Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched an Alternative Livelihood Programme under the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme-2023 on 8^th December 2023 (Friday) in Sultanpur National Park, a Ramsar Site in Haryana.

Under this initiative, IITTM, an autonomous body under MoT, in collaboration with MoEFCC will build the capacity of local community members around different Ramsar sites in order to strengthen nature tourism at these sites and provide alternative livelihood to the local community. With the help of State Forest Deptt., a total of 30 participants have been identified from the local communities located around Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary to impart this training and subsequently certify them as nature-guides.

Amrit Dharohar: Amrit Dharohar initiative, part of the 2023-24 budget announcement, was launched by MoEF&CC during June 2023 to promote unique conservation values of the Ramsar Sites in the country while generating employment opportunities and supporting local livelihoods. This initiative is to be implemented in convergence with various Central Government ministries and agencies, State Wetland Authorities, and a network of formal and informal institutions and individuals, working together for a common cause.

The ‘Nature-tourism and Wetcomponent of this initiative is being implemented jointly by MoT and MoEFCC with an aim to enhance livelihood opportunities for local communities through harnessing the nature-tourism potential of the Ramsar Sites across the country. Sultanpur is one of the five priority Ramsar Sites besides Bhitarkanika and Chilika in Odisha and Yashwant Sagar and Sirpur in Madhya Pradesh identified in first phase by MoT and MoEFCC for taking up training programmes for local communities under the Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP).

The event was launched by Ms. Manisha Saxena, Director General, Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in presence of Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Prof Alok Sharma, Director, Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM), Mr Rajendra Prasad, District Wildlife Officer cum Site manager, Sultanpur Ramsar Site, Officials of MoEF&CC, and Senior officials from Haryana Forest Department, Govt of Haryana.

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