PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
A 15-day advanced-level naturalist training programme was launched at Manchan Hall, Forest Headquarters, under the joint initiative of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) and Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) on Monday. The programme is designed for youths, guides and nature enthusiasts interested in ecology, biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism.
The Tourism secretary Dhiraaj Singh Gabryal stated that since August 17, the department has started four training programmes including naturalist training, tour guide training, street food entrepreneur training and astro tour guide training. Around 2,300 participants will benefit from these initiatives aimed at creating opportunities in tourism and linking local communities with livelihood, he said.
The Dehradun mayor Saurabh Thapliyal also addressed the inaugural session and said that such initiatives help in preserving Uttarakhand’s natural heritage and provide income support to local communities. Those present on the occasion included Padma Bhushan awardee environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi, additional director of Tourism, Poonam Chand, ICAR-IISWC director M Madhu, INTACH co-convener Anjali Bhartri and Dehradun district tourism development officer Brijendra Pandey.
The World Wide Fund for Nature programme director Sejal Wohra presented the Jabarkhet community model and nature reserve, highlighting how local participation can balance conservation with tourism growth. Chand also said the department is committed to training Uttarakhand’s youth in line with global tourism industry requirements. She added that the programme will equip guides with practical and advanced knowledge to serve domestic and international tourists.
She informed that the training covers eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, nature interpretation, trail guiding, safety, emergency management and guest management. The programme will strengthen Uttarakhand’s approach to sustainable tourism, she added.
