C
DEF OPPORTUNITY AND CHALLENGES TOWARD
ECOTOURISM IN BANGLADESH: A CASE
and opportunity
STUDY On SAJEK VALLEY
Courtesy Group 3
References
Participators
180927, 180928, 180929, 180930, 180931, 180932, 180934, 180938,
180939
Challenges
What is Ecotourism?
A
Sajek Valley
as a Ecotourism spots.
Government plan and
initiative
Literature review
Challenges and opportunity
Conclusion
B C D E F
References
G
A
Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves traveling to natural areas with
the aim of conserving the environment, supporting the well-being of the
local people, and learning about the nature and culture of the destination.
According to the Ecotourism Society (TES) ecotourism is “Responsible
travel to nature areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well
being of local people.”
What is Ecotourism?
Respect for the
Ecotourism encompasses three components: ecotourism
integrity
1) Ecosystem conservation,
2) Local benefits, and
3) Environmental education.
Local Ecodevelopment
Ecotourism participation
Economic opportunity
for local people
B
Sajek Valley is a beautiful tourist destination in
Bangladesh, located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It is
also known as the Queen of Hills or the Roof of
Rangamati, because of its high altitude and scenic views.
Sajek Valley, which was once the scene of insurrections
and is now surrounded by the hills of Mizoram on the east
as a Ecotourism spots.
and Tripura on the north, serves as a showcase for
Bangladesh’s cultural diversity by involving people of
various ethnic backgrounds in the growth of tourism there
Sajek Valley
for the region’s economic benefit and social upliftment.
(Ali, 2021).
B
Konglak Hill is one of the primary tourist attractions in
Sajek Valley, which also includes Ruilui Para, Hamari
Para, and Konglak Para.
The last settlement, which is primarily populated by
Lusai people, is situated on Konglak Hill on the
Bangladesh side. There are also Tripura, Pangkhoa, and
as a Ecotourism spots.
Chakma inhabitants in addition to the Lusais.
Sajek, which sits at an elevation of about 2,000 feet
Sajek Valley
above sea level and is surrounded by hills and
mountains as well as protected forests and wildlife,
offers panoramic splendor all year long and provides a
sense of the passing of the seasons (Ali, 2021). As a
rising tourist spot and economic zone, Sajek is the
proper area to consider Ecotourism spots .
B
ELEMENTS THAT HELP TO BECOME A TOURIST SPOTS:
Availability
of Electricity
as a Ecotourism spots.
Education
Harmonious
Sajek Valley
relationship
Road
between
construction
Different Bengalis and
welfare Ethnic
services people
New sources from the
of Income authority
for ethnic
minority
people
Sajek Valley
as a Ecotourism spots. B
FIELD WORK 4 – THEMATIC ISSUE
Sajek Valley
as a Ecotourism spots. B
FIELD WORK 4 – THEMATIC ISSUE
C
Government plan and
1 Ensuring assistance and basic security of travelers.
2 Identifying potential tourist spots bringing them under proper
initiative
maintenance, modernization, and supervision.
3 Expanding the existing ecotourism destinations and capitalizing on their
potential without demolishing or distorting the resources.
C 5 Involving local government institutions in developing activities
promoting ecotourism.
6
Government plan and
Promote Public Private Partnership (PPP).
initiative
7 Capacity building in the ecotourism sector.
8 Establishing and maintaining tourism related training centers.
D Chittagong Hilly Track is considered one of the key areas to expand the tourism
industry and attract more tourists. (Chakma,2016)
Tourism development in Chittagong Hilly Track also poses challenges and threats to
the indigenous communities, including cultural and environmental impacts (Chakma,
2016).
Literature review
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG #16, which
focuses on peace and justice, and SDG #10, which emphasizes reducing inequalities,
prioritizes conflict management and sustainable development (United Nations,
2015).
Research conducted in different eras by Bengalis indicates that the Indigenous
Peoples of the CHT have always been distinct from their Bengali neighbours not only
in terms of ethnicity, language, and physical appearance but also regarding the land
management systems, farming methods, and social, cultural (i.e., lifestyle, beliefs,
and customs), political, and economic practices (Uddin, 2010).
D It necessitates action to reduce air, land, and water pollution while also
preserving biological diversity and natural heritage (Hall et al., 1998).
After the country’s road network connected the valley with the rest of
Literature review
the country in 2014, tourists began to flock to Sajek (Ali, 2021).
Due to its challenging high topography and lack of noticeable
commercial activity, it used to be one of the most isolated locations of
the nation (Shachi, 2017).
