**13. Suggestions and recommendations**

The suggestions proposed in this study are purely based on observations inside park during the field visit and taking into the theoretical considerations. However,

#### *Development of Eco-Tourism Vis-à-Vis Conservation Measures for Protecting the Endangered… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.102502*

these suggestions are quite relevant and can consider as important values for sustained growth of ecotourism in Bhitarkanika.

The tourism potentials, as well as tourism resources of Bhitarkanika, are beyond doubt and they can attract mainly the eco-tourists from different parts of the country as well as from the world. The strengths of the park are relatively easy accessibility and abundance of natural resources including its beauty and tranquillity and natural set-up.

Considering the diverse nature of tourism resources of Bhitarkanika, the authorities should think of introducing nature-based tourism activities like bird-watching, crocodile breeding, health tourism, camping and trekking etc., which can be planned in a sustainable manner to provide a variety of tourism resources to the tourist.

A major strength of Bhitarkanika is the abundance of medicinal plant varieties. This, combined with the rich ayurvedic tradition of Odisha, the author suggests that health tourism should be considered as a priority segment for future development. The State of Odisha can certainly be benefited in future if planned in a proper manner.

The interpretation centre, which is constructed inside the sanctuary, is illequipped and is found to be inadequate for sensitising the tourist about the park and the significance of nature tourism to their life. There should be provisions for audio-visual systems so that short films and documentary films can be shown to the tourist for sensitization and better education related to their behaviour and movement inside the sanctuary.

Provision of dustbins and bio-degradable carry bags inside the sanctuary especially different entry points at the destinations must be introduced to avoid an unhealthy and uncleaned environment.

Being an eco-tourist destination, special experienced tourist guides, particularly from the local trained youth should be introduced inside the destination for a better visitor management system inside the destination.

Keeping in pace with the tourist traffic, few restaurants including a few refreshment centres should be opened inside the parks mainly at the entrance and terminal point of important tourist points.

Provision of watchtowers inside the park are found to be inadequate in number and are not above the tree line. So, a greater number of watchtowers with bigger heights should be constructed to see the wild animals, especially at night.

The tourist points should be properly planned and built in a synchronised way so that the tourist can enjoy the destination based on a specific time frame with a proper visitor management facility.

Provision for fresh and pure drinking water must be provided for the tourists in specific destinations inside the sanctuary. This will help in discouraging the tourists from carrying bottled water, a potential source of plastic pollution.

The vehicle movements inside the park should be restricted and monitored. Caution needs to be taken about the colour and speed of the vehicles moving inside the park including the sound pollution made by the vehicles for avoiding disturbance to animals.

To optimise the benefits of eco-tourism as well conservation of the sanctuary the people living in both the core and buffer areas may be sensitised properly. The local government shall come up with a suitable agenda for providing better employment opportunities and also create entrepreneurial skills. Different schemes associated with the development of eco-tourism projects like start-up grants, poverty alleviation programs, rural employment opportunities guarantee schemes etc. should be implemented properly to maximise the benefits to the local community.

A proper mechanism for calculating the number of tourist arrivals inside the destination including their demographic profiles and purpose of visit should be made. Occasional surveys must be carried out to find out the activities undertaken inside the park, their expectations and levels of satisfaction. This will help the facility development/improvement, regulation and monitoring activities inside the park.

Modern boating facilities with proper safety management facilities must be ensured while providing boating service to the tourists. Strict law enforcement is necessary to prevent unauthorised entry into Bhitarkanika and handle armed criminals, especially for hunting. The exact and scientific reasons for declining trends of nestling ground for crocodiles must be examined and thoroughly studied to know the accurate fact.
