CM Yogi Adityanath unveiled the logo of UP Eco-Tourism Development Board at Samvaad 2024. We aim to develop Uttar Pradesh as a leading ecotourism destination without damaging our natural resources, including the flora and fauna, said Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh
“Samvad”, an event to deliberate upon the future initiatives and development of eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh was held yesterday at Lucknow. The event, culminated with signing of three MoUs and was graced by the presence of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and Minister of Tourism and Culture Jaiveer Singh.
This was aimed to bring together experts from different states, stakeholders, and government officials who shared their experiences, discussed possibilities and promoted eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring sustainable development and conservation of the state’s natural heritage. The logo of the Uttar Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board was also unveiled during the event and a short film on eco-tourism was screened.
After the lamp lighting ceremony, the Principal Secretary of Tourism Department, Mukesh Kumar Meshram addressed the inaugural session highlighting the scope and future initiatives of the state in this sector.
Prakhar Mishra, Director of Tourism Department signed three MOUs on the behalf of UP Eco-Tourism Development Board. The first MOU was signed with WII-NMCG for the development of eco-tourism in the Ganga river basin. Another MOU was signed with Ease My Trip. UP Eco-Tourism Development Board also signed an MOU with Birbal Sahni Institute Of Palaeo sciences, Lucknow to promote the Salkhan Fossil Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After unveiling the logo of Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated, “Our state is blessed with immense biodiversity. Through the establishment of Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board our aim is to tap the untapped potential in the eco-tourism sector”. He also said, “ development of tourist destinations not only ensures higher tourist footfall in the state but also provides new employment opportunities to the local communities. Just like our spiritual circuit, we are determined to provide significant facilities and better infrastructure in the eco-tourism circuit of UP as well. I assure you /that our government will provide all the support to the stakeholders and enthusiasts of eco-tourism in the state thus ensuring its further development. However, the natural habitat should not be compromised and sustainable development must be the way forward.”
Minister of Tourism and Culture said, “We not only unveiled the logo of the Uttar Pradesh ecotourism Development board, but also contemplated new initiatives, information and attained deep knowledge which will help elevate the ecotourism framework of the state further. Today’s discussions also made it evident that there has been a spike in tourist numbers at these destinations also, wherein Dudhwa National Park, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Amangarh Tiger Reserve and Katarniya Ghat Wildlife sanctuary remained extremely popular. We are thankful to Honourable CM Yogi Adityanath for providing such a robust base for tourism elevation. Under his leadership, there has been unprecedented progress in the fields of infrastructure, connectivity and law and order in the state.”
He further added that it is our responsibility to protect our environmental ecosystem for our future generations. “We aim to develop Uttar Pradesh as a leading ecotourism destination without damaging our natural resources, including the flora and fauna. Other than this, we also share the responsibility of supporting the native tribes and local communities living around these destinations, by giving them livelihood opportunities and better living conditions through tourism development in a sustainable manner.”
Five interactive sessions were held throughout the day on the future and prospects of ecotourism in Uttar Pradesh including experts and stakeholders in the discussion panel. The sessions were based on topics relevant to eco-tourism and wildlife including ‘Uttar Pradesh:The Land of Majestic Tigers’, ‘Uttar Pradesh:Cradle Of Indian Ornithology, Uttar Pradesh: Pristine Landscapes And Beyond;’ ‘Uttar Pradesh: Ex-Situ Conservation and Ecotourism and ‘Learning Exchanges With Experts: Pathways, Signposts and Milestones’
Dr. Arun Kumar, State Minister (Independent Charge) of Forest and Environment, Zoo, and Climate Change Department, U.P. said, “Uttar Pradesh is blessed with abundance of natural resources and we must protect it along with developing eco-tourism destinations in the state”
AYUSH Minister Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ said, “We are ready to provide all the support to the Department of Tourism and Eco-tourism Development Board to promote eco tourism destinations of the state and provide high class facilities to the visitors in the field of Wellness Tourism as well.”
Various stakeholders and eminent personalities of this field were also felicitated before the conclusion of the event. Also there was a small exhibition at the event displaying various art and crafts of the state. Local artists also came to perform the various traditional dances of Uttar Pradesh