Opportunity
E Rich Natural Landscape: Sajek Valley is known for its picturesque
landscapes, lush green hills, serene valleys, and breathtaking views. The area's
natural beauty offers opportunities for activities such as trekking, hiking,
birdwatching, and nature photography, attracting nature enthusiasts and
Challenges and opportunity
adventure seekers.
Cultural Diversity: The region is home to diverse indigenous
communities, each with its unique traditions, languages, and cultural practices.
This cultural richness offers tourists a chance to experience and learn about
different indigenous lifestyles, arts, crafts, music, and traditional festivals.
Community Involvement and Homestays:
Ecotourism in Sajek Valley can involve local communities in the tourism
industry through homestays, community-based tourism initiatives, and local
guide services. This engagement not only provides economic benefits to the
communities but also offers tourists an authentic cultural experience.
Opportunity
E Sustainable Development: Ecotourism can be a tool for sustainable development
in Sajek Valley. By promoting responsible tourism practices, it can generate income for local
communities, create employment opportunities, and support the conservation of natural
resources and cultural heritage.
Challenges and opportunity
Education and Awareness: Ecotourism provides an opportunity for educating both
locals and tourists about the importance of environmental conservation, biodiversity
preservation, and sustainable living practices. This increased awareness can contribute to the
protection of the region's natural resources.
Adventure and Recreation: The area's topography offers opportunities for
adventure activities such as zip-lining, camping, rock climbing, and exploring local caves
and waterfalls, attracting adventure-seeking tourists.
Support for Local Economy: The development of ecotourism in Sajek Valley can
stimulate the local economy by creating jobs, encouraging local entrepreneurship, and
promoting the sale of locally made crafts and products.
Opportunity
E
Challenges and opportunity
Eco-friendly Initiatives: Emphasizing eco-friendly accommodations, waste
management practices, and renewable energy sources can not only attract environmentally
conscious tourists but also contribute to the preservation of the valley's natural environment.
Government and NGO Support: With the support of government bodies, non-
governmental organizations, and private sector investments, there are opportunities to create
and implement sustainable tourism development plans and policies in Sajek Valley.
Challenges
E
Challenges and opportunity
Overcrowding and Environmental Degradation: Sajek Valley's popularity
as a tourist destination can lead to overcrowding, which, in turn, can result in environmental
degradation. Unplanned and unregulated tourism can harm the fragile ecosystem, causing
damage to forests, water bodies, and wildlife habitats.
Lack of Infrastructure: The region may lack the necessary infrastructure to support
the influx of tourists, including waste management facilities, proper sanitation, and
transportation. This can lead to pollution and negative environmental impacts.
Loss of Biodiversity: Increased human activity in ecotourism areas can disturb local
ecosystems, leading to the displacement of wildlife and plant species. This can threaten
biodiversity and disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Cultural and Social Issues: Ecotourism can bring changes to the traditional way of
life and culture of indigenous communities in Sajek Valley. It may lead to the
commodification of culture, social tensions, and a loss of cultural identity.
Resource Scarcity: The extraction of natural resources for tourism purposes, such as
firewood, water, and building materials, can lead to resource scarcity and depletion. This not
only affects the environment but also the livelihoods of local communities.
Challenges
E
Challenges and opportunity
Land Ownership and Land Rights: Land rights and
ownership issues are often complex, especially in areas with indigenous
populations. Conflicts over land ownership and usage can arise due to
tourism development, potentially leading to social unrest.
Climate Change: The impacts of climate change, such as changing
weather patterns and extreme events, can affect the stability and
attractiveness of ecotourism destinations like Sajek Valley.
F
Natural resources like the Sajek Valley are far more
important than we think tourism is important in
Conclusion
modern life but the health the nature is necessary.
Sajek is needed for our economy but we need to
take care of this place.
F [1] Hasan, M. (2021). The Recent Trend of Tourism: An Increasing Threat to
the Lands Rights of Ethnic Minorities of Chittagong Hill Tract. DOI:
[Link]
[2] Ali, M. (2021). Sajek Valley: A unique tourist spot. The Financial Express.
Retrieved from [Link] views/sajek-valley-
a-unique-tourist-spot-1623685867.
References
[3] Shachi, S. M. (2017, July 7). Sajek needs more than just tourism. The
Daily Star. Retrieved from [Link]
needs-more-just-tourism-1429237
[4] Hall, C. M., Lew, A., & Lew, A. A. (1998). Sustainable Tourism: A
Geographical Perspective (1st edition). Longman Pub Group
Thank
you
