New Delhi, Dec 9, 2024: TOFTigers has urged the Indian government to lead a global movement in re-wilding and conservation, using nature tourism as a key tool for protecting the country’s biodiversity. Since its inception, TOFTigers has championed the role of responsible tourism in wildlife restoration and ecosystem protection.
TOFTigers (Travel Operators For Tigers India Wildlife Association) works to promote sustainable wildlife tourism in India by partnering with tourism operators, government agencies, and local communities to ensure tourism contributes to the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of natural habitats.
With global studies revealing the alarming loss of wilderness — a tenth of the Earth’s wilderness has been lost in the past 25 years — TOFTigers is urging the tourism industry and government to embrace sustainable tourism as a means to protect India’s rich natural heritage. The organization highlights how well-managed nature tourism can provide vital ecosystem services, including clean air, water, flood prevention, and soil fertility, while also offering significant economic returns through tourism.
A core initiative of TOFTigers is its PUG (Practices Under Guidelines) certification, which sets high sustainability standards for eco-friendly tourism operators. As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, TOFTigers recently recognized leaders in sustainable tourism through its Wildlife Tourism Awards, honoring individuals and organizations demonstrating a strong commitment to conservation. These awards were held on 6th December at Bikaner House Delhi. Looking ahead, TOFTigers remains focused on creating a future where wildlife thrives, and tourism plays a key role in conservation and community development.
Vishal Singh, Cofounder & Director of TOFTiger said, TOFTigers envisions a future where nature tourism drives a new wave of support for wildlife conservation, rural communities, and re-wilding efforts. "Being on the bucket list for global tourists, it’s the perfect moment for India to lead by example, demonstrating how responsible tourism can simultaneously protect our natural landscapes and benefit local economies. By opening these areas to well-managed, sustainable tourism, we unlock immense ecological and economic value. With the TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Awards, we hope to ignite a new era of collaboration between the tourism sector, NGOs, and government, creating a lasting legacy of conservation and community empowerment,” he said.
Mukesh Meshram, Director (Admin), Uttar Pradesh Eco-Toursim Development Board, said, "TOFTigers' unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable nature tourism resonates deeply with our vision for Uttar Pradesh. Through initiatives like the Wildlife Tourism Awards and the launch of the TOFT Good Wildlife Travel Guide, they have set a remarkable precedent for responsible tourism that aligns with our goals of preserving biodiversity and empowering local communities. Uttar Pradesh, home to iconic natural landscapes and rich wildlife heritage, is proud to collaborate with TOFTigers in promoting innovative and sustainable tourism practices that not only protect our ecosystems but also enhance livelihoods. Together, we aim to position Uttar Pradesh as a leader in eco-tourism and conservation for generations to come."
Prakhar Misra, Additional Director, Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board, said, "TOFTigers' vision of fostering collaboration for sustainable tourism aligns perfectly with Uttar Pradesh's initiatives to integrate conservation with community and private sector engagement. By working with private stakeholders and empowering nature guides, we are creating pathways for responsible tourism that will benefit both people and the planet. Through curated tours to our eco-sites, sensitization programs for youth, and efforts to preserve our unique heritage—like initiating the UNESCO World Heritage site listing for the Salkhan Fossil Park at Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh is setting new benchmarks in eco-tourism. Initiatives like FAM tours and collaborative events further strengthen our resolve to showcase Uttar Pradesh as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in nature tourism."
Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department & Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Sheo Shekhar Shukla said, "Madhya Pradesh is continually putting efforts in encouraging eco-tourism and conservation initiatives. We are fostering a new era of sustainable travel that gives back to the environment by promoting eco-friendly homestays, conservation initiatives, and empowering local communities. Madhya Pradesh is truly the 'Tiger State' of India with home to 785 tigers. Our 9 Tiger Reserves, 11 National Parks, 24 Wildlife Sanctuaries, and 3 Biosphere Reserves are a testament to our commitment to wildlife conservation. Madhya Pradesh's outstanding contributions to wildlife habitat conservation and the celebration of rich biodiversity reflects our vision of to protect natural heritage and promote responsible tourism practices in heart of Incredible India aptly renowned as Cheetah state, Gharial state & Leopard state."
In addition to its policy and certification work, TOFTigers has empowered local communities through skill development and employment opportunities, helping to ensure that tourism benefits both people and the environment. The organization regularly collaborates with wildlife experts and naturalists to provide training in sustainable tourism practices, strengthening its network of conservation advocates.
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