MPEDB
The Development, Management and Promotion of Ecotourism in the State shall be Governed by the Following Guiding Principles:
1. All ecotourism activities are to be in strict conformance with the provisions of the existing environmental law of the country, especially the wildlife (protection) act, the forest (conservation) act, 1980 and the various directives and guidelines issued by the government from time to time.
2. rules and guidelines regarding technical procedures, stakeholder participation and impact mitigation to be developed and strictly adhered to.
3. adherence to international standards in terms of quality and safety in developing and operating ecotourism facilities and activities to be given highest priority.
4. priority is to be given to developing sites near existing and known tourist destinations.
5. striking a balance between financial viability and affordability of the ecotourism facilities.
6. creation of environmental awareness amongst all sections and age groups, especially the youth, to be incorporated as a major activity for each ecotourism destination.
7. only activities and facilities having least impact on the natural resources and the local culture to be permitted.
8. preference to the ‘quality of experience’ rather than the number of visitors, without compromising on financial viability as far as possible.
9. adoption of a “single window system” for delivery of ecotourism services.
Marketing strategies to be based on sound market research and segmentation analysis, making wide use of electronic, print and cyber media for marketing Madhya Pradesh as a multi-faceted ecotourism destination. Installation of technologically efficient systems and clean development mechanisms to be mandatory for operation of any ecotourism facility. Multi stakeholder partnership in developing and operating facilities and activities to be encouraged. Development and operations to be undertaken either solely by the government agency concerned or in partnership with the local community and private enterprises, depending upon the specific requirements and the category under which the destination area falls. Technical co-operation with national and international agencies having expertise in ecotourism to be encouraged, without compromising on local interests. Mechanisms to facilitate coordination between concerned Government Departments, especially the Forest and the Tourism Departments - to be developed and implemented.