUR

You need a vacation and an Ecotour is right up your street. You understand the principles of Ecotourism and are ready to go. Check out tour operators and ask pointed questions.

·Do they really practice what they claim they do?

·How much money goes back to the communities where you will be visiting?

·Will the group be small enough so you can ask questions of your guide?

Being an ecotourist makes you satisfied that at least you have done your bit in saving planet Earth.