Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 June 2025
The Department of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the Andaman and Nicobar Environment Team (ANET), organized an insightful lecture titled “From Hatchling to Hope: Leveraging Turtle Nesting for Sustainable Tourism in the Islands” on 14th June 2025. The lecture was delivered by acclaimed marine biologist Prof. Dr. Kartik Shanker of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
The session focused on the ecological importance and tourism potential of turtle nesting sites across the Islands. Prof. Shanker shared in-depth insights into the life cycle of sea turtles, the critical nesting habitats in the region, and global examples of eco-tourism models that successfully balance conservation with community-based tourism. He emphasized how integrating conservation efforts with tourism can offer enriching, sustainable experiences while protecting biodiversity.
Secretary (Tourism), Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, in her address, highlighted the Department’s renewed thrust on alternative and off-season tourism strategies. She noted that the ongoing lecture series are part of a broader initiative to explore niche tourism segments, aiming to redefine the Islands’ tourism landscape beyond the traditional peak seasons. “These initiatives aim to establish clear deliverables that can be translated into tangible, measurable outcomes,” she stated.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from tourism stakeholders, local entrepreneurs, students, and environmental enthusiasts, underscoring a shared vision for eco-conscious development.
With such initiatives, the Department of Tourism continues to affirm its commitment to promoting responsible tourism that safeguards the ecological richness of the Islands, aligning with the long-term vision of making the Andaman & Nicobar Islands a benchmark for sustainable travel.