Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 March 2025
The Tourism Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is successfully conducting a 12-day Skill Development Training on Tour Guiding, aimed at empowering local unemployed youth with essential skills to explore diverse opportunities in the tourism sector. The program covered various aspects of tour guiding, with a special focus on bird watching, a rapidly growing niche that leverages the islands’ rich avian biodiversity.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, recognized as one of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), are part of the “Sundaland Hotspot” and host two bird endemic areas. With around 218 endemic bird species discovered in the region, bird-watching tourism has emerged as a promising avenue for sustainable tourism. During the training, participants were introduced to essential skills such as tourist engagement, heritage interpretation, and ethical guiding practices. They also received specialised insights into bird identification, habitat interpretation, and sustainable bird-watching practices.
Mr. Arun Singh, President of the Avian Club, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, shared his expertise on responsible tourism and highlighted the economic potential of bird watching as a sustainable tourism activity. Approximately 100 participants attended the training program, gaining valuable knowledge to enhance their prospects in the tourism industry.
In a significant development, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has notified a Bird Watching Policy and identified 12 birding trails across the islands. The policy defines guidelines for:
- Registration of birders and birding guides
- Permits and documentation
- Safety protocols and ethical standards
- Conservation measures and event management
These measures aim to regulate bird-watching activities while promoting conservation-friendly tourism and attracting investment in eco-tourism infrastructure.
With the growing demand for knowledgeable and skilled tour guides, especially in niche areas like bird watching, the newly trained participants are well-positioned to pursue careers in the tourism sector. Their expertise can significantly enhance the tourism experience for visitors while contributing to environmental awareness and conservation efforts.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration remains committed to fostering local employment through sustainable tourism initiatives that balance economic development with the preservation of the islands’ ecological heritage. (Story Based on PR)