Ecosystems

We work on tourism in natural spaces such as forests, coasts, and hills and mountains. These natural spaces, are primarily home to people who have an interdependent relationship with their environment, and these natural resources support innumerable livelihoods in such regions. With this perspective, we critically examine the effects of tourism and related policies on the environment and the local communities.

Forests

Tourism Carrying Capacity and the Western Ghats

One of the important prerequisites to tourism planning is a sound understanding of the thresholds of the area being used for tourism. The concept of Tourism Carrying Capacity allows for planning tourism in a sustainable manner.

Hills and Mountains

Stopping the livelihood-destroying Himalayan Ski Village project

In 2005, a devastating project threatened the livelihoods of local communities in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh.We helped the residents and local NGOs run a strong campaign and provided them with the necessary research help and support. They were able to stall the project.

Coasts, Islands, and Rivers

The Growth of Tourism and the Blue Economy in India

All along the coast, fishing villages are populated by people dependant directly and indirectly on fishing & other coastal livelihoods and India is gearing up to develop coastal and cruise tourism. The rush to develop the ‘blue economy’ risks harming both the marine environment and local economies and livelihoods.

Policies

Tourism in and around Tiger Reserves

EQUATIONS campaigned extensively to push the MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forests) and other policy makers to be more conscientious in their regulation of tourism in forest areas. EQUATIONS was nominated to the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s committee to help formulate guidelines for the zoning of core areas, buffer zones and tourism in tiger reserves. We collaborated with several movements and organisations to demand that the committee's recommendations were pro-people.