Sustainable Tourism in Eco-Sensitive Zones for Tribal Settlements

This paper explores sustainable tourism development within eco-sensitive zones (ESZs), with emphasis on tribal settlements in ecologically vulnerable landscapes such as India's Western Ghats. ESZs serve as critical buffer regions encircling protected areas where regulated low-impact tourism can curb habitat fragmentation and deforestation while channelling economic benefits to indigenous communities through homestays and guided eco-trails. The study integrates the three core pillars of sustainable tourism—environmental protection, socio-cultural preservation, and economic viability—as outlined in the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism 2022. It examines challenges including the tension between rising visitor numbers and the need to protect fragile ecosystems and traditional livelihoods of tribes like the Irula, Kurumba, and Muduga in Attappady, Palakkad. Case studies of the En Ooru Tribal Heritage Village (Wayanad), the Kayapo People (Amazon), and the Maasai Tribal Wild Lands (East Africa) are analysed to derive a replicable global model. A primary survey from Attappady validates the framework. The proposed model embeds carrying-capacity assessments, eco-friendly infrastructure, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and policy recommendations aligned with national guidelines and UN SDGs.