The Odisha Government, in its continued effort to promote eco-tourism, has introduced ‘Eco-trails Odisha’, a trekking and hiking program. In these routes, tourists will also be educated on the diverse flora and fauna native to the region.
The initiative has been conceptualized by the Forest and Environment department in various locations across 20 districts. Around eight to ten trekking and hiking routes have been identified in and around the eco-tourism destinations covering forest areas, valleys, meadows, hills, rivers, and streams. The tourists will also get a glimpse of the wildlife and local culture.
The department has also launched a training program for local villagers who are in charge of managing the eco-tourism destinations and nature camps. The training will be imparted at various wildlife divisions including Satkosia, Mahanadi, Bhitarkanika, and Simlipal.
“Around 500 ETG members, well conversant with local flora and fauna and landscape, will be trained as eco-guides and naturalists for the program. They will be given training in both Odia and English languages with adequate ICT materials to explain tourists about the landscape during trekking, hiking, birding, boating, safari and other activities in the nature camps,” said Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Mahanadi WL Division-cum-DCF Eco-tourism Anshu Pragyan Das.